The unique feature of the Christian Church is its focus on the person and work of Christ, in particular, His death and resurrection.

The Church should be, above all, Christ-centred and cross centred (1 Corinthians 1:18-24). This is the central focus of its two ordinances - baptism and the Lord's Supper.

BAPTISM
(Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 8:34-38; Romans 6:1-4)

Christians are called to witness to Jesus by being baptised.

Why?
Baptism is an act of obedience (Matthew 28:19,20), a demonstration of faith in which we publicly witness to the saving grace of Christ, and a declaration of commitment to Christ. We are declaring to everyone present that we intend to be finished with the old life and that from now on we will seek to live as Jesus wants us to live.

We are baptised because Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19,20), and because the early church practised it. (Acts 2:41; 9:18)

Who?
The New Testament teaches that when people heard and believed the gospel they were baptised. Baptism is therefore for believers.

This is supported in the following passages:
Mark 16:15,16; Acts 16:30-34, Acts 18:8

Hear ---- Believe --- be Baptised

How?
In the New Testament baptism is by immersion.
(John 3:23; Acts 8:38,39)

The symbolism of baptism ? death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1 - 11). Going under the water speaks of death and burial. Coming out the water speaks of being raised "to newness of life".

THE LORD'S SUPPER
(Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; 1 Corinthians 14:26)

For the Christian church, worship is supremely focused in what is known as the Communion Service or Lord's Supper.

On the night on which He was betrayed Jesus asked His followers to remember Him in the simple act of breaking bread and drinking wine (Matthew 26:26-30).

The early church established the practice of breaking bread every Sunday (Acts 20:7). Probably the fullest explanation of its significance is given in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.

When we come to the Breaking of Bread service we should:

• Examine ourselves and confess our sin (1 Corinthians 11:27,28).
• Recognise that we are part of a fellowship of Christians (1 Corinthians 10:16,17).
• Focus on what Christ did on the cross for us. He asks us to 'remember Him' and the bread and wine speaks of His sacrifice on the cross.
• Come with thanksgiving for all Christ has done for us.
• Come prepared to give either audibly or inaudibly.