The Ordinances

Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances for His Church. An ordinance is a prescribed practice commanded by Christ and faithfully observed by the Church.

The New Testament teaches that the early Church observed two ordinances:

• The Lord’s Supper (also called the “Breaking of Bread”)
• Baptism

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The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience in which believers partake of bread and the fruit of the vine to remember Christ’s sacrificial death and to anticipate His return.

We observe the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month.

Who May Participate?

At FBC, the Lord’s Supper is open to all born-again believers—those who have repented of their sin and trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This includes visiting believers who may not consider FBC their home church.

Before participating, each believer is called to examine his or her heart. Irreverence, division, selfishness, and unconfessed sin have no place at the Lord’s Table.

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” — 1 Corinthians 11:27–28 (ESV)

A Word to Our Guests

We respectfully ask that anyone who has not yet trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior refrain from participating in the elements. We would be honored to speak with you about what it means to follow Christ.

Baptism is the ordinance given by the Lord for those who have repented of their sin and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Through baptism, believers publicly express their union with Christ in His death and resurrection.

We practice baptism by immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Immersion powerfully symbolizes what Christ has done for us.

Just as Christ died and was buried, the believer is lowered beneath the water. And just as Christ was raised from the dead, the believer is lifted from the water to walk in newness of life.

Going under the water represents the old life—dead to sin and separated from God. Rising from the water represents the new life Christ gives—cleansed by His blood, forgiven, and made new for His purposes.

“The purpose of baptism is to give visual testimony of our commitment to Christ. It is the first step of discipleship.” – Acts 8:26-39

The Greek word for “baptism” is “βαπτιζω”. The English letters look like this: “baptidzo.” The Greek word “baptidzo” literally means to “immerse”.

If you’re interested in getting baptized or have questions about baptism, contact Pastor Tim at pastortim@fbcvalentine.com