God wants to demonstrate His presence with us through the gifts of baptism and communion. Although these might have become “casual” traditions for us as believers, we are reminded that they are blessings given to us from God meant to help us to experience Him in tangible ways.

Scripture References

Luke 15:20-22
Romans 6:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-27
Isaiah 57:15

Overcome | Elevation Worship | iTunes

Whole Again | Grace Church Worship | iTunes
John 6:53-54 • Mark 14:24 • Ephesians 1:7 • 1 John 1:7

Once For All | CityAlight | iTunes

Raised to Life | Elevation Worship | iTunes
Romans 6:4-11 • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 • Ephesians 2:4-7 • Colossians 2:12

What a Savior | Hillsong Worship | iTunes
John 9:35-39 • Psalm 71:14 • Psalm 149:4

I Am Not The same | Aaron Keyes | iTunes
John 16:33 • Psalm 107:13-15 • Mark 13: 24-26 • 1 John 5:4-5 • Philippians 1:20-21

Download baptism & communion position papers

1. We were created with a desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Often, we find the fulfilment of that desire in fleeting things of this world rather than in His presence. What do you have a desire to be a part of aside from God’s Kingdom? How have you been participating in communion in a way that centers your desires around Him rather than yourself? When was the last time that communion was a unique, set aside time for you to experience His presence?

2. Coming out of water in outward baptism, like Jesus was raised from the dead, symbolizes that we are now clean and have the power to live a godly life—we are no longer slaves to sin, and we are now free to live in obedience. Have you experienced this outward profession of your faith in addition to the inward freedom from the power of sin? In light of this truth, why do you think baptism is a step of obedience for believers?

3. We relate to God in several different ways: like a business partner, a “BFF,” a rescue swimmer, an Olympic judge (where everything is based on performance), or an impersonal set of rules or commitment to a worldview. To which one of these false relationships do you relate the most? How does this affect your perspective on how God loves you? In what way can this change the way you partake in communion?

Thoughts to Consider:

– Last week, we were reminded to examine the roots of our heart; participating in baptism and communion are two ways to nourish our roots.

– We have two separate baptisms: inward by the Holy Spirit and outward by water to demonstrate what God has done for us. These two are so closely aligned in Scripture that we can’t always tell the difference, but in both of these we are joined with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:1-4).

– Scripture warns us not to participate in communion in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27); if we are harboring sin and not repentant, we are not honoring Christ with the gift He has given us. There are two attitudes with which we can take communion that do not honor Christ:
1. Self-righteousness: We don’t think we really need it.
2. Self contempt: We believe His sacrifice is not good enough for us.

– If you have never been baptized as a believer, don’t reject His gift; allow God to affirm His love for you in this intimate fellowship with His child.

– There are practical steps to help us in taking communion:
1. Remember what God has done
2. Reflect on reality and whether my life conforms to God’s standards
3. Repent of my sin
4. Rejoice in His provision