The Believer's Baptism and The Lord's Supper

I always enjoy seeing young believers follow the Lord in water baptism. Their public confession of their faith in Christ displays the power of the Gospel to save and change lives. I also enjoy participating in the Lord's Supper. It is the best time to remember Christ's sacrifice for our sins and the perfect time to worship Him because of His perfect love for us. The following are also lifted from my quiet time notes.

Q. What are the ordinances that a Christian church must observe?
A. The ordinances which believers are to observe until He comes are believer's baptism and the Lord's supper (Acts 19:1-6; 18:25-26).

Q. What is the believer's baptism?
A. The believer's baptism is the act of immersing (Mat 3:16; Mark 1:9-10) a Christian in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is performed after a person believed in Jesus Christ. It has, however, no supernatural effect on the believer. Baptism before conversion has no meaning (Acts 19:1-5).

Q. What is the basis of this practice?
A. Jesus commanded that all believers be baptized, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Mat 28:19-20).

Q. What is the meaning of the believer's baptism?
A. The believer’s baptism is a graphic illustration of the basic truths of Christian redemption. First, it reminds the believer that Christ died and was buried for the sins of the world and that Jesus resurrected from the grave to conquer the power of sin, which is death.

It also shows that the believer is now identified with Christ in the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection. "Know ye not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). This means that when Christ was crucified on the cross, we, by identification, were also crucified with Him. When Christ died and was buried, we, by identification, were also buried with Him. When Christ rose from the grave, we, by identification, were also risen from the dead. Baptism therefore shows that we are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Secondly, the believer's baptism also portrays the proper outlook of the believer in life. A believer's decision to be baptized should mean that he is not anymore allowing sin to rule his life. "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead died no more, death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (Romans 6:5-13).

Q. What is the Lord's Supper?
A. The Lord's Supper is a beautiful symbolic commemoration of the death of Christ. It is symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Paul says in I Cor. 11:23-26, "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed; took bread. And he had given thanks, he break it, and said, Take it; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come". The bread in the Lord's supper represents the body of Christ which was offered as sacrifice for our sins while the wine represents the blood of Christ as the ransom for our sins. The bread and wine are not the literal body and blood of Christ, respectively.

Q. What is the basis of this practice?
A. Jesus commanded the believers to conduct the Last Supper he had with the apostles in remembrance of Him. "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:19-20). The believers should perform the Lord's supper as often as they could until Jesus returns to take the believers with Him (I Cor. 11:23-26).

Q. How should the Lord's supper be conducted?
A. The Lord's supper should be preceded always by a solemn self-examination. "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (I Cor. 11: 27-29). Those who partake unworthily are in danger of God's judgment not that the bread and wine are supernatural but because they bring disgrace to the Holy God. This Christian ordinance must be preceded always by a solemn self- examination. The Christian church should observe this until Jesus returns to take His people with Him.

Poem: Together

I wrote the following poem for Eva, who eventually became my wife. This was my marriage vow. Love is stronger when husbands and wives together serve the Lord with love. Love is more precious when it imitates the way Jesus loved us. Thirteen years has passed since I made this vow. In all those years we exerted efforts to serve God- TOGETHER, hence, the title.


Together


Together we will build a home
Where God is at the throne;
Together we will build our dreams
With true love as their beams.

Each day my love on you will dawn
The way He loved His own;
My life, my all belong to you,
My dreams and treasures, too.

I will lead you to my Master;
We will love Him ever.
Together we will sing His song;
We’ll serve Him all life long.

-pids
April 19, 1992.
Room 101, Fina White House Hotel
Kaduna, NIGERIA

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It!

The following is a collection of my quiet time notes on the Church. The history of the Christian Church should be an interesting topic to research on. It is amazing that although the Church preaches salvation, the world repaid it with unspeakable resistance. It is also amusing that although some Christian churches are very small, divisions and petty quarrels continue to hound them.

The church of Christ is the most abused institution throughout the centuries. Rulers tried to annihilate it, false teachers tried to corrupt it. But Jesus said, "I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mat 16:18).

Q. What is a Christian church?
A. A Christian church is an assembly or a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ in a locality (Col 4:15; I Cor 1:2). The Bible speaks of church referring not only to a group of Christian believers in a locality but also to all the born-again believers (Heb 12:23; I Cor 12:12-13). We call the assembly of believers in one locality a Local Church and to the congregation of all true believers in Jesus Christ as the Church of God. Today the phrase Local Church is also used to refer to a group of people meeting in a certain place believing on a set of Christian doctrines sometimes called a Statement of Faith. But it is observed that not all of them are true born-again believers. In many cases false teachers and unbelievers exist in these local churches (see Acts 20:29-30; I John 2:18-19). On the other hand, the Church of God consists only of true believers, "the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Heb 12:23). The same thought is also implied in I Cor 12:12-13.

