Topical Encyclopedia The term "Wells of the Ordinances of the Church" is not a direct biblical phrase but rather a metaphorical expression used to describe the foundational practices and sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and observed by the Christian Church. These ordinances are considered vital for the spiritual nourishment and growth of believers, much like wells provide essential water for physical sustenance.Baptism Baptism is one of the primary ordinances of the Church, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward faith and commitment to follow Christ. The Berean Standard Bible captures the essence of baptism in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This ordinance signifies the washing away of sins and the believer's entry into the community of faith. The Lord's Supper (Communion) The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, is another central ordinance. It commemorates the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples and serves as a reminder of His sacrificial death and the new covenant established through His blood. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 , the Apostle Paul recounts, "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes." Foot Washing While not universally practiced among all Christian denominations, foot washing is considered an ordinance by some, following the example set by Jesus in John 13:14-15 : "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act symbolizes humility, service, and love among believers. Marriage Marriage is often regarded as a sacred ordinance, reflecting the union between Christ and His Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Marriage is seen as a covenant relationship that mirrors the faithfulness and love of Christ for His people. Ordination Ordination is the setting apart of individuals for specific roles within the Church, such as pastors, elders, and deacons. This practice is rooted in the New Testament, where leaders were appointed and commissioned for ministry. In Acts 6:3-6 , the early Church selected individuals for service: "Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them." These ordinances serve as spiritual wells, providing believers with the means to experience God's grace, grow in faith, and live out the teachings of Christ within the community of the Church. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 12:3Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Songs of Deliverance Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. Church Fabrics and Services. The Sixth Miracle in John's Gospel --The Blind Made to See, and ... "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ... Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross. The Ancestral Home Commendation for the Steadfast The Puritan Conflict. Resources What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.org Who was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous Wells of the Ordinances of the Church Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies Wells: (A Fruitful Bough By) of Joseph's Numerous Posterity Wells: (Drinking from One's Own) of Enjoyment of Domestic Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites Wells: Flgurative of Salvation Wells: Flgurative without Water Wells: Frequented by Travellers Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon Wells: Often Afforded No Water Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold Related Terms |
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