Baptism & Communion

Fan to Follower: Baptism and Communion

Baptism

Believers identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection in baptism. Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:27

Paul connects the signs circumcision and baptism. Colossians 2:11-12

Circumcision did not produce salvation. Romans 4:9-12

Circumcision and baptism are signs representing membership in a community of truth. Romans 3:1-2

Baptism is spiritual warfare! 1 Peter 3:18-22

Baptism is a pledge of allegiance to King Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

Baptism is:
•Identifying your life with Jesus
•Membership in a community of truth
•Spiritual warfare
•Pledge of allegiance

Communion

Our understanding of communion should be framed by the last supper. Matthew 26:26-29

Communion celebrates the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah and initiated through Jesus’ blood. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Paul’s theology of communion revolves around fellowship and remembrance. 1 Corinthians 8-11

•1 Corinthians 8 and 11:17-34 connect the importance unity in relationships when taking communion.
•1 Corinthians 9 and 11:17-34 connect communion to the fellowship meal of the priesthood in the OT. The church (all believers) is the new priesthood and communion is our fellowship meal.
•1 Corinthians 10 and 11:17-34 connect the concept of fellowship in this ritual and how we actually connect with God during communion.
•1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 11:17-34 connect the necessity for equality within the Church and the importance of meeting needs in the body. We come to the table as equals.

Communion is:
•To Remember: The purpose of the Lord’s supper is the “remember the Lord’s death until he comes”.
•To Fellowship: Don’t turn it into a spectacle or an occasion where fellow believers are humiliated or dis-fellowshipped by something we do in our body. Use the opportunity to meet needs.