Anchor Verses
1 Corinthians 10-11, Romans 6:3–5
Focus Statement
The way you respond to God’s grace today changes everything.
Introduction
- Baptism and communion are like wedding and ongoing relationship markers.
- One thing: Jesus gave them so we’d participate in the gospel.
What are sacraments?
- Visible signs of invisible grace.
- They proclaim and let us participate in Christ’s work.
- Baptism is our public “I do,” communion is our ongoing “we still do.”
Why do we practice them?
- Jesus instituted both (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19).
- They anchor us in past grace (Christ’s work) and point us to future hope (His return).
- Like a ring or anniversary, they remind us of a lasting covenant.
How do we approach them?
- Baptism: Entered into by those who trust Christ and commit to Him.
- Communion: Taken by those who reflect on Christ, love His body, and come with reverence.
- Both are approached in a worthy manner, rooted in faith and love.
The Big Picture
- These are not just rituals—they connect us to Jesus’ grace.
- Baptism welcomes us into the family; communion keeps us at the family table.
- We participate in the gospel together until Christ returns.
Next Week…
- Next week, we’ll see how Jesus was completely secure in His identity—and how living in dependence on the Father frees us to stop protecting, proving, and promoting ourselves.
