Sacred Signs: Reflections on Baptism & Lords Supper

Transcription

1 Slide 1 Sacred Signs: Reflections on Baptism & Lords Supper Week 3: Baptism New Testament (1) Dirk Rodgers, Bethany Church Dirk s Contact Info Phone: (Bethany Church s main number) drodgers@bethanychurch.com Facebook Page: Pastor Dirk Rodgers Tumblr: Dirk s Web Site: Bethany Church Web Site: wwww.bethanychurch.com

2 Slide 2 Basic Definition The English word, baptize is simply a transliteration of the Greek term: meaning, to immerse See Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964 ). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 1, p. 530)

3 Slide 3 Suggested Sources for NT Practice 1. Old Testament (see last week s discussion) 2. Jewish Proselyte Baptism 3. Ritual Cleansing at Qumran 4. Ritual Cleansing in Other Religions In my opinion, Source 1 is by far the most influential. Source 2 perhaps has some influence. Sources 3 and 4, while interesting, probably had little direct influence on the NT writers.

4 Slide 4 John s Baptism And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mark 1:4-5

5 Slide 5 John s Baptism A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3; see Matthew 3:3

6 Slide 6 John s Baptism And this was his message: After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7-8 with the Holy Spirit and fire Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16

7 Slide 7 Jesus s Baptism At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11

8 Slide 8 Jesus s Death as Baptism You don t know what you are asking, Jesus said. Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with? Mark 10:38; compare Luke 12:50

9 Slide 9 Jesus s Disciples Baptize After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. John 3:22 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. John 4:1-2

10 Slide 10 The Great Commission All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

11 Slide 11 Baptism in Acts Promise of Jesus On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5

12 Slide 12 Baptism in Acts Pentecost Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38,41

13 Slide 13 Group Discussion 1. If you have been baptized, share what that baptism has meant to you. 2. What did Jesus s baptism have to do with His mission? 3. Why do you think Jesus called His disciples to baptize new followers?