Week 4: WATER BAPTISM & COMMUNION - Basic Christianity Course

Ordinances of the Church

John 12:20-36

Study Questions

• What was Jesus teaching through His illustration of a kernel?
• What does Jesus mean in verse 25?
• What emotions did Jesus portray in verse 27?
• How can Jesus be both the Christ that remains forever, and the Son of man lifted up?
• What does it mean to you to lose your life?
  • In what ways is it similar to Jesus death and resurrection?
• To what area of your life is God calling you to die?
  • What is hardest about being obedient?

Water Baptism

"Baptize" means "to immerse."

Why should I be baptized by immersion (dunking)?

• Jesus modeled baptism. Matthew 3:16
• Scripture commands baptism. Romans 6:1-7
• Baptism symbolizes burial and resurrection.
• Baptism symbolizes purification by washing.
• Baptism symbolizes marriage to Christ.
• Baptism presents an outward testimony.
• Baptism identifies us as followers of Jesus.
• Baptism helps seal our commitment.

When should I be baptized?

• Acts 2:41
• Acts 8:12
• Acts 8:35-38

The Lord’s Supper (Communion)

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Bread: symbolizes the body of Christ broken for you

Wine: symbolizes the blood of Christ shed for the remission of our sins

• Communion is a command of Christ.
• Communion is a time of remembrance.
• Communion is a time of celebration.
• Communion is a time of healing (body, spirit, and soul).
• Communion is a time of anticipation.

Warning: We need to examine ourselves before participating. 1 Corinthians 11:28

Memory Verse

John 12:26 "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."