Introduction

Both Baptism and Communion are referred to as SACRAMENTS.  The word sacrament actually means mystery, and that is exactly what Baptism and Communion are to us as rational human beings.  We do not understand how God could use simple things of this earth, water in Baptism and Bread & Wine in Communion to offer us the forgiveness of sins.  But that is exactly what the Bible says about both of these Sacraments.  They offer to all, the forgiveness of sins by God’s action and not ours.  This is why both Baptism and Communion are called means of Grace that is, the ways God has given His church to offer the gift of Salvation in Jesus Christ.

Baptism

What is Baptism?  The word itself means to apply water and there are many methods described in the Bible.  The Lutheran Church typically follows the later practice of applying water to the head of the person being baptized, as opposed to totally submerging them in water, known as immersion.  We baptize adults, children, and infants.

However, Baptism is much more that just plain water.  Jesus gave his church the command to Baptize “All Nations in the Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28: 18-20) that means all people everywhere – no one is excluded.  Throughout the centuries the church has been faithful to this command of our Lord and Savior Jesus.  But it is not the church who does the work in Baptism, it is the Holy Spirit who through Baptism, removes the sin that we inherited from our first parents, Adam & Eve.  This gives us the presence of God’s Holy Spirit to create faith (belief) in our hearts to follow and obey our loving and forgiving God.  Baptism is not something we do as part of our testimony of faith, it is God’s work in us and He promises to be faithful to forgive the sins of all who receive this gift.

Communion

There are many names for Communion in the Bible: The Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, Breaking of the Bread, but they are refer to the same thing.  The Apostle Paul writes the following to a first century church in the area of Corinth: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

The early church was faithful whenever they came together for a worship service to offer communion to those present.  The command of Jesus “do this” has continued throughout the ages.  Jesus has promised His church to be present “always” and wherever “two or three are gathered in my Name.”  In this meal, bread and wine are served.  But again, this is a mystery of faith that we receive not only bread and wine, but the true Body and Blood of Jesus our Savior, His presence with us.  Do we fully understand this?  No we do not, but it is exactly what the Apostle Paul says of this meal “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”

Since we must examine ourselves to know what we are taking, that the words “This is” means the Body and Blood of Jesus with the bread and wine, and why we are taking it – for the forgiveness of sins, Communion is not offered to those who are not able to understand what they are taking and why they are taking it.  We offer classes to children and to Adults who are able to and have the desire to examine and comprehend the purpose of this gift of Jesus to His church.

In this gift, we are given the forgiveness of sins, our faith is strengthened against temptations and doubt, we are called back closer to Jesus as stronger Christians, we are united in a closer bond with fellow believers, and we proclaim His suffering and death for us.

Classes

If you are interested in learning more about Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and our beliefs, we offer an Information Class each quarter for adults.  We also offer a First Communion class for children twice each year.  The adult class is open to everyone.  For the First Communion Class, we recommend that children be 9 years of age or older.  If you wish to have yourself or your children baptized, we would be happy to provide more information or schedule a time.  For more information or to discuss this with a Pastor, please contact the Church Office or 248-646-5886.