When talking about the role of the church, it is important to understand where our practices come from. Who is the church? What is its purpose? Scripture gives us a clear foundation for what the church is and what it is called to do.

One of the key functions of the church is to observe two ordinances given by Jesus Himself: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are sacred practices meant to be carried out by a gathered body of believers, followers of Jesus united by covenant, as a public expression of faith in Him as Lord and Savior.

The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion, is one of these ordinances. In Luke 22:14-20 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Jesus instituted this meal with His disciples, teaching that the bread represents His body and the cup represents His blood, both given for the forgiveness of sins.

Who Is the Lord’s Supper For?

The Lord’s Supper is for the redeemed: those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is not an empty ritual but a sacred moment for believers to remember, reflect, and renew their commitment to Him.

The Purpose of the Lord’s Supper

For followers of Jesus, the Lord’s Supper serves multiple purposes in the life of faith. It is both deeply personal and profoundly communal.

Remembrance
The Lord’s Supper calls believers to remember who Christ is and what He has done. As Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” It reminds us of His sacrifice on the cross and His victory over sin and death.

Refocus
It also helps us refocus our hearts and minds on the mission of Christ. Taking the Lord’s Supper is a moment to realign our lives with His call to holiness and service, living as a reflection of His sacrifice.

Renew
The Supper renews our dependence on Jesus. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are reminded that our spiritual life and strength come only from Him.

Repentance
The Lord’s Supper provides an opportunity for believers to examine their hearts, confess sin, and receive the grace made available through Jesus’ blood. In this way, Communion becomes a time of restoration and humility before God.

Rally
It is also a moment of unity. When the church gathers around the Lord’s table, believers rally together in shared faith and purpose. The Supper reminds us that we are one body, joined by one Spirit, worshiping one Lord.

Retell and Repeat
Finally, the Lord’s Supper retells the story of the gospel. Each time believers partake, they proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus and look forward to His return. The meal points to a future promise: the day when Christ will return, renew all things, and we will feast with Him again.

A Table of Grace

The Lord’s Supper is far more than a tradition. It is a confession of faith and a celebration of grace. Every time the church gathers around the table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, renew our commitment to Him, and look forward with hope to His return.

As parents, we often hear from those who have parented before us the wisdom of Proverbs 22:6 – ”Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” What our well-meaning predecessors often leave out, however, is just how we can practically strive toward the principle in the proverb. If you feel like the task of training up a child is daunting, take heart; you are not alone! 

The important part is deciding you’re willing to put in the effort to train your child(ren). Make no mistake; training up a child is not something that simply happens. It takes time, effort and intention…but the hope of raising children who become adults who love the Lord makes it worth it. What must you do to train up a child? 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to family discipleship. God’s Word clearly gives us the why, but it leaves room for how to best implement it in our own lives. Every family is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. The goal isn’t perfection, but faithfulness. The guide below is intended as a starting point with tips for those who want to begin or tweak their family’s journey. 

Make a Commitment

A defining moment in your parenthood journey is the day you decide you will commit to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  

Just get started.

You don’t have to have the next 18 years planned out. Just like anything else long-term, your day-to-day commitment will bend and change as the years pass. What’s most important, however, is that you remember why it matters. If you don’t teach your children about Jesus, who will? While the church is (and should be) a huge resource and source of encouragement as you raise your children, it is primarily the parents’ responsibility for forming their children’s worldview and encouraging their walks with the Lord.  

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 reminds us that we are to not only love the Lord personally, but to diligently teach our children about Him as well. Our homes and our families should be places where we speak openly and often about who the Lord is and what He has done for us. 

Start Small

Once you commit to getting serious about family discipleship, start small. Set goals you know you can meet in order to create a good habit. 

Family devotions don’t have to be elaborate. Some days, devotions may take you only five minutes. God doesn’t set a time requirement on studying His Word. Rather, He honors our intentions and efforts when we seek His wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5). Your content and discussion will vary based on your focus passage, the age of your kids and the nature of your family’s schedule. The important thing is to make habits that work for your family’s structure and rhythm. 

Be sure to take into account the ages of your children and the average attention spans and capabilities of that age group. For families with toddlers, devotion time may be as simple as reading one Bible story from an age-appropriate story-telling Bible and asking one question while you’re sitting around the dinner table. If your children are older, you may have deep theological studies with lengthy application discussions. Maybe you are morning people who can kick off the day with a family devotion. Perhaps you homeschool and can work in a lengthy study each school day. It doesn’t matter when you do it; just pick what is likely to set your family up for success!

