Baptism & Communion: Symbols of Christian Faith

Discussion Guide
5.30.21

ONE Message Series
Baptism & Communion: Symbols of Christian Faith

“If we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him” (Rom 6:8).

OPEN

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two events with one meaning. Both point to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as our one hope for pardon and life. In the verse cited above, please see the dual reference to dying to one situation in order to come alive to a different one. Baptism symbolizes our death to one way of living and signals the beginning of a new life that is nourished at the Lord’s Table. Take a few minutes to reflect on the idea that baptism and communion are “two events with one meaning.”

NEXT

Recall the circumstances that led you to be baptized. What was the most significant factor that influenced that decision? Can you recall the sense of delight you had in the event?

How do these three words affirm the significance of Christian baptism?

· Confession

· Claim

· Commitment

Does an emphasis on the beautiful symbolism of Christian baptism equate to “water salvation” or “baptismal regeneration”? Have Churches of Christ ever been guilty of leaving the impression that we believe these false ideas? Why do you think that happened?

How do these three words affirm the significance of Holy Communion?

· Confession

· Claim

· Commitment

Is there a “danger” in weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper that one might allow it to be more a ritual than a deeply spiritual experience? How do you keep its significance positive and sacred in your experience?

CLOSING

End your study by reading John 3:1-5, followed by Titus 3:3-7. We sometimes speak of “interpreting Scripture by Scripture.” How is the latter passage an inspired commentary on the words of Jesus to Nicodemus?