Boundless Daily: Water Baptism and Communion

Hey there. We’re so glad you’ve joined us for today’s Boundless Daily Micro-Study.

Whether you’re catching this on your break during a long night shift, reading from a hospital bedside, or tuning in from a place where finding a local church is a challenge, we want you to know you are welcome here.

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Today, we are looking at something very special in the life of a follower of Jesus. In the Assemblies of God, we refer to these as the "Ordinances of the Church." This is actually the 6th of our 16 Fundamental Truths.

If you aren't familiar with that term, don't worry. An "ordinance" is simply a practice or a ritual that Jesus personally commanded His followers to observe. It’s like a sacred instruction manual for how we show the world: and remind ourselves: who we belong to.

There are two main ordinances we celebrate: Water Baptism and Communion (also known as the Lord’s Supper).

Let’s take a closer look at what these mean and why they matter for your life today.

Why Do We Call Them Ordinances?

Sometimes religious words can feel a bit heavy or confusing. But the idea behind an "ordinance" is actually quite beautiful.

Jesus didn’t give us these practices to create a "to-do" list or a set of chores. He gave them to us as "outward signs of an inward grace."

They are physical actions that represent a spiritual reality.

Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring itself isn't the marriage, but it is a powerful, visible symbol of the commitment and love two people share. In the same way, baptism and communion are visible symbols of the commitment and love between a believer and Jesus.

Visual: A 16:9 cinematic landscape showing a peaceful, sun-drenched riverbank at dawn, symbolizing new beginnings and the purity of water.

Water Baptism: The Public Announcement

The first ordinance is water baptism.

If you’ve ever seen someone being dipped under the water in a church, a lake, or even a swimming pool, you’ve seen this in action.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe: based on the pattern we see in the Bible: that baptism is for people who have already made a personal decision to follow Jesus. It’s an act of obedience that follows salvation.

The Method: Immersion

We practice baptism by immersion. This means being briefly put all the way under the water and then brought back up.

Why immersion? Because the Greek word used in the New Testament for baptize literally means "to dip" or "to submerge."

But more than just the word, it’s about the picture it paints. When you go under the water, it symbolizes your "old self" dying and being buried with Christ. When you come up out of the water, it symbolizes being raised to a brand-new life in Him.

As it says in Romans 6:4, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

What Baptism is Not

It’s important to clarify that baptism itself isn't what saves you. We aren't "washed clean" of our sins by the physical water. Only the sacrifice of Jesus and our faith in Him can do that.

Baptism is your "public announcement." It’s you telling the world, your family, and even the spiritual realm, "I’m with Jesus now. My old life is gone, and my new life has begun."

If you’ve recently started your journey with Christ and haven’t been baptized yet, we’d love to help you think through those next steps. You can check out our Im' New Q&A Welcome Center to connect with others who are asking similar questions.

Visual: A cinematic shot of a calm, clear body of water with sunlight reflecting off the surface in bright, colorful tones.

Communion: The Family Meal

The second ordinance is Communion, or the Lord’s Supper.

While baptism is usually a one-time event at the start of your walk with God, Communion is something we do together as a church family over and over again.

Jesus started this during His final meal with His disciples. He took bread and juice (the fruit of the vine) and gave them new meaning.

A Time of Remembrance

When we take the bread, we remember that Jesus’ body was broken for us. When we take the cup, we remember that His blood was shed to wash away our sins and establish a new covenant between God and humanity.

It is a moment to stop, breathe, and reflect on the incredible price Jesus paid because He loves us.

A Time of Union

Communion is also about "common union": union with God and union with each other.

Even if you are participating in a digital service from your living room or a breakroom, when you take those elements, you are connected to the millions of believers across the globe and throughout history who are doing the same. You are part of a global family.

A Time of Hope

There is one more part of Communion that often gets overlooked. Jesus said we should do this "until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Every time we participate in the Lord's Supper, we aren't just looking back at the cross; we are looking forward to the day when Jesus returns. It’s a meal that points to a future feast. It reminds us that no matter how difficult today is, there is a better day coming.

Visual: A bright, colorful cinematic close-up of a rustic loaf of bread and a glass of red juice on a wooden table, bathed in warm, welcoming light.

Living Out the Ordinances

You might be wondering, "How does this apply to my daily life, especially if I can't get to a physical church building?"

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that God’s grace isn't limited by four walls.

If you are a caregiver who can’t leave the house, or if you live in an area where it’s unsafe to gather publicly, these ordinances still belong to you.

Baptism is a goal to work toward: finding a way to publicly declare your faith when the opportunity arises.

Communion is something you can participate in right where you are. When we host our online services, we invite everyone to have their elements ready. It’s a holy moment in your own space.

These practices keep our faith "grounded." They remind us that our faith isn't just a set of ideas in our heads; it’s something we experience with our whole selves.

What Are Your Thoughts?

We know that talking about church traditions and doctrines can spark a lot of questions. Maybe you were baptized as a child and wonder if you should be baptized again as a believer. Or maybe you’ve never felt "worthy" to take Communion.

We want to hear from you. There are no "silly" questions here.

You can join the conversation in our Bible Study Club or reach out to our community in the Welcome Center.

If you are looking for ways to stay connected to the ministry or want to represent your faith in your daily life, you can also browse our community gear, which helps support our mission to reach people globally.

Remember, whether you are underwater in baptism or holding a small cup of juice in Communion, the point is always Jesus. He is the one who gives these symbols their power. He is the one who changed your life. And He is the one who is with you right now, wherever you are.

Visual: A panoramic, cinematic view of a diverse group of people (represented by silhouettes or distant figures) standing on a bright, colorful horizon, symbolizing the global reach of the church.

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Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.