Don’t be intimidated. It is OK if you’re learning alongside your kids as you’re teaching them. If this is your situation, be humble (James 4:6). You do not have to pretend to know all of the answers. Be honest and seek God’s truth together. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given him” (James 1:5). 

Set the Example 

Even when we don’t realize it, our kids watch us. They see our actions and reactions. They watch our habits as they learn to make sense of the world. When your children see you living out your faith authentically, they learn that following Jesus is a choice every day, not just a Sunday activity.

As we strive to lay a biblical foundation for our kids, we must be intentional about weaving our love for the Lord into our daily lives, not just tacking it on to the end of a day. Kids are perceptive and will notice if our words don’t match our actions! 

Our love for the Lord should be evident in our speech (Psalm 34:1, Deuteronomy 6:6-7). As you talk over your kids’ days, take the opportunity to assert godly wisdom into their struggles and victories. Likewise, let it be commonplace to speak of how God is blessing you or how you are seeking His guidance in your own life. Additionally, It should not be a foreign concept for our kids to see our love for the Word of God and our value of it for instruction (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Pray Together

Another important aspect of family discipleship is prayer. Praying with our children is a practical way to model our dependence on God. As we relinquish control of our wants and desires, we teach our kids  to be like Jesus and ask “not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Prayer helps us give our kids the tools to release the ever-increasing anxieties of this world in exchange for God’s perfect peace (Philippians 4:6-7).  

Prayer also gives us an opportunity to give thanks to God and remember how He has been faithful to us (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Ephesians 5:20). 

Prayer does not have to be elaborate. It should be heartfelt and honest, and it can be a shared responsibility amongst the family. If this is new territory for your family, consider following the ACTS method for prayer:

• Adoration: Praise God for who He is and what He has done. 
• Confession: Admit that you aren’t perfect and that you need God’s guidance. This is also a great time to ask for forgiveness for any time you’ve sinned against your family that day.
• Thanksgiving: Thank God for what He has done in your family and the many blessings in your life. Acknowledge any answered prayers. 
• Supplication: Bring your requests to God and ask Him to align your will with His. 

Give Yourself Grace

Finally, give yourself grace. Even with the best of intentions, you will still stumble, because you are a human living in a sinful world. No one expects you to be perfect. You may get started and lose your rhythm. That’s OK; get started again. Each time you pick yourself up and start again, you’re showing your kids the value of humble perseverance.

Additionally, your mistakes and missteps are an opportunity for you to receive God’s grace and extend it toward yourself. Your weakness is an opportunity to rest in His power (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

Even as you give yourself grace, also practice accountability. Give your family permission to hold each other accountable for your devotion and prayer times, building each other up and spurring each other on (Hebrews 10:24-25). You’ll never regret the time you spend pouring Truth into your children! 

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Recommended Resources

Ready to start, but don’t know what resources to use? Here are some of our favorite biblical resources to jumpstart family discipleship. 

• Big Picture Questions and Answers for Kids
• The Jesus Storybook Bible
• The 10 Minute Bible Journey
• The Bible Made Easy—for Kids
• The Ology
• The Family Worship Bible Guide
• The New City Catechism Devotional 

Acts 2:37-41

Baptism is the full immersion of a believer into water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an outward confession of inward faith in Christ and a significant first act of obedience.

The Role of the Church

When talking about the role of the church, it is important to understand where its cues come from. Who is the church? How would you describe it? What is its purpose? The Bible gives foundational descriptions of what the church is and what it is called to do. Specifically, one of its key responsibilities is to take part in two ceremonial ordinances as a gathered body of believers: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These two practices are to be carried out in the context of the church, a gathering of followers of Jesus in covenant with one another, as a means of publicly displaying faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. To understand baptism, it is helpful to answer a few key questions.

Why Do We Observe Baptism?

In short, Jesus commanded it. In some of His last words to His disciples before ascending to the Father, Jesus said that part of making disciples is “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18–20). By His authority, Jesus made it clear that part of making disciples involves practicing this outward expression of faith through baptism.

Where Did Baptism Come From?

The first examples of baptism by water are found in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 8, Moses brings Aaron and his sons, the first priests, to be washed with water as a way to set them apart for service to God. Jesus also acknowledged these practices during His earthly ministry. 

