Celebrating the sacraments – Josh.5: Remember who you are –v.1-9 God had rescued them – Ex.6:6; Ex a. God’s covenant with them – Ex.6:7 a. God’s covenant with them – Ex.6:7 1. They would belong to God – Ex.19:5 1. They would belong to God – Ex.19:5 2. God would be their God – Ex God would be their God – Ex b. The sign of the covenant – Gen.17:4-14 b. The sign of the covenant – Gen.17:4-14 c. Israel forgot who they were c. Israel forgot who they were 1. Those who had left Egypt –v.4-6; 1Cor.10: Those who had left Egypt –v.4-6; 1Cor.10: Those about to enter Canaan – v.2,3, Those about to enter Canaan – v.2,3,7-9
d. Baptism is a sign of God’s covenant 1. God has taken us as his people - a relationship with the Triune God – Mt.28:19 - a relationship with the Triune God – Mt.28:19 - a relationship with all God’s people – 1Cor.12:13 - a relationship with all God’s people – 1Cor.12:13 2. God is our God - we are to trust & obey him – Mt.28:20 - we are to trust & obey him – Mt.28:20 - we are commissioned to serve his purposes, using the gifts he gives - we are commissioned to serve his purposes, using the gifts he gives
3. The Baptism of Jesus – Mt.3:13-17 We can see key things that apply to us a. Identifying with sinners b. Assurance of intimate relationship c. Equipping for service – the gift of the Spirit Baptism helps us remember who we are – the people of God – privileged & called
2. Remember who God is – v a. He is the Saviour/Rescuer –v.10 The Passover reminded the people of:- 1. Rescue from Judgement – Ex.12:12,13,26,27 1. Rescue from Judgement – Ex.12:12,13,26,27 2. Freedom – Ex.12:31-14:31; 13:3 2. Freedom – Ex.12:31-14:31; 13:3 3. The land of promise – Ex.13:5 3. The land of promise – Ex.13:5 Saved from Judgment & slavery; saved for service & a wonderful inheritance
1. The Lord’s supper – he instituted it & is the host -Mt.26: Breaking of Bread – Acts 2:42 Jesus is our Bread of Life – John 6 3. Communion – with Christ & other Christians – 1Cor.10:16,17 4. Eucharist – Thanksgiving 5. Mass – NOT Christ being sacrificed again, but us being sent out into our mission-field
Lord’s supper – at the heart of the life of the Church/Christian a. Look back with faith to the sacrifice of Christ – a once-for-all historical event b. Look up with faith to be fed for the journey – “feed” on Christ c. Look around & rejoice in our brothers & sisters d. Look forward to the Great Feast & go out to give ourselves to God’s mission
b. God is our provider – v.11,12 God provides through:- 1. Exceptional means – Manna - Ex Ordinary means – produce of Canaan God’s usual way is to provide through the ordinary means
3. Treasuring the sacraments The sacraments are “means of grace” a. Don’t neglect them b. Come with faith c. Go in faith