Baptism and the Lord's Supper

What it means

The risen Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is named in the commission itself, tied to discipleship and to the triune name.

Why every Christian should know it

It shows baptism is not a private extra. It is how a person is publicly marked out as belonging to Christ and his people.

Cross references

• Acts 2:38
• Romans 6:3-4
• Matthew 28:20

Pray it back

Lord, you gave your church a visible sign of belonging. Let my life match what it says.

What it means

Paul passes on what he received: the Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said this is my body, and took the cup as the new covenant in his blood, telling them to do this in remembrance of him until he comes. The instruction is given to correct a church that ate selfishly.

Why every Christian should know it

It sets the table between two events, the cross behind and the return ahead, so remembrance and hope meet in one meal.

Cross references

• Luke 22:19-20
• 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Pray it back

Lord Jesus, at your table remind me of your death and of your coming, and hold me honest.

What it means

Those who received Peter's word were baptised, about three thousand souls, and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers. Luke describes the pattern of the first church in a single sentence.

Why every Christian should know it

It shows how the signs sit within a whole life: teaching, shared life, the table and prayer, held to steadily.

Cross references

• Acts 2:38-40
• Acts 2:46-47
• Hebrews 10:25

Pray it back

Father, give me steadiness in teaching, fellowship, the table and prayer.