The Practice of Membership

The PRACTICE OF MEMBERSHIP
BAPTISM & LORD’S TABLE

Introduction

In a previous message we have seen that:

Baptism is a Public Affirmation

Baptism binds one to many

Baptism is an act/practice by the Church

I.             Why does God instruct us to be baptized?

Kwanini Mungu hutuelekeza tubatizwe?

A. Baptism is the first act of obedience in service to the Lord.

B. Jesus set the example Himself - Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

C. In Matthew 3:13-15, it is clear that Jesus was baptized in obedience to God's plan. In verse 15, He said, "... "Permit [it to be so] now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."

D. Some Bible characters who submitted to baptism after salvation.

1. The Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8:36-39

2. The apostle Paul. Acts 9:18

3. The Philippians jailer and house. Acts 16:25-33

II.  Who should be baptized?
            Nani Anapaswa Kubatizwa?

A. A believer in Jesus Christ - Acts 8:26-39.
In verse 36, the eunuch asked, "What hinders me from being baptized?" Phillip then answered with the condition of baptism in verse 37, "...if you believe with all your heart, you may." Then the eunuch's response sealed the matter, "...I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

B. Also in Romans 10:9-10.
1. Heartfelt belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Confession that He is Lord and Savior.

The Lord’s Table: Making Many One

Meza Ya Bwana: Kuwafanya Wengi Wamoja

When Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church there were factions within the church.  Paul wrote to them

1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul writing to the Ephesians admonishes us to consider the importance of unity

Ephesians 4:1-6

Verse 5:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

In 1 Corinthians Paul admonishes the Corinthian believers and us too, though we are many members to be one.

1 Corinthians 12:12

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

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