Lesson 8

The Ordinances of the Church

1. The Lord’s Supper

The act of eating with someone in ancient times was a sign/symbol of reconciliation or restoration (cf. Exodus 24:9-11; Dt. 14:23,26). In New Testament times Jesus becomes the meal between God and you. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remind you of your friendship that you have with God.

The Passover meal was instituted in Exodus to commemorate the day God freed the Israelites from Egypt. As the Passover was a meal to celebrate freedom for the Israelites from the bondage of slavery so the Lord’s Supper is a celebration of freedom for you from the bondage of sin. The Lord’s Supper is the Passover of today. Your freedom is now assured. Your slavery in sin is now broken. You are now free.

1. What does the bread and cup represent?

1 Corinthians 11:23-25                                                                                                                             

(See also: Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:20; Matthew 26:28)

2. What does participating in the Lord’s Supper do for you?

John 6:53-57                                                                                                                                                     

3. What is accomplished when you participate in the Lord’s Supper?

1 Corinthians 11:26                                                                                                                                     

(See also: Acts 2:42)

4. What are the rules of participating in the Lord’s Supper?

1 Corinthians 11:27-28                                                                                                                             

5. What are the dangers of participating in the Lord’s Supper?

1 Corinthians 11:29-32                                                                                                                             

6. How does participating in the Lord’s Supper bring unity?

Ephesians 2:4-7                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                                                   

(See also: John 15:1-5)

1. Baptism

Baptism without faith in Christ is worthless. Those who have acknowledged that Christ is their Lord and Savior are to be baptized. When you are baptized you are dying to your own way of life and being raised to a new life in Christ (see Galatians 2:20).

1. Why should you be baptized?

Matthew 28:18-20                                                                                                                                        

Mark 16:16                                                                                                                                                        

Acts 2:38,39                                                                                                                                                      

2. What does our baptism represent?

Romans 6:3,4                                                                                                                                                    

(See also: Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:5; Acts 22:16)

3. Can baptism save you?

1 Peter 3:21,22                                                                                                                                                

4. When is baptism to happen?

Acts 8:34-38                                                                                                                                                     

(See also: Acts 10:44-48; 16:31-34)

5. How are you to be baptized?

Matthew 28:19                                                                                                                                                                  

The best mode of baptism is through immersion (or dunking). There are three modes: sprinkling, dunking, and pouring. The reason dunking or immersion is better is that it best symbolizes your death and resurrection as a believer in Christ.

Baptism, like Christ, is an act of submission. It is publicly declaring your faith and declaring your complete and total dependence on God and obedience to Him.

1. Tithes and Offerings

What is a tithe? A tithe is the king’s share. It’s the first part of the blessing God gives us, which we return to Him. Based on Abram’s (later Abraham) actions in Genesis 14:20, most Christians generally accept that the tithe is 10%.

Anything above and beyond our tithe is called an offering. It’s a special gift, usually for a special purpose. In your study of spiritual gifts, you will learn about one of the gifts, the gift of giving generously, and how it relates to your finances. For people with this gift, the tithe is just a starting point.

1. Why do you tithe? (Malachi 1:6-14; 3:6-12)

1. Because                                                            (1:6-9)

1. Because                                                           (1:7,10-11)

1. Because                                                            (3:6-12)

2. Tithing is a faith statement.

1. God you are big enough to take care of me (Matthew 6:31,32).

1. It shows where my                                       is (Matthew 6:19-21).

1. It shows who my                                is (Matthew 6:24).

1. It shows there are greater things to pursue than money (Matthew 6:33).

3. The requirement of giving.

1. What two requirements does Paul mention in relation to giving?

2 Corinthians 9:6,7

1. Each of us should give .

1. God loves it when we give .