Church Ordinances?

Leader's Guide

 

Objective: To explore and understand the significance of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, two important sacraments in Christianity.



Study Material: Selected Bible verses that provide insight into these sacraments.



Study Method: Discussion, scripture reading, prayer, and reflection.




Key Verses: Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.


Discussion Questions:

1. What are the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper,

and why are they significant in the Christian faith?

2. How are these two sacraments similar and different in their

symbolism and purpose?


3. Discuss the biblical accounts and instructions regarding bap-

tism and the Lord’s Supper. How do they relate to our repentan-

ce, forgiveness of sins, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit?


4. Reflect on Jesus’ own baptism and His command to baptize

in the Great Commission. Similarly, reflect on Jesus’ actions and

words during the Last Supper.



Reflection:

Reflect on your own experiences (if applicable) with

baptism and the Lord’s Supper, or what these sacraments mean to

you personally. How does understanding the biblical view of these

sacraments impact your faith?


Activity:

 If possible and appropriate, consider arranging for a guided, reflective time of the steps involved in communion, helping the


disciple understand and appreciate the significance of the Lord’s Supper.


General Tips:

• Make sure that the person you are discipling has a biblical

view of baptism.

•Baptized after their salvation

•Baptized not based on works.

• Maintain an environment of mutual respect, openness, and

acceptance.

• Encourage the disciple to ask questions and share their

insights and personal experiences.

• Start and end each session with prayer.

• Allow time for reflection and meditation on the scriptures

and discussion points.

• Remember, the goal of these sessions is not just gaining

knowledge but promoting transformation and growth in Christ.



Activity: Discussing the Lord’s Supper


Objective: To understand and appreciate the significance of the

Lord’s Supper. It is important to note that you are NOT actually

partaking; you’re going through the steps and discussing them.


Materials Needed:

• Unleavened bread or crackers (representing Christ’s body)

• Juice, typically grape (representing Christ’s blood)


Instructions:

• Prepare Your Heart as a Leader: Remember, the Lord’s Supper

is not just a ritual but a deeply spiritual practice that should be

approached with reverence and understanding. This activity is a

way to walk through it step by step, understanding its biblical

roots and significance in a believer’s life. The purpose is not to

actually participate in the Lord’s Supper but is to discuss and

appreciate each step.

• Reading the Scripture: Read aloud the account of the Last

Supper in Matthew 26:26-29 and the instructions given by Paul

in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Take some time to discuss the meaning

and significance of the words used by Jesus and the tradition

carried forward by the early Church.

• Reflecting and Praying: Before beginning your discussion

of the steps of the Lord’s Supper, you and the disciple should

spend some time in silent reflection and prayer. This is a time to

reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice, His love for us, and the new covenant

established through His death and resurrection.

• Discuss Partaking of the Elements: Now move on to the steps

of partaking of the bread and the cup. You can follow the tradition

of your particular denomination if you have one, or simply follow

Jesus’ example from scripture.


• Hold up the bread, saying something like:


“On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took bread, 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.’” (Tell the disciple that this is when they

would eat the bread and answer any questions)

• Then, do the same for the cup, saying: “In the same way, after

supper, Jesus took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant

in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of

me.’” (Tell the disciple that this is when they would drink the juice

and answer any questions).


Closing:

Close the activity by reading 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV: For as often as

you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death

until he comes.” Remind participants of the ongoing importance

of the Lord’s Supper in remembering Christ’s sacrifice and looking

forward to His return.

Ask God to deepen your understanding of prayer.


How can the Lord’s Prayer shape your daily prayer habits?

GUIDEBOOK