For example, in John 9:7, Jesus instructs a man to wash in the Pool of Siloam as a symbol of cleansing and transformation. Throughout Scripture, water baptism symbolizes identification with God, repentance of sin, and being set apart as His follower.

The Meaning and Significance of Baptism

Baptism represents repentance and new life. God calls His people to repentance, and baptism represents His invitation to turn from sin, trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and receive the Holy Spirit, restoring relationship with God.

It is also a confession of faith. Baptism proclaims that a person has recognized his need for Christ and has received Him as Lord and Savior. It is a public testimony of a transformed life.

Baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin. Being fully immersed in water symbolizes that Christ has cleansed the believer from sin through His blood (1 John 1:7).

It also symbolizes the newness of life. Just as Jesus was buried and raised to life, baptism represents a believer’s death to sin and resurrection into new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).

Finally, baptism identifies a believer with the church. Entering the waters of baptism signifies belonging to Christ and to His people, both locally and globally. It is a public affirmation of shared faith and a commitment to grow in Christlikeness alongside other believers.

How Baptism Can Be Abused?

While baptism is a celebration of faith, it can also be misunderstood or misused. It can be abused when it is refused. If someone has professed faith in Christ but refuses baptism, it raises questions about obedience to Christ’s command to publicly declare faith in Him.

It can be abused when it is rushed. Baptism should not occur before a person understands its meaning or before he can distinguish the physical act from the spiritual reality of salvation.

It can be abused when it is reduced. Baptism should never be taken lightly. It is a sacred act connected to a person’s decision to follow Jesus and must be approached with sincerity.

It can be abused when it is redefined. The New Testament presents baptism as immersion following personal faith in Christ, and its definition today should remain consistent with that biblical model.

It can be abused when it is restricted. Baptism should never be denied to a repentant, born-again believer. Every follower of Jesus has the privilege and responsibility to publicly profess faith through baptism.

What Baptism Does

Baptism functions as a proclamation of the gospel. When someone enters the waters of baptism, that act proclaims the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and its personal implications. It is a visual sermon declaring that Christ has saved, cleansed, and made new those who trust in Him. Baptism does not save, but it powerfully points to the One who does.

Why it Matters and How to Follow Well

“In your spiritual life, you need to know how to relate to spiritual leadership; how to emulate spiritual leadership, how to support,  judge, discern, and hopefully give spiritual leadership in the platform God has given you.” - Pastor DJ Horton | Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Growing up, many of us heard the phrase or some variation of “Well if your friend jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?” This would be said after you or I choose to make decisions based on something our friends were doing or participating in. In one sense, we were following their lead. 

Who and what we allow to lead us matters. It matters because you and I were designed to be led by someone or something. Let’s put it into a practical sense. Students are led by the teacher who is privileged to educate them, while you are led by the person you report to at your job. We have leaders placed in political positions to make informed decisions and laws for our cities, counties, states and nations. Though we have many leaders in our lives and most of them would say that their intentions are good, they too will fail us. Not because they inherently want to, but because they’re human. They are leaders that are overseeing man-made institutions and organizations. Failure is bound to happen in the hands of humanity. So we must be careful of who we allow to lead us. In other words, apply wisdom before acting on someone’s words literally.

But shouldn’t this motivate us? Shouldn’t this encourage us to desire and seek better? Don’t we long for better leaders? Better leadership? Someone better to follow? We should because spiritual leadership matters. Here are four reasons why spiritual leadership matters: 

Why Spiritual Leadership Matters 

1. We need It
2. We are commanded to submit to it
3. We are to be a blessing to those giving it
4. We are to hold them accountable 
5. We are to emulate their lives 

Who we follow and how we follow them matters. The writer of Hebrews calls for this, that imitating them and being guided by them often produces joy (Hebrews 13:7, 17). 

So how do we do that? How do we healthily follow and encourage the spiritual leaders in our lives? It starts with a proper perspective. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 provides a framework for how to view spiritual leadership and how to interact with those in spiritual leadership (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). The passage gives us a proper perspective on those who are ministers, the process of spiritual maturity, and an overarching view of ministry. 

Above all of these things, there is one crucial theme to remember: It’s not about individuals. It’s not about a personality. It’s about the Lord. Regardless of who holds spiritual leadership, what group they oversee, or where that group is, the Lord remains the ultimate leader.

