Baptism
Since the days of John the Baptist people have been baptized. Jesus Himself was baptized as an example for us.
Jesus told the church to make disciples and baptize them.
1. What Does Baptism Mean?
A. Baptism Gets Us Ready for the New Life! (It is the first step of obedience for the new believer)
Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
B. Baptism Identifies us with Christ!
Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
C. Baptism is a Picture of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2. Who Should be Baptized?
A. Those who Believe with All Their Heart!
Acts 8:36-37, And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
B. Believing Comes Before Baptism!
Acts 8:12, But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
C. Baptism Does Not Make Disciples, but Disciples are Baptized!
John 4:1, When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
3. How Should We be Baptized?
“Baptizo” means to dip or immerse. Immersion is necessary to show the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A. Much Water is Needed!
John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
B. Jesus Came Up Out of the Water!
Matthew 3:16, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
4. Who Should Baptize?
Just as there is an authority to print money, there is an authority for baptism – God gave it to the local church!
A. John Was Sent to Baptize!
John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
B. Jesus Gave this Authority to the Church Until the End of the World!
Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
5. When Should We be Baptized?
A. New Believers were Baptized the Day they Believed!
Acts 2:41, Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
- The Eunuch Acts 8:38 and the Philippian Jailer Acts 16:33
Next Week, April 19, 2009
Topic: Security of the Believer!