Baptism: A Study for Student Ministries

Transcription

1 Baptism: A Study for Student Ministries WHAT IS IT? Baptism is one more step the Christian takes toward growth and maturity. It is very important to recognize that it is not a means to help you get to heaven. Baptism is one of the two nonnegotiables of the Christian Church. The other is communion. Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. What is the meaning of baptism? The Scriptures teach that baptism is a symbol of the inner change that occurred when you received Jesus Christ as your Saviour Using the suggested Scriptures, answer the following questions: a. From 1 Corinthians 12:13, who made you part of God s family? b. What does this mean we have been buried with Him through baptism into His death? (Colossians 2:11-13) c. From Colossians 2:12-13, what is the meaning of... that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we, too might walk in newness of life? Why? & Who? DON T CONFUSE BAPTISM & SALVATION Jesus saves - baptism doesn t - but the two go hand in hand The scriptures are very clear in regard to the reason for baptism and as to who should be baptized. 1. Why should I be baptized? Why do you think Jesus was baptized? (Remember He did not need to be baptized because He was sinless and never had to be born again). Matthew 3:13-15

2 REASON #1 - Because Jesus set the. What do these Scriptures tell us about baptism? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16 REASON #2 - Because the Scriptures it. What do these scripture show us? Read two or three passages Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:36-39; Acts 9:18; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 16:33 REASON #3 - Because the early Church regularly and consistently it. 2. Who should be baptized? It is evident from the scriptures that only those who have received Jesus Christ as their Saviour are to be baptized 3. When should I be baptized? As soon as you have believed! Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day about 3,000 in all. Acts 8:35-38 Beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told (the Eunuch) the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, Look! There s some water! Why can t I be baptized? He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are perfect, you ll never feel good enough! 4. Who should baptize me? Any person who has trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and has themselves been baptized. Method and other Questions Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 1. What should be the usual method of Baptism used? Several forms of baptism are being practiced in many denominations. These include sprinkling, pouring, and various forms of immersion. NOTE: The original meaning of the Greek words Baptisma and Baptizo mean to dip or immerse. It should be noted that most Bible scholars agree that in the primitive church baptism was by total immersion or burial, as it were.

3 The following is evidence that baptism should usually be by immersion? Consider Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12. Do you have any questions? List any questions you have for your pastor or Life Group Leader

4 VIDEO TAPING YOUR TESTIMONY (for weekend service baptisms only) The video allows each person to share how Christ has been working in their life and prerecording it allows you to do as many takes as necessary. People ask, Do I have to do the video? The answer is yes, if a person wants to get baptized in a weekend service at First Alliance. If you are being baptized during one of the the youth services you do not have to pre-record your testimony. At First we believe in the power of making a public declaration of faith and commitment to God and your testimony is an incredible opportunity to share God s message of redemption with hundreds of people! Some people are nervous about taping their stories, but we work hard to make the process both simple and fulfilling. Some one at the church will contact you with the date of the video shoot. NOTE: Ensure your testimony is not more than 2 minutes long (1 page typed with 1-inch borders and doubled spaced). Your testimony can be shorter than 2 minutes.

5 Writing My Testimony This can be short and simple no more than 2 minutes. You can say your favorite Bible verse if you like. Make sure to bring this completed story page to the video taping. My life before I met Jesus (What was your life like before you became a Christian?) How I met Jesus (How did you become a Christian?) What does being forever friends with Jesus mean to you? (What are you like now that you are a Christian?)

6 We will supply an FAC baptism T-shirt for you to keep as a memento to this important step in your spiritual journey. Baptism Attire

7 Baptism Day Instructions We are looking forward to your baptism weekend and want to provide you with some simple steps to follow. Please meet back stage by the washrooms and be there 10 to15 minutes before the start of the service in which you are being baptized. You can get to the back stage area by the side hallway off of the Atrium (door is to the right of the Cornerstone Café counter). Carry on down the hallway until you find the washrooms on your right. At this time: A change area will be assigned to you. The order of the service and when you ll be baptized will be given as instructions to you. If applicable, you will also be given the information as to when you leave the service and make your way backstage to get changed. You ll want to pay careful attention to this. An FAC baptism T-Shirt will be given to you as a gift from us to you! At the appointed time in the service: Make your way to back stage where you received your instructions. A dress reminder: we are asking you to wear dark shorts (knee length). Shorts are available to use if you do not have knee length shorts (various sizes available) in the back stage area. Remember to bring a towel and if necessary dry undergarments. As you are entering the baptismal tank your testimony video will be playing. When your testimony video is finished the pastor will declare the words of baptism You will then be baptized. Once you have been baptized you will exit the tank and change in your designated changing area. God Bless You richly as you identify with and declare your allegiance to Jesus Christ! Please ask those that have been instrumental in your life to be ready for this moment. You may want to make a call this week to a few folks and just say, Would you please stand with me in my baptism this weekend because you have been a part of God s work in my life? For those who are comfortable doing so, they will simply stand where they are during your baptism.