Read Matthew 28:19-20; John 13:14; and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. To what extent do these passages support the idea that the sacred acts should be described as ‘ordinances’?

As Christians we are to be followers of Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus means to live as He lived (1 John 2:3) . Jesus has left us a perfect example while He was on this earth which we are to strive to imitate (1 Pet 2:21) . We are not left to be like Christ in our own power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be like Christ. Our responsibility as Christians is yield ourselves to the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ means must follow His commands. Some of the commands that Jesus gives us can be called ordinances. Ordinances are things which Jesus has ordained for His followers to continually do. In Matthew Jesus ordained baptism, in John 13:14 he ordained foot washing, and in 1 Corinthians 11:23-16 He ordained communion. All of these outward rituals point toward a significant spiritual meaning. I would like to call them spiritual mnemonics. By Jesus naming the sacred rites it helps us to remember what He has done for us.

Prayer: Lord God almighty thank you for all that you have done for us. When we celebrate the ordinances you have instituted help us to remember what you have done for us. Thank you in Jesus name amen.