Boundless Daily: Global Micro-Study - Day 24: The Ordinances of the Church

Hey there, Boundless family. Dr. Layne McDonald here.

We are moving right along in our Global Micro-Study, and today we’ve reached Day 24. If you’ve been following along, you know we are digging deep into what we believe and why it matters for our daily lives. Today, we are looking at The Ordinances of the Church.

Now, "ordinance" might sound like a heavy, legalistic word you’d find in a city hall handbook. But in the context of our faith, it’s actually something beautiful, personal, and deeply communal.

For those of you joining us from a break-room on a night shift, from a hospital bedside as a caregiver, or from a quiet corner of a country where following Jesus isn't always easy, this study is for you. We are a digital church serving those who cannot attend in person, and these "ordinances" are the threads that sew us all together, no matter where we are on the map.

What Exactly Is an "Ordinance"?

When we talk about the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, Truth #6 focuses on the two specific practices Jesus commanded us to observe: Water Baptism and Holy Communion.

In some church circles, you might hear these called "sacraments." While that word is common, we prefer "ordinances." Why? Because an ordinance is an act of obedience. It is something Jesus ordained or commanded. We don’t believe these acts "save" us, only Jesus does that, but we do believe they are essential outward signs of an inward change.

Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married; the commitment and the legal covenant do. But the ring tells the whole world who you belong to. It’s a symbol with a whole lot of weight behind it.

1. Water Baptism: The Public Declaration

The first ordinance is Water Baptism.

The Bible is pretty clear about this one. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

At Boundless, and within our AG theological roots, we practice baptism by immersion. That’s a fancy way of saying we go all the way under the water.

Why immersion? Because it tells a story. When you go under the water, it symbolizes your old life, the mistakes, the shame, the "old you", being buried with Christ. When you come up out of the water, it symbolizes being raised to a brand-new life in Him. It’s a funeral and a birthday party all happening at the same time.

For our global audience, we know that getting to a physical baptistery isn't always possible. We’ve seen people baptized in bathtubs, swimming pools, and even rivers. The "where" matters much less than the "who" and the "why." You are identifying with Jesus.

If you are a seeker or someone just starting out, baptism is that "line in the sand" moment. It’s you telling your family, your friends, and even the spiritual realm, "I’m with Jesus now."

2. Holy Communion: The Family Table

The second ordinance is Holy Communion, often called the Lord’s Supper.

This is a practice we observe regularly. We take a piece of bread (representing Jesus’ body) and the juice of the vine (representing His blood).

Jesus started this during the Last Supper with His disciples. He took the bread, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). He did the same with the cup.

At Boundless Online Church, we love Communion because it is the ultimate "equalizer." Whether you are a CEO in a high-rise or a shift worker in a warehouse, when we come to the table, we are all just children of God in need of His grace.

There are three directions we look during Communion:

• Backward: We remember what Jesus did on the Cross. His sacrifice paid the price for everything we’ve ever done wrong.

• Inward: We take a moment to check our own hearts. We ask the Holy Spirit to show us if there’s any bitterness or sin we need to let go of.

• Forward: This is the part people often forget! We do this "until He comes." Communion is a rehearsal for a giant feast we’re going to have with Jesus one day.

Why This Matters for an Online Church

You might wonder, "How do we do these things if we aren't in the same building?"

That’s the beauty of being a Content Creator and a digital ministry. We believe the Holy Spirit isn't restricted by Wi-Fi signals or geographical borders.

When we host our Sunday Live Worship, we often take Communion together. You might be holding a cracker and some juice in your living room in London, while someone else is doing the same in a hospital room in New York. In that moment, we are one Body.

For those who are homebound, disabled, or serving in areas where they cannot safely gather, these ordinances are vital. They remind you that you are not alone. You are part of a global family that stretches across every time zone.

Practical Steps: Preparing Your Heart

If you haven't been baptized yet, or if it’s been a while since you’ve truly engaged with Communion, here’s how you can approach these ordinances:

1. Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about the theology or the process, reach out! We love talking through these things. You can even check out our groups to find others walking the same path.

2. Prepare your elements: If you’re joining us for a service online, have some bread and juice ready. It doesn't have to be fancy. The heart behind it is what matters.

3. Reflect: Don't let these become empty rituals. Every time you take the bread, think about the physical healing and wholeness Jesus bought for you. Every time you see a baptism, remember your own "new birth."

Join the Conversation

The ordinances aren't just for "super Christians." They are for anyone who has said "Yes" to Jesus. They are gifts He gave us to help us stay focused on the truth of the Gospel.

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online. Whether you are a long-time believer or you’re just kicking the tires on this whole "faith" thing, we invite you to explore these truths with us.

If you have a story about your baptism or a time when Communion deeply touched your heart, we’d love to hear it. You can share your experiences on our Prayer Wall or just keep reflecting on them as you go about your day.

Remember, no matter where you are or what time it is, God’s grace is boundless.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

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