The last two weeks we concentrated on the fact that forgetfulness is an enemy of our faith. The Word tells us, “Again and again they …. limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power.” Psalm 78:41-42 NKJV
Jesus wanted to make certain we remember and live in light of what God has given us in our new lives. We studied the two major memory markers He gave us. Because they are so important, I wanted to give us a “cliff-notes” version of what we learned to help us seal it in our minds and hearts.
Communion was initiated during the Last Supper; the last Passover Jesus shared with the disciples. To their certain amazement, He changed the meaning. Instead of a commemoration of the Exodus, delivering the Israelites, it would from now on be a time of remembering His death, resurrection, empowerment of His disciples, and His coming again.
The four cups used in the Passover were a foreshadowing of what Jesus has done for us.
- The Cup of Sanctification – Our salvation.
- The Cup of Deliverance – Our freedom from failure, rejection, uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and every bondage Satan would use to trip us up.
- The Cup of Redemption – Our restoration, restoring us back to our original position with God.
- The Cup of Praise – Our fulfilment. We are meant to live an abundant and adventurous life. This is fulfilled and experienced through being engaged with the disciples of Jesus in the local church and engaging in the mission He gave us.
Baptism was familiar to the people of Jesus’ day. John the Baptist had been calling them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. But he recognized that this baptism was a preparation, a cleansing of the heart through repentance. He said in Mark 1:7-8, “Someone more powerful than I will come after me ... I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus’ baptism was transformation – power to live out the God life. This baptism calls me to live out my identity and purpose.
In baptism we celebrate our freedom in Christ. Baptism is a symbol of liberation – not from physical chains, but from the chains of sin, guilt, and shame.
In baptism we celebrate our identity in Christ. In Christ, we receive a new name, a new purpose, a new nature. Baptism celebrates that we now belong to Him – fully and forever.
You are complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10 NKJV
In baptism we celebrate our family in Christ. When we’re saved, we’re not only united to Jesus – we're also adopted into a new family: the Church.
In baptism we affirm our eternal life in Christ. Baptism looks backward to the cross but also forward to eternity. It is a symbol of resurrection – the assurance that those in Christ will live forever with Him.
(Jesus) “I assure you: Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 HCSB
We’re not just celebrating new life for now, but eternal life with God.
Baptism also declares some powerful commitments. We commit to …
1. Live for Christ. The Christian life is not just about being saved from something – it’s about living for someone.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live … I live by faith in the Son of God. Galatians 2:20 NIV
In baptism, we say: “My life is no longer mine – it belongs to Christ.”
2. Intimacy with Christ. Baptism isn’t about cold religion. It’s about entering a real, living relationship with Jesus. Obedience isn’t an obligation, it’s love.
The person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me … and I will reveal myself to him. John 14:21 AMP
3. Fellowship in Christ. Following Jesus isn’t a solo mission. Baptism commits us to life
together with others who share our faith, hope, and purpose.
Let us not give up meeting together … but encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23–25 NIV
We grow best in community. Baptism is a “yes” to church life – to growing, serving, and journeying with others in the faith.
4. Extending the Mission. Jesus saves us for a mission. Baptism is the starting line, not the finish line. It’s our enlistment in the movement of making disciples.
Baptism is bold. It is not a casual choice. It is a bold declaration of a transformed and transforming life. It says, “I belong to Jesus. I’ve been made new. I’m not turning back.” It celebrates what only God could do and commits to live for what only He is worthy of.
We have a tremendous King. He has saved us and given us life that is full and abundant! Never forget.