Expressions Of Love

Expressions of Love

March 5, 2006

Baptism and Lord’s Supper

Intro: I am reading a book entitled, The Air I Breathe, by Louie Giglio. In the book Louie defines worship as “the pursuit of that which you value most.” I like that b/c I believe our greatest purpose for living is to honor God through worship.

Trans: As I have thought about worship my mind was riveted to the story of the woman at the well in John 4. As you are likely aware, this women had some major problem – she had experienced multiple failed marriages, multiple heartbreaks, and multiple troubles – not to mention that the disciples had walked right past her on their way to fill their stomach as if she were the bucket. But Jesus didn’t! He noticed her and met her at the point of her need providing her w/ living water so that she would never thirst again. Are you not glad that Jesus always sees you and is ready to meet you at the point of your need?

Note: In the middle of their conversation an interesting transaction takes place on worship. She stated that she knew there was something different about Jesus –he was a prophet, but how was she supposed to worship God when she lived in Samaria and the temple was in Jerusalem. Jesus told her that true worship doesn’t happen in a building but in the spirit. The true worshipper worships in spirit and in truth – they worship God wherever they are for who He is.

Trans: As I have reflected upon this text in light of our time together today, I have come to the conclusion that to worship is to give to God all that I am for all that He has done. I am to love Him b/c He first loved me. W/ this in mind, as we approach the ordinances of baptism and communion, I want to invite you to worship God as an act of celebrating His love to you.

Note: I believe that each ordinance serves as a significant marker of surrender and worship in a believer’s life. Baptism is that one time event after salvation that publicly declares our faith in Christ while communion is that reoccurring event that centers our lives to God’s heart and will.

Trans: Unfortunately, many Christians have difficulty understanding the relevance and importance of these two events b/c they have either been misinformed or b/c they have never taken the time to understand these two privileges.

Note: As we prepare to experience these ordinances I want to explain their worth. So let’s prepare ourselves to enjoy these expressions of love as we reflect on the cross of Christ and proclaim our commitment to His Great Commission.

I An ACTION of Love Baptism

A An Act of CONFESSION

Note: It is an outward sign of and inward commitment. It is your public declaration to other believers that you have received the love of God through the grace act of the cross unto salvation and redemption.

Note: I wear my wedding ring is an outward sign of an inward commitment. It declares to the world that I have committed my life to Meg – For better or for worse; richer or poorer; in sickness and in health; we are husband and wife. Thus, when I go to the mall and all the women make a double-take thinking I’m such a hunk! (Pause) What are you laughing about? It could happen! But when they check out my hand, my ring tells them that I’m taken. That’s what baptism symbolizes – that you have made an inward commitment that is displayed by an outward event commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Christ in you. And now, for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; until death do we get to be w/ Him in eternity, our baptism stands as our outward action of our inward commitment to God.

Note: I believe there are (3) important things to remember in confessing Christ.

1 Confession my occur after we have received Christ

2 Confession should occur b/c we have received Christ

3 Confession should be by immersion to signify death & resurrection

B An Acceptance of COMMISSION

Note: Once we have received Christ, we’re immediately adopted into His family and commissioned into his service. We are His hands, feet, and voice to the world – ambassadors of reconciliation charge w/ the responsibility to share the good news of God’s love w/ everyone we meet. This is why we put salt on a candidates lips and light candle for them to carry.

Verse: You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on. You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven. Mt. 5:13-16