Fan to Follower: Baptism and Communion

Baptism

Believers identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection in baptism. Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:27

Paul connects the signs circumcision and baptism. Colossians 2:11-12

Circumcision did not produce salvation. Romans 4:9-12

Circumcision and baptism are signs representing membership in a community of truth. Romans 3:1-2

Baptism is spiritual warfare! 1 Peter 3:18-22

Baptism is a pledge of allegiance to King Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

Baptism is:
• Identifying your life with Jesus
• Membership in a community of truth
• Spiritual warfare
• Pledge of allegiance

Communion

Our understanding of communion should be framed by the last supper. Matthew 26:26-29

Communion celebrates the New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah and initiated through Jesus’ blood. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Paul’s theology of communion revolves around fellowship and remembrance. 1 Corinthians 8-11

• 1 Corinthians 8 and 11:17-34 connect the importance unity in relationships when taking communion.
• 1 Corinthians 9 and 11:17-34 connect communion to the fellowship meal of the priesthood in the OT. The church (all believers) is the new priesthood and communion is our fellowship meal.
• 1 Corinthians 10 and 11:17-34 connect the concept of fellowship in this ritual and how we actually connect with God during communion.
• 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 11:17-34 connect the necessity for equality within the Church and the importance of meeting needs in the body. We come to the table as equals.

Communion is:
• To Remember: The purpose of the Lord’s supper is the “remember the Lord’s death until he comes”.
• To Fellowship: Don’t turn it into a spectacle or an occasion where fellow believers are humiliated or dis-fellowshipped by something we do in our body. Use the opportunity to meet needs.