Sacraments
What We Believe
The Main Thing | Our Confession
| Sacraments
BAPTISM
Since the earliest days of the Church believers have understood the signifi
cance of baptism and the Lord's Supper in the life of the community.
In baptism we not only fulfi ll the Lord's command (Mt. 28:18-20) but
we outwardly demonstrate the inner reality of God's grace in our lives as
we come to Christ in repentance and faith. Through Baptism, God has
graciously provided for His children a physical act through which the
truths of salvation are proclaimed. Throughout the Word of God, water
witnesses to new creation and a believer's life in Christ, a new identity
as one washed clean and regnerated by the Spirit to live in holiness and
righteousness, and a reception into a new community through Christ
expressed in participation in the local church.
At Trinity Fellowship we practice believer's baptism, believing that the
New Testament teaches baptism following conversion by both precept
and example. Baptism is by immersion except in cases where immersion
is not possible. Baptisms are celebrated several times a year. Preparation
for baptism classes are offered and required for candidates prior to
baptisms. Baptisms within other Christian traditions and practices are
recognized for membership.
EUCHARIST
While baptism publicly marks our connection and commitment to the
Church - the body of Christ, the Eucharist or Lord's Supper is the weekly
remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection which encourages, nourishes,
and sustains the community. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:
16-17 spoke against idolatry by comparing the unity and communion
between Christ and His people in the Lord's Supper. Paul writes: "Is not
the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation (Greek
koinonia, a "sharing," "fellowship") in the blood of Christ? And is not the
bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" Paul taught
that there was a true connectedness to Christ and to his grace when we
come to the Lord's Supper. At Trinity Fellowship we believe the Lord's
Supper is not only a remembrance of Christ's work but that He is spiritually
present with us as we come by faith to Him. Through the Lord's
Supper we experience his forgiveness, his love, and his presence in our
midst. Thus the Supper is not a minor part of our worship but a central
focus of our worship each Sunday morning, just as it has been for the
church historically for almost two thousand years.
