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In week two of our Foundations series we will explore how baptism and the Lord's Supper are instrumental means of grace in our lives. These sacraments, deeply revered since the early church, have always been viewed by the church as vital to our spiritual nourishment and growth. We'll also delve into John Wesley's perspective on the Lord's Supper, particularly his advocacy for frequent communion.

Historical and Theological Context

From the early church to the present, most Christians including Methodists, have viewed sacraments as vital means of grace, meaning, they are special channels through which God imparts grace. This understanding forms a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing that through these sacred rites, we encounter God's grace in profound and life-changing ways.

Baptism: Entering the Faith

Baptism is a rite of initiation, marking the believer's entry into the Christian community. It's rooted in scriptural teachings, such as Peter’s call in Acts 2:38 and the affirmation of a new identity in Christ in Galatians 3:27. Much like the community of Israel was baptized into Moses (1 Cor 10:2) while walking through the Red Sea, Christian baptism is a new beginning for every person baptized into the faith. For Methodists, baptism is a sacrament of God’s prevenient grace, symbolizing our inclusion into the body of Christ and the start of our journey in faith.

The Lord's Supper: Communion with Christ

The Lord's Supper is rooted in Jesus' Last Supper, as depicted in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. It's a sacrament of remembering Christ's sacrifice and celebrating the new covenant.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, strongly advocated for frequent communion. In his sermon The Duty of Constant Communion, Wesley offered that Christians should partake in the Lord's Supper as often as they can. He based this on the belief that the Lord's Supper is a means of receiving grace and growing in faith. Wesley viewed it not only as a duty but as a privilege, offering spiritual nourishment, strengthening faith, and providing an opportunity for self-examination, repentance, and thanksgiving.

Embracing Wesley’s teachings, the Global Methodist Church views the Lord's Supper as a vital means of grace, encouraging believers to partake in it frequently. It is seen as a spiritual practice that nurtures and sustains the believer's relationship with Christ and the church.

Personal Reflection and Application

Reflect on these sacraments in your life:

  1. Baptism as a Covenant: How does baptism influence your daily commitment to living as a Christian?
  2. The Lord's Supper as Spiritual Nourishment: How can frequent participation in the Lord's Supper deepen your spiritual life and connection with the church?
  3. Manifesting Grace: How can the grace experienced in these sacraments be reflected in your actions and interactions?
  4. Sacraments and Spiritual Growth: In what ways do these sacraments serve as milestones and sources of strength in your faith journey?
  5. Experiencing God’s Presence: Recall moments when you've felt particularly close to God during these sacraments.

Conclusion

In the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, we encounter not only the historical roots of our faith but also the ongoing work of God's grace in our lives. Following John Wesley's insights on the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the importance of frequent communion in our spiritual nourishment. As we partake in these sacred practices, let us embrace them as profound encounters with God's grace, guiding us in our journey of faith.