Nurture
[Session 7]
Water Baptism
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19)
[Session 7] Introduction At Life Church we love to baptise people. Why? The word ‘baptism’ comes from a Greek word ‘baptizo’ (bap-teez-o) meaning to dip, immerse, plunge or submerge into a substance. It was the way dyers described the transformation that took place when a piece of fabric was immersed in dye. Therefore, baptism is symbolic of transformation! One kind of baptism described in the Bible (NT) is water baptism.
What is water baptism?
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Water baptism involves total immersion in water (Matthew 3:16) and is not the same as sprinkling water on someone. Water baptism is a public acknowledgement of our personal faith in Christ (Acts 2:38) and is not the same as christening or dedicating an infant. Water baptism is an outward sign of the inward change that has taken place in our life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) (Acts 19:1-5). Water baptism symbolises the ‘burial’ of your old life and the resurrection of your new life (Romans 6:1-4) (Colossians 2:12). Water baptism represents separation from an old life and commitment to a new life of submission to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) Acts 16:13-15).
Why should we be baptised? -
Jesus commanded us to be baptised (Matthew 28:19). Jesus was baptised in water, he baptised others and He wants us to follow His example (Matthew 3:13-17) (John 3:22, 26). The first Christians recognised their need to turn to God and be baptised (Acts 2:38-41). Baptism is an act of obedience and therefore strengthens our commitment to our new life and helps us move forward (Acts 8:34-39).
lifechurch
Nurture
Prayer
[Session 7] [Session 10]
Prayer
So, what next? (Get baptised!) -
You should be baptised in front of your church family, as a sign of your new life (transformation) and your commitment and obedience to God. Note: you are not getting baptised into a particular church or denomination, but into Christ (Acts 19:5). You should be baptised (fully immersed in water) in the ‘name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This is not some kind of magic formula, but recognises that as a believer and follower of Christ, the God you serve is one God and yet three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Conclusion If you haven’t been baptised already, talk to one of the church leaders as soon as possible. We would love to organise your baptism for you.
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