Holy Habits: The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion
In this powerful message from our Holy Habits series, Pastor Pat Bousum takes us back to the sacred center of Christian life: baptism and communion.
But what are sacraments?
St. Augustine once said a sacrament is “an outward sign of an inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification.” In other words, sacraments are visible, tangible moments where our faith meets God’s promise. They are not empty rituals, but sacred acts rooted in Christ’s command that invite us to experience His love, grace, and presence.
At LEV Church, we emphasize two sacraments:
1. Baptism: The Beginning of a New Life
Baptism is more than a symbol—it is a declaration. It proclaims:
Who you follow – Jesus Christ, the risen King.
Who you belong to – the family of God.
Who you belong with – the Church, the called-out ones.
As Pastor Pat reminded us, baptism is not a private moment. It’s a public confession of faith—a visible demonstration of our death to sin and resurrection into new life. It is the first step in the journey of discipleship and a clear act of obedience to Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28.
“Baptism is a figurative act that reflects a real transformation."
2. Communion: The Ongoing Confession
If baptism is the start, communion is the continual confession.
Through communion, we regularly remember Christ’s death and resurrection, allowing our hearts to remain aligned with the gospel. It is not about being “worthy”—none of us are. As Pastor Pat shared through a beautiful grammar lesson, the word “unworthily” in 1 Corinthians 11 speaks to how we partake, not who partakes.
We examine ourselves—not to see if we’re perfect, but to approach the table with intentional reverence.
"Communion is not about who you are, but how you come."
Sacraments: From Symbol to Lifestyle
Pastor Eddie closed the message by reminding us that these sacraments are not confined to the church building. Communion, in particular, can be practiced in our homes, with our families, in quiet moments with God. It’s not about tradition—it’s about transformation.
These habits form the spiritual rhythm of our lives:
Baptism as the entry.
Communion as the journey.
And every time we partake, we proclaim:
“It’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Key Scriptures:
Romans 6:1–5
Colossians 2:12–14
Acts 2:41–47
1 Corinthians 11:23–29
Matthew 28:19–20
Reflect & Respond
Have you made a public declaration of faith through baptism?
How often do you reflect on Jesus' sacrifice during communion?
Are you approaching the sacraments with intentionality and reverence—or just routine?
Sacraments are not just holy habits.
They are holy invitations—to surrender, to remember, and to be transformed.
LEARN MORE OR WATCH THE FULL MESSAGE:
🔗 lev.church/messages/holy-habits-sacraments
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