Communion, Baptism And Head-Covering

When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me. - 1 Corinthians 11:24

Our Lord clearly gave his followers instructions and simple practices that he passed on. When we think of what these outward symbols and practices are the main 3 in the new covenant are: Baptism, Holy Communion and Head-covering. It is a good question to ask why do we do these 3 things as believers in Jesus? Are they important, it seems strange to practice these things. One helpful thought is to consider what the outward symbol of these things represents. When we think of Baptism we should think of death and resurrection, identifying with the Lord's death and ourselves being risen anew washing away our sins. When we think of Communion we should think of the body and blood of our Lord offered on the cross for our sins and redemption. When we think of Head-covering we should think of the Church is in submission to the order of God and an example to angels and principalities.

These symbols themselves are only symbols, but they become holy symbols as we follow our Lord in obedience. What a joy and peace we can have as we simply practice these things in their simplicity and therefore enter into over 2000 years of Church history that practices these same symbols. This cloud of witnesses of the Church throughout history we can identify with as we worship in the same way. Putting our focus back on what the Lord told us to will bring more centring on God Himself in our assemblies and give us the peace of knowing we are practicing the same things the early believers did. Culture changes the Church does not. No matter how it looks we can still keep the basic traditions and symbols of the church in our context, country or culture.