Baptism & The Lord's Supper

Light for Life H.G. Study: Baptism & the LORD’s Supper. Readings Matthew 26:17-30 & 28:18-20 • Why is it important that those who come to saving faith in CHRIST should be baptised? • In what ways is baptism an encouragement for those who have newly come to faith in CHRIST & how does it encourage established CHRISTians? • [Read Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 2:12] Of which aspects of CHRISTian truth and experience is baptism a powerful symbol? Share a few memories from your own baptisms in the group – and do a survey: When was the last time you recalled your baptism and/or has your baptism consciously influenced your life since? Do we think that we need to recall our baptisms more often? Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Picture the possible scene: The church meets in the partially covered courtyard of a large house – it’s a warmer climate! Food is a regular feature and there a meal is laid out by the host – as the first groups of families arrive, they bring some contributions that are arranged alongside the other items of food and drink. It’s more likely that the wealthier folk arrive first as the poorer will have had to work - some of them slaves, just finishing off their master’s tasks. The context is a fellowship meal. We know that the early CHRISTians often met to eat together from Acts 2. • Read vs. 17-22. In what way are some of the first people to arrive despising the church of GOD and turning it into a non-LORD’s Supper? • If you were a church leader in Corinth, what practical instructions could you give to encourage love & unity in the church? • 23-28 Why is it such a serious thing to sin against your brother or sister in CHRIST at a meal where CHRIST’s death is remembered? See also 1 Cor. 10:14-17 • 29-34 The judgement on members of the congregation in Corinth is a difficult issue. It certainly doesn’t mean that every time we are sick or ill that we are being judged! However, it is a serious issue with no punches pulled, even if we find it hard to understand! • 32 It is not a judgement of condemnation [punishment for sin / hell] but…? • 31 Even if the subject is a tough one, there is a very simple thing we need to do, and we will not need to worry! What is it? See also 1 John 1:9 • The LORD’s Table points forward as well as back. Why is this? See 1 Cor. 11:26 & Matthew 26:29 How can we better prepare ourselves before we share the LORD’s Supper? After remembering the LORD on a Sunday afternoon, how should that impact our Monday morning?