The God I Never Knew Part 5 - Does He Baptize?

Does He Baptize? Robert Morris Focus The Bible clearly shows three distinct baptisms. The Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus; the disciples baptize us in water; and Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. Fun Open In two minutes or less, share your story about what brought you to Gateway Church (or your home church if you’re from an affiliate church)? What made you want to join a small group? Review Key Scriptures: 1 John 5:7–8; 1 Corinthians 10:1 • The Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 12:13 teaches us that it is the Holy Spirit who baptizes us into Jesus. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us, and when we repent and believe in Jesus we are saved. • The disciples baptize us in water. Romans 6:3–4 says that when we are water baptized we are buried with Him into His death. Our old life is put away when we get water baptized. After salvation, a believer makes a conscious decision to get water baptized. • Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. All four gospels (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33) confirm how Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live our new life in Christ. • Scripture confirms all three baptisms. 1 John 5:7–8 shows that the blood (salvation), water (baptism), and Spirit (baptism in the Holy Spirit) are all in one agreement. Acts 2:38 tells us to repent (salvation), be baptized (water baptism), and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (baptism in the Holy Spirit). Five years later in Acts 8:12–17, people are told to believe, and then they were water baptized. Afterward Peter and John prayed that they would receive the Holy Spirit. Twenty-five years later, in Acts 19, the same pattern of all three baptisms occurred. *Group Dynamics Idea* It is a good idea to have a well thought-out plan for your small group. However, it is also important to not hold so rigidly to your plan that there is no room for the Holy Spirit to work. Always have a good plan, but always plan for Holy Spirit interruptions or for relational ministry moments that may need to trump what you had originally planned. Discuss 1. The first baptism is repentance and belief (salvation). Take a moment and share about your salvation experience. What happened that caused you to repent and believe in Jesus? 2. Were you water baptized after you were saved? Describe what that experience was like. What made it special? 3. Read Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33. Why is it significant that this is in all four gospels? 4. Read 1 John 5:7–8 and 1 Corinthians 10:1–2. How do these scriptures show the symbolism of all three baptisms? Have you seen this pattern in Scripture before, or is this the first time you have seen this pattern? 5. Read Acts 19:1–5. How does this passage show the importance of all three baptisms? What was your perspective of the baptism of the Holy Spirit when you first got saved? 6. Read Luke 11:11–13. What is the promise in this scripture? Have you asked to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, take time right now to ask Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. Take Home As we conclude, remember the following: • The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Jesus. • Disciples baptize us in water. • Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the three baptisms in Scripture. Thank You for the gift of salvation and water baptism. Thank You for baptizing us in the Holy Spirit so we can be empowered to live a victorious life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *New Leader Tip* As a group leader, you always want to lead by example. Be an example in the way you live your life, love the people in your group, help make connections, and show genuine interest and care for other people.