Baptism and communion are spiritual practices that symbolize Jesus’s sacrifice, proclaim the gospel, and point to the future.

KEY VERSES

Mark 1:9 (NASB)

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Matthew 28:19 (NASB)

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Romans 6:3-11 (NASB)

3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 So you too, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 (NASB)

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a person must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For the one who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not properly recognize the body. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number are asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

UNDERSTANDING

• Take out your phone and show a picture that reflects one of your favorite memories. Explain the significance of the moment that was captured.

• What are some things you do that indicate to other people that you’re a Christian?

• What preconceived ideas about baptism and/or communion did you have before you came to faith in Jesus?

• Read Matthew 3:14 for John’s reaction to Jesus’s request to be baptized. Are you surprised by his reaction? Why or why not?

• Why was Jesus baptized, even though He didn’t need to repent of His sins?

• Why do you think Jesus commanded baptism when He sent out His disciples?

• What does it tell you that baptism was an integral part of the start of Jesus’s earthly ministry and the end of it?

• Why should baptism come after we have received salvation (see vv. 6-7)?

• In what way is baptism a good picture of your relationship with God?

• In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff explained why we baptize by immersion. How would you explain this to someone visiting Low Country from a different church background?

• Pastor Jeff also answered the question, “Does baptism literally wash away my sins?” In your own words, how do you answer that question?(Read Ephesians 1:7 for help.)

• How does partaking in the Lord’s Supper proclaim Christ’s death? To whom is it proclaimed in this context? Why should Christ’s death be proclaimed?

• Why do you think Christians need to be reminded about the meaning and purpose of communion?

• Based on Paul’s instructions in this passage, what practices should you put into place in your own life prior to taking communion?

APPLICATION

• What are some of the excuses you have used, or have heard others use, for not getting baptized? How can you answer those excuses?

• What are you saying to others when you take the step of baptism? Why is this so important?

• Why is the practice of communion an important part of your own engagement with God? How does it encourage biblical community?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.