Day 1: Baptism

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.

“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.” (Mark 1:9)

2. Because Christ commands it.

“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.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

3. It illustrates what happened to me when I placed my faith in Jesus.  Essentially, it is an outward demonstration of an inward reality.

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:3-4)

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:4-6)

WHY IMMERSION?

1. The word “baptize” means “to immerse, dip, dunk, or submerge”.

The Greek word baptizo means, “to immerse or dip under water”.

2. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water…” (Matthew 3:16)

3. Every example of baptism in the New Testament was done by immersion.

(Example)” …and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39).

4. It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.

“…Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:3-4)

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11 & Colossians 2:12

What questions, if any, do you have about Baptism? (Do the Scripture passages / examples provided in today’s reading answer all of your questions?)

Have you taken the opportunity to be Baptized? 

How would you respond to a friend or loved one who told you they were considering being baptized? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 1 Kings 16:29-34 & 17

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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