The Lord sets the direction and pace of every spiritual leader. He leads those being led AND their leaders. He provides the ability for those not in leadership to come to a place where they have the ability to lead. He provides the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). Practically speaking, one of the main ways God leads us is through faithful leaders who follow Him. He wants us to follow leaders that are faithful to Him as a symbol of honor, humility, and obedience. In life, however, there is a right way to follow and a wrong way to follow. So, how can we follow well?

The Right Way to Follow | 1 Corinthians 3:1-5

No matter who you are following or how well they lead, it’s important to follow correctly. Following spiritual leaders is no exception. Jesus has allowed us to be under them. It’s important that we follow spiritual leaders as an overflow of how we follow the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:1-5 shows us what it looks like to follow spiritual leaders the right way. Paul provides guidelines for how the believers in Corinth were to follow their spiritual leaders, giving us cues in how to do the same today. He prescribes the right way to regard spiritual leadership, refuse sinful judgment, and remember God’s judgment. 

The Right Way to Regard Spiritual Leaders | 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

God has not asked you to measure your life by the results you see. He’s asked you to be faithful. Our perspective, or the way we regard spiritual leaders matters. It matters because throughout the writings of Paul, God has given us pictures of what spiritual leaders in our lives should look like. Spiritual leaders are called to be both servants and stewards. As servants, they prioritize the spiritual needs of the people entrusted to them above their own. As stewards, they lead with humility and care, recognizing that their leadership is a gift from God and given to oversee people, places, and resources that already belong to Him. Spiritual leadership is ultimately about faithfully caring for what is God’s in the first place.

How does God measure “success” in spiritual leadership? He measures it by faithfulness. The world defines success by numbers, speed, and visible results. God’s standard is simple: obedience and diligence in whatever area of leadership He has entrusted to you (Colossians 3:17). Whether you’re called to full-time ministry, serving in kids ministry, sharing your faith at work, or discipling your family at home, God’s desire is the same: remain faithful.

Don’t ever see spiritual leaders as powerless. They have the most powerful thing in the world: they work for The King. But also, don’t ever put them on a pedestal and begin to place your faith in their performance, innovation, or creativity. They’re just servants like you.

The Right Way to Refuse Sinful Judgement | 1 Corinthians 3:3-4

Even when spiritual leadership is regarded in the right way, there will always be critics, naysayers, people who have something to say against spiritual leadership or the way someone is leading. We have to ask ourselves then: “what do we do?” What is the right way to assess, or judge, spiritual leadership? 

Two things must be considered: our motif and our method. We must be discerning in how we communicate our feelings and sentiments towards spiritual leadership. There is an appropriate time, place and means to express right, and sometimes wrong, critiques of spiritual leadership. 

At the same time, motif matters. We have to consider whether or not we hold these feelings and thoughts out of spite, immaturity, pride or greed. Or do we seek good and to live at peace as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18)? 

But what if we are on the receiving end of sinful judgement? What if those of us who are spiritual leaders receive criticism or judgment from others? How do we handle it? 

Again, consider two things: Keep the judgment of others in perspective and keep the judgement of yourself in check. If others speak in sinful or critical ways, Paul reminds us that their words pale in comparison to what God has said. In the same way, we shouldn’t elevate our own opinions or self-criticism above God’s truth about us. His perspective is perfect and pure. He sees who we are and how we lead through the lens of Christ.

The Right Way to Remember God’s judgment | 1 Corinthians 3:5

If God’s judgment is to be valued the most, then it’s important we have a right perspective of His judgment. Ask it this way, what does His judgment mean? It means three things: He will return, reveal, and recognize. Christ has promised His return, His discernment of actions and motifs, and recognition of how we spiritually lead others. This is the judgment that matters. This is the judgment we must remember. 

We’re not home yet!

When remembering all these things in following spiritual leaders, we have to remember it’s temporary. It’s not permanent. This isn’t our home. We are not home yet. Our home is with The Lord and under His leadership. Until then, let’s follow the spiritual leaders He has given for us. 

Sexual scandal is not unfamiliar to the church. Sadly, many of the struggles we face today are not new. They were present even in the earliest gatherings of believers. In 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, Paul confronts the sexual immorality that had taken root in the Corinthian church. He does not treat it lightly. 

He calls the church to holiness, giving a strong command: “Flee from sexual immorality. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20).

