Sacraments – Baptism, The Lord’s Table or Eucharist Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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Christian Religious Education — Church in Action
Subtopic: Sacraments – Baptism & The Lord’s Table (Eucharist)
A sacrament is a visible sign given by Christ that shows and strengthens God’s grace in a believer’s life. In many Kenyan churches, Baptism and the Lord’s Table (Eucharist) are the main sacraments.
1. Baptism — meaning from Scripture
Key Bible verses:
- Matthew 28:19–20 — "Go and make disciples... baptize them..." (Jesus’ command)
- Acts 2:38 — "Repent and be baptized... for the forgiveness of sins."
- Romans 6:3–4 — Baptism shows union with Christ in death and new life.
- Mark 1:9–11 — Jesus himself was baptized, showing obedience and identity.
Simple explanation (for age 15): Baptism is a public, biblical act that shows a person has turned from sin (repentance), trusts Jesus, and begins a new life in Christ. It uses water to symbolise dying to old ways and being raised to new life.
2. Importance of Baptism in a Christian’s life
- Obedience to Christ: Jesus commanded baptism (Matt 28:19).
- Public testimony: It shows family, church and community that you belong to Jesus.
- Spiritual beginning: It marks the start of a Christian life — a sign of forgiveness and new birth (Acts 2:38; Rom 6:4).
- Incorporation into the church: Many Kenyan churches view baptism as admission into the local Christian community and sometimes a step before confirmation or membership.
- Identity and promise: Baptism connects us to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and to God's promises.
3. How Baptism happens in Kenyan churches (today)
Common practices:
- Preparation: baptism classes, counselling by the pastor or youth leader.
- Method: immersion (full body in water), pouring or sprinkling — practice depends on denomination.
- Where: church baptismal pool, river, or lake (some churches in Kenya still use rivers/lakes for immersion services).
- Who: usually those who confess personal faith (believer’s baptism); some churches baptize infants and later confirm them.
- Service: includes testimony, prayer, reading of Scripture, the act of baptism and welcome into the church family.
Tip: If you want to be baptised, talk to your pastor or youth leader about the church’s requirements and the next baptism service.
4. The Lord’s Table (Eucharist) — what it is and scriptural basis
Key Bible verses:
- Luke 22:19–20 — Jesus took bread and wine and said, "Do this in remembrance of me."
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — Paul explains the meaning and manner of the Lord’s Supper.
Simple explanation: The Lord’s Table (also called Communion or Eucharist) is a regular meal in which Christians eat bread and drink wine (or grape juice) to remember Jesus’ death, celebrate forgiveness and receive spiritual strength.
5. How the Lord’s Table is celebrated in churches today (Kenyan context)
- Frequency: Some churches celebrate weekly (often on Sunday), others monthly or on special occasions (e.g., Maundy Thursday).
- Elements: Bread (or wafers) and wine or grape juice. Many Kenyan churches use juice for safety and inclusivity.
- Order of service: Scripture reading, prayer of confession, words of institution, distribution of elements, prayer of thanksgiving.
- Open vs closed communion: Open: any Christian may participate. Closed: only members of that denomination or church may partake. Check with your church.
- Participation: Often people line up to receive the elements; some churches have small plates or trays passed along the pews.
6. Significance of the Lord’s Table for a Christian
- Remembrance: We remember Jesus’ sacrifice and love (Luke 22:19).
- Grace received: The meal nourishes the soul and confirms God’s forgiveness.
- Unity: It reminds Christians they belong to one body — the church (1 Cor 10:17).
- Examination: Paul urges believers to examine themselves before taking communion (1 Cor 11:28).
- Hope: The Lord’s Supper points forward to Jesus’ return and the heavenly feast (1 Cor 11:26).
7. How to prepare and desire to participate
Steps to prepare:
- Pray and reflect: ask God to show any sin and ask for forgiveness.
- Learn: attend catechism or discipleship classes to understand meaning and responsibility.
- Confess and reconcile: talk with those you have hurt and seek peace.
- Talk to your pastor/youth leader: learn the church’s guidelines for baptism and communion.
Why desire to take part? Participating helps you grow, makes your faith public, and brings spiritual nourishment and community support. It strengthens your trust in God and your connection with the church family.
8. Short prayer (for those preparing to be baptised or take communion)
Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and sacrifice. Help me to turn from sin, understand these sacraments and receive them with a humble heart. Strengthen my faith and use me in your church. Amen.
9. Quick summary (remember)
- Baptism: A sign of new life, obedience and joining the church.
- Lord’s Table: A regular meal of remembrance, forgiveness and unity.
- Both sacraments help Christians grow in faith and commitment to Jesus.
If you want to be baptised or take communion and are unsure what to do next, speak with your pastor, youth leader or a believer you trust.