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Another staple of Christianity is the Church itself. You can ask anyone Christian or non-Christian about religion and the first thing that usually comes to mind is Church. The gathering place for Christians is only a building. A man-made structure with an unmistakable purpose but it is only a building. The "Church" is the people that make it up. The family, togetherness, and common belief and love for God are what make it a Church. If you look in the New Testament you will find that Jesus did most of his preaching outdoors. The Bible says that wherever 2 or more believers gather together in his name he will be there. That is Church. But as a symbol the building is a visible representation of what Christianity is. Open to all it should possess a willingness to welcome any and all who enter regardless or race, sex, and believe it or not religion. You have to be willing to be ready to witness to people of other faith's to allow them the opportunity to see for themselves that Christianity is the ONLY way to heaven. Jesus said there is only one way to heaven and that is through him. So remember as a symbol Church is a building. In reality it is wherever Christians gather for the purpose of teaching, learning about, and glorifying God.
Sacraments are among the oldest of the symbols and vary in number from denomination to denomination. Two that are always included are Eucharist and Baptism. First we will discuss the Eucharist which is also called Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper. Almost every denomination celebrates this ritual in one form or another. It is a ceremony of worship and remembrance in which Christians believe that Christ had his last meal with his Disciples before being turned over to be crucified. It started in the early Church as a blessing or prayer over bread and wine used in communion. Different interpretations exist for the meaning of the Eucharist one of which that it relates to the bread and cup used in the ceremony. Making the meaning to be "receiving" rather than "celebrating" it. The Didache an early Christian order that handed down instructions for Baptism and the Eucharist somewhere around the early part of the 2nd Century. Most Christians recognize a special presence of God during a Eucharist ceremony. As for my Church we believe that anyone who is in the grace of God, that is born again and living their life for Christ, can participate. A time of reflection of your own heart is granted before the Communion Ceremony begins and each individual is asked to make their own decision as to whether they are in a "right" place with God and want to participate. This is a sacred rite and should never be taken lightly. Only true Christians who are in God's grace should take part.
Baptism is derived from Greek meaning immersing. It is the sacramental act of cleansing with water to admit one as a full member of a Church. It is a public display of your commitment to God and to living a righteous life. Most Christians are Baptized as infants though most Churches recommend a 2nd or recommital Baptism as an adult with the capability of making a conscious choice to serve the Lord. Most Baptisms are done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Some Christians do Baptize only in the name of Jesus. Baptism is traditionally seen as a requirement for Salvation but not all Christians believe this to be true. The Baptism of infants in the religion became popular in the middle ages. It was Augustine that insisted Baptism was essential to Salvation. In the Middle Ages Baptism was considered one of seven sacraments. In about the 12th or 14th Century affusion or pouring became the common manner for administering the Baptismal ceremony. Today the ceremony is mostly identified with Christians as a symbol of washing or cleansing of sin and the union of a Christian to Christ, his life, death, and resurrection so that he might be saved or "Born Again." Still today for most Christian denominations immersion is the choice technique for Baptism. As a symbol, sacrament, or requirement Baptism is an important part of the Christian faith.
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