Blessed Obedience

The demands Christ has placed upon His Church are not at all burdensome. They are a blessing and a joy! There are two and only two ordinances or symbolic acts that are prescribed for the church to carry out publicly and regularly when congregated together as a church during its services. These are not individual or private acts for a pastor or people to perform at their discretion.  

So, the Lord Jesus Christ himself instituted what we commonly call “communion” or “the Lord’s supper”, and “believer baptism” (Matthew 26:26-28; Matthew 28:18-20). These orders were first given to the disciples of the Lord, and subsequently, the apostles of the church, that were later practiced within the church upon its formation with instructions given to the church after its full organization (1 Corinthians 11:23-30; Acts 2:41-42; Romans 6:3-5).

The word “communion” has a sweet connotation that highlights the bond that believers have in Christ through His death. The unity and commonality around the Lord’s body that was given for us, and His blood that was shed for us becomes a special time of remembrance. As we the church as a whole have experienced the rich benefits of faith in the crucified Lord, and His death’s great accomplishments for us that was rendered in our place and for our sin (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24-25; 1 Peter 3:18). Now, in the partaking of the bread and the cup (fruit of the vine), we through these symbols or elements that represent the Lord’s body and blood, take time to observe as a very important memorial what Christ has already done “once for all” on the cross many years ago (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10, 12).  

Water baptism by single immersion in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an inexpressible joy as those who have placed personal faith in the Savior’s death, burial and resurrection outwardly express in picture form the inward truth by which they have been forgiven of all their sin (Acts 8:36-39; 10:47-48)!

Have you participated in and are you participating in
these church acts with joyful obedience?
These ordinances are not any part of your salvation,
but are priority as one who has been saved!