sf780 - WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT BAPTISM (Matthew 28 18-20)
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction
Baptism is a prominent theme in the New Testament
The word or some form of it appears 106 times in the New Testament.
Baptism is widely practiced today.
Every Christian denomination and many non-Christian groups practice some type of baptism.
Baptism is often misunderstood.
Many misunderstand who should be baptized.
Many misunderstand how we should baptize.
Many misunderstand why we should be baptized.
Many misunderstand who has the authority to baptize.
We will examine what the scriptures say in response to these questions…
1A. Who Should be Baptized - A Scriptural Candidate (Acts 8:36-38)
Someone who has been saved, that is they have repented of their sin and are trusting in Christ alone for eternal life.
Baptism is not essential to salvation.
Salvation is essential to baptism.
2A. How Should We Baptize - A Scriptural Method (Romans 6:1-4)
1B. Three methods of baptism are commonly practiced.
Sprinkling
Pouring
Immersion
2B. Why we practice immersion.
Because of what it symbolizes.
Ø What Christ did for us.
Ø What Christ has done in us.
Ø What Christ will do with us.
Because of what the word means.
Ø Baptize from "baptizo" which means to immerse
3A. Why Should We be Baptized - A Scriptural Motive (Romans 1:16)
1B. It is not to help God save us.
Baptism does not wash away our sin. (Titus 3:4-6)
Baptism does not complete salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2B. It is an act of obedience. (Acts 10:44-48)
3B. It is a means of confession. (Acts 19:1-5)
4A. Who has the Authority to Baptize - A Scriptural Mandate
1B. Jesus has commanded that we be baptized and that we baptize others. (Matthew 28:18-20)
2B. The command to baptize was given to the church.
Not to denominations
Not to ordained pastors
It is the Church's authority and responsibility to baptize.
Application
God commands every believer to be baptized.
Baptism is an act of confession and obedience in the life of a believer.
A believer who refuses to be baptized is like a team member who refuses to wear his uniform.
Baptism is to salvation what a wedding ring is to marriage. It is an outward expression of an inward commitment.
Without baptism it is impossible to live an obedient Christian life.
John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT BAPTISM
August 9, 1998 - Matthew 28:18-20
1A. Who Should be Baptized - A Scriptural ________________.
(Acts 8:36-38 KJV) "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? {37} And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. {38} And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Someone who has already been _____________.
Baptism is not essential to _________________.
Salvation is ____________________ to baptism.
2A. How Should We Baptize - A Scriptural ___________________.
(Romans 6:4 NIV) "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
1B. Three ________________ are commonly practiced.
Sprinkling
_________________
Immersion
2B. Why we practice immersion.
Because of what it _______________.
Because of what the word ______________.
Ø "baptize" from "Baptizo" which means to immerse
3A. Why Should We be Baptized - A Scriptural ______________.
(Romans 1:16 NIV) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
It is not to _____________ God save us.
Baptism does not ______________ away our sin.
Baptism does not ________________ salvation.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast."
It is an act of ____________________.
(Acts 10:47-48 NIV) ""Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." {48} So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."
It is a means of ____________________.
(Acts 19:4-5 NIV) "Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." {5} On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."
4A. Who has the Authority to Baptize - A Scriptural _________________.
The command to baptize was given to the _____________.
It is the church's ______________ and responsibility to baptize.