Communion/Baptisms

Intro Communion - In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul talks about the importance of examining ourselves before we partake in communion.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

This is not something that we take lightly.

So let’s take these next few minutes and reflect and make sure our hearts are in the right place to receive communion together.

PASS OUT ELEMENTS

Take the Bread

1 Corinthians 11:23-24 “ For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

This bread represents Jesus’ body which was beaten and punished for us.

It was not broken

Let’s eat.

Verse 25-26 “In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”

The cup represents his blood which was shed for us.

His blood which washes us white as snow

Let us drink.

Pray and end with song

Why Do We Get Baptized?

Jesus Told Us To

Matthew 28:19 “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,”

For me that’s all I need to hear to get baptized.

If you are a follower of Jesus we should do what he asks us to do.

He Led By Example

Matthew 3:13-17 “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

It’s a Public Confession of Your Faith in Jesus

It’s a symbol much like I wear a wedding ring as a symbol of my marriage.

When you get baptized you are publically saying to the world that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

There are some common questions that get asked about water baptism.

What Does It Represent?

Romans 6:1-4 “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

Baptism represents us dying to our old self (when we go under) and becoming the new creation God has made us (when we come up).

It’s us showing that we are BRAND NEW

Why Do We Have To Immerse Into Water and Not Get Sprinkled?

The definition of the word “Baptism” or “Baptizo” which is the Greek word the Bible uses is “to plunge under, to dip, or immerse.

There are 2 Greek words that are translated “sprinkle.” They are “Rantizo” and “Echeo.” Neither one of those are found anywhere in the Bible in relation to Baptism.

If I Was Baptized As A Baby Is That Good Enough?

NO!

There is nowhere in the Bible where an infant is baptized.

Every person that is baptized did it immediately after accepting Jesus.

Acts 2:38 “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.”

Do I Have To Be Baptized To Be Saved?

Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The thief on the cross settles that discussion.

Water Baptism takes you to that next level with God.

Just like Baptism in the Holy Spirit takes you to an even deeper level!

Being baptized doesn’t save you.

But being saved is the only requirement to be baptized

I’ve had people say, “I just don’t know if I’m ready”

I always ask them, “do you love Jesus?”

THEN GET BAPTIZED

It’s not scary.

Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy that’s telling you all the reasons why you shouldn’t get baptized.

Listen to the words of Jesus and do what you are CALLED to do!

Introduce Baptisms