Paul’s words remind us that sexual purity is not just about avoiding scandal. It is about remembering who we belong to, Jesus Christ, and living in a way that reflects His holiness. Every believer, no matter their stage of life, is called to honor God with their body.

But what does that look like in our daily lives? Practically, how do we guard ourselves against the constant pull of sexual temptation, both personally and as a church family? Here are four marks of sexual purity we can practice as followers of Christ:

1. Humility

The first mark of sexual purity is humility. Scripture tells us, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Pride can blind us to temptation. If we believe we are “above” sexual sin, we are already vulnerable to it.

Humility means admitting we need God’s strength every single day. It is acknowledging that purity is not achieved by willpower alone but by dependence on the Spirit of God. Humility also helps us respond to others with grace. Instead of judging those who struggle, we recognize that we are all capable of stumbling, and we extend the same forgiveness that Christ has extended to us.

Humility is a posture of the heart. It is a daily confession: “Lord, I need You to guard my eyes, my thoughts, and my desires. Keep me close to You.”

2. Boundaries

Boundaries are not about legalism or limiting freedom. They are about wisdom. Healthy boundaries protect us from temptation before it starts. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Boundaries are one of the ways we guard our hearts.

Digital boundaries
In today’s world, much of the battle for sexual purity takes place online. Setting wise digital boundaries is essential:

• Use software that blocks explicit material and provides reports to an accountability partner.
• Monitor your screen time and set limits when necessary.
• Refuse to engage in private conversations with the opposite sex that go beyond quick information, encouragement, or prayer.
• Pray over your entertainment choices. Ask God for discernment, and once you set standards, stick to them.

Relational boundaries
Sexual temptation does not just live on a screen. It can arise in the way we relate to others. Protecting ourselves and others means drawing clear lines:

• Avoid being alone in a private setting with a member of the opposite sex who is not family.
• Do not discuss intimate struggles or sexual topics with someone of the opposite sex.
• Keep physical touch in a safe and appropriate range so that no one could misinterpret your intentions.
• If you are dating, decide beforehand what purity will look like in your relationship and communicate your standards clearly.

Boundaries are not about creating distance. They are about creating space for holiness to flourish. They protect what matters most: our relationship with Christ and with others.

3. Accountability

Accountability is a gift. Alone, we are prone to stumble. Together, we can remind one another of the truth and keep each other anchored. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Accountability looks different depending on your season of life:

• Digital: Use software and maintain an open-device policy so nothing stays hidden.
• Familial: For students and singles, a trusted Christian parent or sibling in Christ can help.
• Marital: For married couples, openness with your spouse builds trust and security.
• Pastoral: A pastor or spiritual leader can walk with you in prayer, discipleship, and biblical counsel.

Accountability requires honesty. It is humbling to admit where you struggle, but it is far more freeing to walk in the light. James 5:16 reminds us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

4. Intimacy

Sexual purity is not just about saying “no” to sin. It is about saying “yes” to a greater intimacy with God and His people. Every human being longs for connection. If we do not pursue intimacy in healthy ways, we will be tempted to seek it in broken ones.

• With the Lord: Pursue daily prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word. As you draw near to Him, He will shape your desires to reflect His holiness.
• With your spouse: If married, invest in building spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy that honors God and strengthens your covenant.
• With the body of Christ: Surround yourself with authentic Christian community. Deep friendships within the church give you a place to be known, encouraged, and challenged.

When intimacy with God and His people is our focus, purity becomes less about restriction and more about joy. It becomes the natural overflow of our walk with Jesus.

Sexual purity is not an outdated idea. It is the call of every Christian to reflect God’s holiness in a culture that often celebrates the opposite. The good news is that God does not call us to purity without also giving us the grace to pursue it. Through humility, boundaries, accountability, and intimacy, we can guard our hearts and glorify Him with our bodies.

Purity is not perfection. We all stumble. But when we do, we run back to the One who makes us clean. In Christ, there is forgiveness, freedom, and the power to walk in newness of life.

As a church family, let us be committed not only to fleeing from sexual immorality but also to running toward the joy of life with Jesus.

Join us as we journey through the sermon series covering Revelation 12–16 with a daily Bible Reading Plan designed to deepen our understanding of God's Word. We will discover the reality of spiritual conflict but also the assurance of Christ's certain victory. As we read together, may these visions strengthen our hope, anchor our worship, and shape us to live boldly for Christ. Click here for the Bible reading plan.