Water & Wine

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There are two ordinances Jesus left for the church that are both memorial and mysterious in nature — baptism & communion. If you grew up in and around the church, these practices can feel mundane or rote. And if you are new to church they can feel like old traditions that have lost their significance. What is baptism and communion all about? Who should take part in these sacred practices? And how do they play a vital role in your faith and in following Jesus?  

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Scripture

  • Matthew 28
  • Matthew 3

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Teaching Notes

What is baptism & communion all about?

Who should take part in these sacred practices?

How do they play a vital role in your faith & in following Jesus?

 

What is the significance of Baptism?

Passing through the waters is symbolic of God’s REDEMPTIVE activity on earth.

  • The Spirit of God at CREATION [Genesis 1:1-2]
  • Moses in the LIBERATION of Israel [Exodus 13]
  • Joshua ENTERING the Promise Land [Joshua 3]
  • Isaiah promised RESCUE in the Messiah [Isaiah 11]

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a SYMBOLIC act declaring your STANDING in Christ Jesus.

The waters of baptism depicted the believer’s identification or union in Jesus’ death, burial [going down into the water] and resurrection [being brought out of the water] to new life in Jesus.   

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4

  • It illustrates Christ DEATH & RESURRECTION.                        [1 Corinthians 15:3-4]
  • It illustrates my NEW LIFE in Jesus. [2 Corinthians 5:17]
  • It is a pledge of GOOD CONSCIENCE toward God.                [1 Peter 3:21]

Why do we get baptized?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

  • Follow in Jesus’ EXAMPLE. [Matthew 3:13-17]
  • Obey Jesus’ COMMAND. [Matthew 28:18-20]
  • Publicly IDENTIFY as a follower of Jesus. [1 Peter 3:21]

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has PLACED their FAITH in Jesus.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38-39, 41

Do I have to be baptized to be saved? 

Baptism does not save you, only FAITH in Christ alone.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

When are you to get baptized?

As soon as you have ACCEPTED Jesus as your Lord & Savior.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41