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| Author | Topic: Sacraments |
| Pastor |
posted 4/2/11 4:28 PM
Yes, it seems that are posting is down this year, and we are not drawing much conversation, although we know some still read. So let us make some definitive statements as to what it is that we wish to say about the sacraments. Simple confirmation classes would say that they are visible words, ways in which we make the promises God feel real to us. Throughout history, whether it is treaties, marriages, or other binding agreements, some kind of physical action is used to preserve the intention of the action. However, we state that the church is about the ministry of Word and sacrament. Further more we say that these actions are the means by which we receive grace and are a provision of salvation. The New Testament assumes that Christians know what baptism is, and that all those who are followers of Jesus are baptized. I cannot explain the phrase "Jesus died for me (or my sins)" without entering into a conversation about the history of sacrifice in the tradition of the Jews and what we do in communion. I am of the mind that the sacraments are so important that if they are not regularly practiced I would say it is not a church. They may teach Jesus, they may sing songs to God, but the church, or the body of Christ cannot exist without sacraments. I say this realizing that this would call into question many of what we currently would call churches. However, if I had to hang my hat of salvation on anything, it would be on the Christ that meets me in the body and blood of communion and the induction into the family of God in the waters of baptism. |
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