Did you see those baptisms this week? It was awesome.
Here is how we typically define “baptism:”
Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward commitment.”
Do you think that is a good definition? Why or why not?
Let’s talk about symbols for just a minute… How do you feel about a married person that goes around without his or her wedding ring?
Have you ever been surprised to see someone who you discovered to be different on the inside than what they were “advertising” on the outside? How? What was your reaction to that person?
What is it that our baptism says about each of us? What does it say about what Christ has done in us?
Why do some Christians feel that baptism is unimportant for them?
In light of these verses, what was the importance of baptism to Jesus? (John 3:22, John 4:1, Matthew 28:18-20?)
John 3:22 (NLT)
Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
John 4:1–3 (NLT)
Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
What does Paul write in Ephesians about the sign of baptism for us? What does this sign mean?
Ephesians 2:4–6 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
hint: It means that God has done in me spiritually what He did in Christ physically.
If baptism is important to Jesus, and if it means something much deeper than getting wet… What do the following verses say about how deep this meaning of baptism really is? What is it drawing a picture of?
Ephesians 1:19–20 (NLT)
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
If you need to be baptized, please contact our church office at hello@orchardellijay.com so we can arrange for your baptism very soon!