Baptism Service
Introduction
What is baptism about?
It asks questions of us
It is a means of grace
Baptism does not:
Make someone a Christian
Change someones heart – Example of Simon Magus
It does strengthen the Christian
Overview
A straight forward command
A symbol of our union with Christ
A statement of commitment
A straight forward command
Jesus gave His disciples the command – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20)
Not optional
It is an ordinance – baptism and the Lord’s supper
Baptism at the feast of Pentecost was a big thing
It seemed like a renunciation of the Jewish faith
People from non-Christian families can find things difficult
Repent, believe and be baptised
The Christians continued in biblical teaching, the Lord’s supper, fellowship and prayer
There were a lot of baptisms in the early church – examples
The pattern is the same – first they believe and then they are baptised
Example of Ethiopian Enuch
Example of the Philippian Jailer (and his household)
A symbol of our union with Christ
Water baptism is an outward sign of spiritual baptism
When we are converted we come into union with Jesus Christ
“In Christ”
“In Him”
Baptism signifies you died to sin and are raised to life
Rom 6:3-4
A transformation has taken place
You are no longer a slave to sin
You have been placed in a new Kingdom
Burial is a final act – baptism signifies that we died to sin
We are raised to newness of life – a new heart, a new life, we are new creations
Baptism symbolises our union with Christ
Conversion is a not a decision to become religious
Conversion is a transformation
All Christians have a personal testimony
Personal example
A statement of commitment
Dan is publicly stating he belongs to Jesus Christ
Not to be taken lightly but an important step in our discipleship
It is an important step in our being disciples
We are to learn and obey the commandments
We are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed
It is a pledge of our commitment to Christ
Closing Remarks
Followed by Personal Testimony of Dan Foxhall