What’s happening @ Bethel:
*Baptisms next Sunday, August 7th
Warm-Up Question:
- Have you been water baptized?
Introduction:
Sermon Series:
Foundations – Water Baptism
Water baptism is vital part of a believer’s Christian experience. Just like the exchanging or rings in a wedding ceremony is an outward expression of the marriage covenant, water baptism is an outward expression of a person’s belief in Jesus’s finished work and their willingness to die with him (putting to death the old sin nature) and be raised with him (in newness of life/a new creation). Being water baptized presupposes that a person understands that one may only walk in newness of life if he, by faith in Christ’s finished work, has identified with him in his death, burial and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-7
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
This expression of water baptism is a command of the new covenant.
Matthew 28:19
(Jesus) 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,
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
False beliefs about water baptism:
- Sprinkling a baby is considered water baptism
John 3:23
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.
-This verse suggests immersion
Mark 1:10
Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
-This verse suggests immersion
Acts 8:38
And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
- This verse suggests immersion
Another point to consider:
The disciples lived in the desert. They carried water with them in their travels. If it were enough to sprinkle someone in order to water baptize them, they would have used the water they were carrying. However, they always went and found a body of water for water baptism. This way the act of dying with Christ, being buried with Christ, and being raised with Christ could be carried out.
- Water baptism isn’t necessary.
Water baptism isn’t what saves you. Only believing and receiving the gift of righteousness through faith (Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life) saves a person. But it is clear in scripture that those who were saved went out of their way to be water baptized. And though it is an outward expression of our flesh, it has spiritual implications, sometimes manifesting as the person is being raised up out of the water (speaking in tongues, feeling a weight being lifted off, unspeakable joy, etc).
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(This is the same word used in Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5 and John 3:23 where John the Baptist is baptizing people in the River Jordan)
Acts 2:41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 8:36-38
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?"
And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Acts 18:8
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
Why Should we be Water Baptized?
- Jesus was water baptized – He is our example of obedience
Matthew 3:15,16
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
- Jesus commands us
Matthew 28:19
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,
- Water Baptism Unites us with the Family of God
Acts 2:41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Discussion:
#1. What in this lesson impacted you the most?
#2. Do you feel confident in sharing with another person why water baptism is important?
Prayer Time