Baptism and Discipleship

Introduction:

Thank Dad and John Robert for making the day possible through their hard work.

Tell about meeting with Jerry and Kelly and the experience that has been.

Their interest in uniting with our church gives us an occasion to be reminded of our history and to remember that salvation brings us into a life of pursuing the truth and obedience.

This means being part of a congregation, formally, and living in obedience.

We want to today to be a testimony to every person here who may know that you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, but you have not publicly declared your allegiance with him and with this church through water baptism.

History

Baptism: submersion or immersion.

Baptist is short for anabaptist.

The name refers to a historical practice that reflects our understanding of biblical teaching on the nature of the church and what constitutes proper baptism.

In short, one practice that sets Baptists apart is that proper baptism must be administered by a church that holds to a scriptural view of salvation and what constitutes a biblical congregation.

The Forgotten Step in True Discipleship:

What it is:

Submersion

Secondary to salvation but essential to discipleship.

A public statement of beliefs, of agreement in teaching, and of intention.

As a church notice what Paul a church shares in common:

Ephesians 4:1-6.

Notice according to Eph. 4:4-5 that we are not just to share a common faith (calling to salvation), but a common baptism.

It is through a biblical church that God intends for us to live as believers.

We do not just unite in faith.

We also live under the potential for disciplinary action by the church for our lives.

Note 1 Corinthians 5 (if need be).

Baptism may have private meaning, but it is a public display of belief, sing of allegiance, and pledge of intention of lifestyle:

It shows outward unity with those who baptize you. This is one reason the scriptures have led us to conclude that those churches or groups who teach false views of salvation cannot administer scriptural baptism.

It shows unity with a message.

A Biblical Example of Anabaptism:

See notes.

Notice that Paul does not ask how they felt about their baptism.

He was concerned with the message and resulting practice.

Conclusion:

We are administering baptism this morning in the assurance that we teach the truth.

We have asked the Bylers to join us in that view.

They now join us in commitment to the truth.

May we be a source of encouragement and may we grow together in unity toward a mature, biblical knowledge of Jesus Christ.