Scripture References: Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Intro: Welcome. Speaker Mark continues the "Holy War" series, reclaiming reverence for sacred things. Today focuses on a high view of the Sacraments – specifically Baptism and Communion. Acknowledging cultural trends that diminish significance and past struggles with empty ritualism, we aim to rediscover the biblical weight and beauty of these practices, remembering the historical cost paid by others to observe them.
Key Points:
- Sacraments Defined: Sacred moments/events instituted by Christ, full of God's grace and meaning. We focus on Baptism and Communion.
- Historical Cost: Believers historically faced martyrdom for practicing believer's baptism or holding biblical views on Communion. We must not take our freedom for granted.
- Baptism:
- Jesus' Example & Command: Jesus Himself was baptized (Mt 3), calling it necessary "to fulfill all righteousness." His parting command was to make disciples by baptizing and teaching obedience (Mt 28). It's essential, not optional.
- Early Church Practice: Foundational response for new believers: "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38).
- Meaning: Baptizo = immerse. It pictures our union with Christ's death (to sin/old life) and resurrection (to new life) (Rom 6:3-4).
- Significance:
- Initiation: Public entry into the faith community.
- Belonging: Sign and seal that we belong to Jesus and His Church, meeting our God-given need to belong.
- Empowerment: An encounter with grace, potentially releasing fresh Holy Spirit power/gifting (like Jesus' experience).
- Who/How: For those making a personal decision to follow Jesus for life (recommend ~10-12+ yrs). Mode (immersion preferred at Radiant) is less critical than the believer's faith and understanding. It follows, not replaces, infant dedication/sprinkling.
- Communion (The Lord's Supper):
- Origin: Instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper (Passover) using bread (His body) and cup (His blood/New Covenant), commanding "Do this in remembrance of me" (Lk 22).
- Correction (1 Cor 11): Paul rebukes the Corinthians for treating it disrespectfully (divisions, drunkenness), losing its sacredness. He reiterates Jesus' original instruction received directly from the Lord.
- Purpose & Posture:
- Remembrance: Vividly recall Jesus' sacrifice – His body broken, blood shed. Remember His finished work. Brings hope.
- Reflection: Examine our hearts honestly, confess sin, surrender afresh. Don't partake lightly or with unconfessed sin/unforgiveness.
- Belonging: A family meal signifying unity with Christ and His global Church. Open to all true followers of Jesus.
- Tangible Reality: Physical elements point to the real, physical sacrifice of Christ. Not merely symbolic.
- Logistics: Frequency/specific elements not rigidly defined. Heart attitude (reverence, faith, remembrance, surrender, unity) is paramount. Parents guide children with personal faith.
Conclusion: Baptism and Communion are not mere rituals but powerful, God-ordained sacraments. Baptism marks our initiation and belonging through identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Communion regularly reminds us of His sacrifice, calls us to self-examination and surrender, and reaffirms our unity in Him. Let's approach these holy moments with awe, faith, and gratitude.
Call to Action:
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