Introduction:

In history there are several dates and events that earmark American society. On these days of remembrance there are often scheduled events or traditions that mark the day as being important. New Years Day is marked by shotgun blasts, parties, and parades. July Fourth, Independence Day, is marked by firecrackers and fireworks displays as a reminder of what that date means to us in history. Similarly, the Church also instituted ordinances that commemorated events that Christ felt were important. These two ordinances are the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. Let’s explore their place and purpose in the Church.

I. BAPTISM

Baptism was an ordinance commended by Christ that had its view the fact the salvation was complete in Christ.

A. Matthew 28:19, 20 – This command from Christ was identified with the proclamation of the Gospel itself.

B. Acts 2:38, 41 – Therefore it was practiced by the early church. F.F. Bruce says that it

was unheard of to have believers that were not baptized.

Acts 8:12 – believed. . . . baptized (Samaritan believers)

Acts 8:36-38 – belief. . . . baptized (Ethiopian eunuch)

Acts 9:18 – belief, filled with Spirit. . . . baptized (Saul/Paul)

Acts 10:45 – Holy Spirit comes. . . . baptized (Gentile believers)

Acts 16:14, 15 – opens her heart. . . . baptized (Lydia)

C. The meaning of baptism is that believers have a relationship with Christ and other

believers.

1. Identification with Christ

a. Acts 2:38, 8:16 – “into the name of” i.e., to the account of. Thus the meaning was one of ownership.

b. It was tied to open confession and the sign that the Gospel was at work in the individual.

c. It also signifies burial with Christ as is stated in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12.

2. Identification with the Church

a. We are placed in union with Christ and therefore the members of Christ as well. Christ’s body is made up of many members. 1 Corinthians 12:12Romans 12:45

b. This decision is more than just a practice but was considered to signify that the new believer had become part of a community of believers.

D. The efficacy of baptism is not in the water as the basis of salvation but in the

profession of one’s faith.

E. The primary mode/manner of baptism appears to be immersion.

1. baptizo- immerse/submerge

2. Mark 1:9-10 – Most scholars agree that immersion is the manner of John’s baptism.

3. Acts 8:38-39 – The story of the Ethiopian eunuch also supports immersion.

II. THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ on the night before His death when He gathered His disciples for the Passover Meal. Luke 22:19-20 – The phrase “Do this in remembrance of me” is present. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 – To be done often by believers in remembrance of Him.

A. It was actively practiced by the early Church.

1. 1 Corinthians 11:23 – Paul views it as being practiced at that time and thus instructs the Corinthians about it.

2. Acts 2:42-46 – It was a part of the love feasts that were held.

B. The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper It was first and foremost a memorial of Christ’s redemptive death and resurrection. Luke 22:19. (1 Corinthians 10:16 also focuses on a communion for the believers to show the unity in the body) remembrance of present fellowship with Christ. The Church gathers to eat at the Lord’s table and thus continues to fellowship with you. 1 Corinthians 10:21; 11-20

1. Theologically Incorrect Views:

a. Roman Catholic (transubstantiation): The literal blood and body of Christ is present in the elements of the bread and wine.

b. Lutheran (consubstantiation): The real presence of the body and blood of Christ but without the transforming elements. They have power but yet are not the real body and blood of Christ.

2. Theologically Correct Views

a. Zwinglian or Memorial: This view absolutely rejects any recognition that the bread and wine are any more than symbols or memorial of Christ’s death. Emphasizes the commemoration and holds that the emblem symbolize the death and the faith we have in it.

b. Reformed or Calvinistic: Also rejects the physical body presence, but does believe that Christ is present through the Spirit in such a way that His entire person, body, and blood, is enjoyed in the supper. The elements are more than mere symbols of His death but in partaking of them by faith, there is a real partaking of Christ in His redemptive presence.

C. Communion was also an anticipation of Christ’s return

Mark 14:25, Luke 22:16, 18 anticipate when we will be with Him. 1 Corinthians 11:26, “til He comes” anticipate what is going to happen.

D. A fellowship of believers was another main focus of communion

1Corinthians 11:20, 21; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. Members are viewed with one another because of the body of Christ.

E. Participants of the Lord’s Supper should be:

1. Believers – 1 Corinthians 10:16

2. Examined believers – 1 Corinthians 11:28

3. Assembled believers – Acts 20:7

F. Procedure for communion should include the highest form of worship

components consisting of:

1. Prayer over the elements

2. Distribution of the bread and cup

3. Recalling of the words of Christ

4. Eating and drinking of elements.

G. At CKBF we practice the ordinance of Communion once a month.

Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11