Communion and Baptism.

[ShepherdsHorn]

I believe Christ gave us two incredible gifts: Communion and Baptism. There are many more gifts he has given us but I see an overlying importantce on these in the Bible. Baptism and Communion are things that Christ instructed his Apostles to repeat saying "Baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." and then at the Last Supper "This is the cup of the New and Everlasting Convenant...do this in memberabce of me."

Does anyone have any stories to share about Baptism or Communion? I can go on forever about my reverance for the Lord's Supper. I see alot of Christians treating Baptism like a bath and Communion like snack-time and it makes me sad...We should take some time, stop and think about these wonderful sacraments and ordinances.

Please share your opinions. I'd love to hear from yall.

 

[Gracealone]

Hi SheperdsHorn,

I see a lot of Christians treating Baptism like a bath and Communion like snack-time and it makes me sad..

Only God can see the heart, and he alone can judge....so,Don't be to quick to judge another mans heart.

There may be many who partake, and are not worthy, but God alone knows.

He even sees the very intent of our heart, so just allow him to be the judge of others, as we need to search our own first, especially before communion.

Our communion service is in remembrance of Our Lord, and what he did for us on the cross.
It is done in Love, and reverence, and in hope of all it promises.
One day we will take the elements of communion again, with him, for he will not take it again until we are with him.

I for one, was baptized when I was 9 years old.
I was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit......fully submerged, signifying I was dying with Christ, and risen again, yet not I ,but Christ in me.

My baptism was an open confession, before man, that I had come to Jesus in repentance, and was given new life, in Him.

Those experiences are my "Ebenezer stone", in my life.
As well as many others.

 

[ShepherdsHorn]

Yes

Yes, Baptism is an open confession of faith, by a person or their parents (in the case of babies). It results in a pouring out of God's graces..like water.

I remember always loving Communion as a kid, wishing we did it every service. I think Jesus earnestly desires to give himself to us saying "This is my body" and "This is my blood". They were broken and shed for us. Whenever I think I this I remember how undeserving we are to eat Supper with Him.

 

[Gracealone]

God is good,
May I ask a question?

I see you mentioned babies being baptized ?

Is this a form of dedication to God, or are you saying they are being saved by this baptism? Saved before they can make a personal choice of their own?

I ask because we each have to come to Christ, by way of the cross, and not by an others hand.
We personally have to recognize our need, and repent to be saved, so not fully understanding the implication here.

I know of dedicating our children to the Lord, but baptism is a time of personal dedication to a personal savior....Not understanding this comment. Sorry

 

[ShepherdsHorn]

Baptism

Christ said let "the children come to me."
An interesting point: the Bible does not condemn infant Baptism nor encourage it.
It is also said "No one can enter the Kingdom of heaven unless they are baptized by water and the Holy Spirit." That is NO one!
Also, In the Acts, it mentions that Paul baptized whole households, that can assume to mean , women and children.
I think that if a parent wants to dedicate their child to God, that's fine. If you want to be baptized as an adult, again that's fine. The child can make an outward confession of faith later in life. Baptism is not the ONLY way to make outward confession of faith. In the Bible, it followed confession of faith because the converts were adults.

As to how Christian communities, once off the ground, baptized, we must rely on history because it is not said in the Bible. I could assume, once converted to Christianity, a person could wish their children to be baptized- and that request should not be refused. I believe that is the case today.

 

[Gracealone]

"No one can enter the Kingdom of heaven unless they are baptized by water and the Holy Spirit." That is NO one!

If that were true how is it then....The thief on the cross had no time to be baptized, yet Jesus said to him, today you will be with me in Paradise.

1Corinthians 1:17 says Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with words of wisdom, less the cross of Christ be made of none effect.

If baptism were necessary for salvation, he would have preached baptism also.

Water baptism is an outward sign only of our inward confession of faith.

Not making lite of it, for it is an important part of our walk, but if for some reason we don't get baptized, by faith in Christ alone, as the thief, we will be with him.....All these things need to fit together for truth.
Baptism alone will not save.
Faith in Christ alone, will save.

 

[ShepherdsHorn]

good point

Actually, you make a good point. I remember the phraise "baptism by desire" mening basically if you desire the faith and Christ so strongly enough, you shall be saved. Perhaps this is not baptism by water but by the Holy Spirit?
Interestingly, during early Christian baptism ceremonies, the minister would have the candidate say "I ask for the faith". I do think that Baptism of infants started later when people decided to dedicate their children to God. I don't think its a bad practice, as I said, there are other ways to make an outward confession.

I myself, renewed confession of faith at my Confirmation. As a youngin, I went up to the altar many times, prayed the Sinner's Prayer...and never meant it. There, I publically accepted the Lord into my heart. I think different deniminations handle it differently. (I think confirmation is baptism by the Holy Spirit similar to when people have that moment they are "saved.)

We can agree on one thing, Baptism is not to be taken lightly. It is a gift that shows the grace of God.

 

[ShepherdsHorn]

entry

Eucharist...

just checking to see if the word has underline and entry.