Be Baptized “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” Matthew 28:18
Opening Thought Jesus left his hometown of Galilee and traveled to the Jordan River to be baptized. As soon as he was baptized, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. A voice from heaven said, this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
QUESTION: What is Baptism? Water baptism is a public identification of our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus commands all believers to be baptized. Though baptism is not necessary for salvation, believers make this expression of public identification in response to the command of their Lord and Savior.
QUESTION: Who Is Commanded to be Baptized? Jesus commands believers to be baptized. There is no account in the New Testament of anyone receiving baptism without first professing their faith in Jesus Christ. “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts: 2:38
QUESTION: How Does One Get Baptized? Baptism occurs when the believer is immersed into water. The word “baptism” is translated from the greek word “baptizo” which means to immerse. Immersion is defined as “plunge or dip into a fluid.”
QUESTION: At What Age Does One Get Baptized? At the age when one can understand that they have made a decision to follow Jesus.
Application
Baptism is a command, much like the breaking of bread and the great commission. Baptism is not an act committed unto salvation, it is an act committed unto obedience. In order to apply baptism into our lives we must: • •
Believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Make the decision to be baptized. Prayer
Close your gathering in prayer. Accept prayer requests from the group and include them in your prayer. Also, challenge your group to pray for each other. The following is a sample prayer you may use for guidance.
Father God, thank you for this day and for your message. We pray that you continue to teach us your scriptures and that you help us grow in our relationship with you. Father we ask that you help us be obedient to your commands. Allow us the strength and boldness to make outward expressions of our inward faith in you. We seek to do these things because we seek to please you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Additional and Optional Scriptures
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemnded.” Mark 16:16
“And he [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:48
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41
“And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” Acts. 8:38