THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
Pastor Corey Mantz
Woodland Church
Sunday, August 20, 2023
(Matthew 28:19-20, NLT) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
1. OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO FOCUS ON THE GOSPEL.
(Matthew 28:19, NLT) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
(Luke 22:19, NLT) “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
a. For Believers Only
2. OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY.
a. Baptism and communion serve as a symbol of community.
(Acts 2:41-42, NLT) “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
b. The Good News of Christ creates a community called the church.
c. Just as Jesus needed community, we need community.
(John 13:34, NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
d. It a time to reflect unity.
(Galatians 3:27-28, NLT) “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
3. OPPORTUNITY FOR REFLECTION.
a. Jesus said to remember me when you do this.
b. We reflect on Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and return.
(Acts 8:36-38, NLT) “As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”
(Colossians 2:12, NLT) “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
(1 Corinthians 11:26, NLT) “…you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”
c. We are unashamed of Jesus Christ.
(Romans 1:16, NLT) “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes”
d. We examine our lives.
(1 Corinthians 11:28, NLT) “That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.”
4. OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE.
(Luke 15:10, Message) “Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.”
Growthwork
- Become a Passionate Follower of Christ.
- Get connected in community.
- Be baptized.
- Celebrate!