Daily Verse
Monday, June 15
ACTS 1:24 NKJV
And they prayed and said, You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen

Daily Verse
Saturday, June 13
ACTS 1:14 NKJV
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

The Sacramental View-
What happens?:
God imparts grace through the elements
The Elements:
Change in substance or carry real spiritual presence
Primary Goal:
To receive divine blessing and spiritual sustenance

The word "sacrament" stems from Latin roots associated with holy oaths and mysteries.

Sacrament (Conveys Grace): In liturgical
traditions (like Catholic, Eastern Orthodox,
and Lutheran churches), a sacrament is
viewed as a physical "means of grace." They
believe God uses the physical elements of
bread and wine to supernatural work inside
the believer, directly imparting saving or
sanctifying grace.

While this word refers to Christian practices like baptism and communion, the choice of terminology reflects a profound difference in what churches believe happens during the practice.

The Catholic Church, along with many other Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran churches, observe the Lord's Supper as a *sacrament.*

Daily Verse
Sunday, June 14
ACTS 1:16 NKJV
Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be
fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before
by the mouth of David concerning Judas,
who became a guide to those who arrested
Jesus;

The AG Ordinance/Communion View-
What happens?:
Believers obey Christ through symbols
The Elements:
Remain entirely bread/juice; strictly symbolic.
Primary Goal:
To remember Christ's sacrifice and look forward to His return.
AG Statement of Fundamental Truths - The the bread and juice are purely symbols used to:
.Express sharing in the divine nature of Christ
.Act as a memorial of His suffering and death
.Serve as a prophecy of His second
coming.

Shifting Focus to Fellowship (Communion) -
By using the word "Communion" or "The Lord's
Supper," the church intentionally emphasizes
fellowship-communion with God and corporate
unity with other believers.

"Communion" directly highlights the intimacy of sharing a meal in remembrance of Christ.

Adherence to Memorialism (Strict Symbolism) -
Unlike groups that believe the bread and wine
literally or spiritually transform into Jesus's
physical flesh and blood, the AG practices
memorialism.

Protection of Salvation by Faith Alone - The AG holds tightly to the belief that human
beings are justified solely by grace through faith. If taking communion is viewed as a necessary channel to receive God's saving grace, it risks turning a gift into a religious "work" that must be performed. Rejections of the term sacrament prevent the misconception that the ritual itself has saving power.

Ordinance (An Act of Obedience) - For the
Assemblies of God, an ordinance is a
symbolic practice commanded by Jesus
(ordained) for believers to practice. The act
itself does not possess supernatural power,
nor does it save a person or wash away sins.
Instead, it is an outward, physical expression
of a spiritual reality that has already occurred
through faith.

While this word refers to Christian practices like baptism and communion, the choice of terminology reflects a profound difference in what churches believe happens during the practice.

The Assemblies of God, along with many other Evangelical and Pentecostal churches, observe the Lord's Supper as an *ordinance.*