Q. How was the Church established?
A. The church was established by Jesus Christ (Mat 16:15-19). It was born on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on a group of disciples praying in the upper room (Acts 2:1-47). Since that day, the Holy Spirit causes the church to grow and as a result numerous small churches were established from Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Q. What is the organizational structure of the church?
A. Jesus Christ is the head and all believers are members of the church (Eph 5:23; I Cor 12:14-31). Some believers are called or chosen by the Holy Spirit to leadership positions. So we hear of pastors, deacons, evangelists, teachers, apostles, and prophets. They lead, feed, and oversee the flock of God. However, let us be reminded that they are not superior to other believers. They are also servants of God. In this connection, the apostle Peter warned the elders that they should not act "as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (I Pet 5:1-4). On the other hand, believers are commanded to submit to God-appointed elders (I Pet 5:5; 2 Thes 3:12-15).

Q. What are the objectives of the Church?
A. The church exists for the purpose of Christian fellowship, worship, and as God's witness of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all world. During the time of the apostles, believers gather together for fellowship: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). Believers need a kind of fellowship different from what the world offers (I John 2:15-17; Eph 5:11-12). They need godly fellowship which the church must provide. This does not refer to religious ceremonies or formalities. The church should provide a fellowship that exhibits the love of Christ. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb 10:24-25).

Beside Christian fellowship, the church must worship Jesus Christ, its Lord and Savior. "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy" (Col 1:18). The church's aim is to make Christ the object of worship and adoration of all believers. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Gal 1:14). "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11).

The church is also given the task of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world" (Mat 28:19-20). Since our God is the ruler of the universe, our aim is to saturate the world with the gospel of our King -- the Lord Jesus Christ. All the other activities are second priority. Witnessing, world missions, and discipleship are the bases of existence of the church. Let not the church's vision be narrowed to a certain province, region, or country. It is God's commandment to reach all nations with the message of salvation in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47-48). These are the things that the Church must fulfill until Jesus Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth.

The Lord also imparted spiritual gifts to believers in order to build up the members of His church (Eph 4:11-16; II Cor 10:8; 12:19). And while the church waits for the Lord's coming, she is also instructed to observe the ordinances instituted by Jesus Christ namely, baptism by immersion, and the Lord's supper. Baptism is part of spreading the gospel (Mat 28:19-20). It is not a prerequisite for salvation. It is an ordinance performed after a person has repented of his sins and received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. On the other hand, the Lord's Supper is done regularly to commemorate Jesus' sacrifice for our sins (Luke 22:19; I Cor 11:23-26).

Gain

Do you deem it foolish,
to leave the things you love,
the dreams you hold so dear,
and give the wealth you have,

To gain eternal gold,
by clinging to the Lord?

Will you count it as loss,
to turn from worldly ways,
forsake sinful pleasures,
as throwing thrash away,

And live for Him who died
Each day in Him abide?

Is it insanity,
to give your last two mites,
your every ounce of strength,
your precious days and nights,

For Him who gave His all,
Who saved you from the fall?

-pids
November 3, 1988.
Kansai Kenshu Center
Osaka, Japan

GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY

This is also lifted from my quiet time notes. I admit in many instances I failed to glorify God. I'm still trying and by God's grace I believe I can live a life that glorifies God.

Q. How should a person live after receiving Jesus as his God and Savior?
A. A Christian should live in such a manner as to glorify his Savior and Lord for he now belongs to Christ. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's“ (I Cor 6:19,20). A Christian should glorify God even in the minutest detail of his life. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (I Cor 10:31-32). This implies that a Christian must glorify God even in the routine activities such as drinking or eating.

God also desires to mould our thinking patterns so that we will glorify Him even in our most private meditation. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1,2). What we think of is important to God. Even the things that preoccupy our minds must be pleasing to Him. “Finally, my brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil 4:8). All thoughts must bring glory to Christ so that in everything, Jesus will have preeminence: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5).


Q. What are the things a Christian must shun away from in order to glorify Jesus Christ our Lord?
A. God commanded Christians to separate from all forms of religious apostasy and unbiblical compromise, and all sinful practices, worldly pleasures and ungodly association. The apostle Paul repeatedly admonished the believers not to have anything to do with false teachers. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18). “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and stirrings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject, knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:9-11). We avoid not only false teachers and their teachings but also unhealthy compromises. “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God“ (Romans 12:2). Second Corinthians 6:14-18 also conveys the same thought, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclear thing; and I will receive you, and I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty”.

The Bible also commands us not to have anything to do with sinful and worldly practices. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (I John 2:15-17). The Apostle John also warned us: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever" (I John 2:15-17). It means that we cannot enjoy the sinful pleasures that the world offers and the joy that heaven gives at the same time. In this case, we cannot have the best of both worlds - the world of lust and the world of holiness.


Q. How can we apply these truths in our lives?
A. One way is to avoid false teachers. We must not listen to those who teach contrary to what the Bible says - even to fellowship with them. Some say that this is narrow-mindedness or bigotry. Other people insist that we ought to be liberal-minded even in matters of faith. But the Word of God says otherwise. “But though me, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

Another way to apply this doctrine of Biblical separation is in our manner of thinking. We must not allow ourselves to be molded into the world’s thinking. In many cases, the world is in conflict with the Bible (see I John 2:15-16). A Christian must choose only one guide to follow - The Bible. This doctrine does not only urge us to be separate from the worldly system but it also brings us closer to God, and encourages us to serve Him. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are this. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from impurity. But in a great house these are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim 2:19-21). We are also commanded to have no company with a Christian who is deliberately disobeying God's Word (see 2 Thes 3:6,14-15).