Extraordinary Grace
Jesus gave His disciples the gift of two practices that we continue in remembrance and celebration of Him: baptism and communion. These two practices, often called sacraments or ordinances, involve ordinary symbols like water, bread and wine, yet extend divine grace to us. These practices are corporate yet individually engaging. Join us in these two weeks to explore the sacraments of baptism and communion.
Bread for the Journey
Jesus ate with His disciples in the upper room, offering a new Passover meal reflective of His sacrifice in His body and blood. The early Christian community continued to celebrate that meal, remembering the gift of Christ, encountering the Risen Lord in the meal, celebrating the new community formed, and looking forward to the final day. Key passages: Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:23-32 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never…
Washed with Water
Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, His cousin, as a sign of obedience and purification before God. His disciples repeated that, both during His ministry and after His ascension. Baptism initiates us into the new community as we step forward by faith in response to God’s gracious gift of new life and forgiveness in Christ. Key passages: Matthew 3:13-17; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Peter 3:20-21 SERMON OUTLINE “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death…