Church Ordinances 02/27/22

Series: Church Stuff

Church Ordinances

Acts 2; I Corinthians 11

Church ordinances are activities Jesus initiated during His earthly ministry and commanded the church to continue.  Baptists believe there are two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.   We do not believe they are sacraments or means of grace.  Grace comes by faithalone.  

Baptism

1.        The Mode of Baptism:  We believe all baptismal     candidates should be fully immersed.  

·      The word “baptidzo” means to dunk or to plunge.

·      All examples in the New Testament are immersions.  

2.        The Moment of Baptism: We believe people should be    baptized after they profess faith.

3.        The Meaning of Baptism: We believe baptism is a symbolic expression of faith. 

Why do we require baptism if it is symbolic?

·      It follows Jesus’ example.      

·      It was a foundational practice of the church.   

·      It is symbolic of the gospel.                          Romans 6:4  

·      It signifies a real-life change.                        Romans 6:4  

·      It requires humility.    

Communion

Communion looked different in the early church than it does now. 

Every church has unique communion traditions.

Porter preferences

·      Periodically, 4-6 times a year 

·      A service dedicated to communion  

Porter convictions        

·      Communion should be taken corporately. 

·      Communion is symbolic, not sacramental.

I Corinthians 11:23-25

Why do we practice the Lord’s Supper?

·      It helps people to remember Jesus’ death.   

·      It focuses Christians’ attention on Jesus. 

·      It reminds believers of the exclusivity of Christ. 

Acts 4:12          

John 14:6 

·      It unites the congregation around faith in Christ.  

I Corinthians 11:33