Why do we do that?

Series: Why do we do that?
Baptism by John Burke, May 20, 2007

We’re starting a new series about some of the key practices of life as a follower of Jesus. While these activities are physical acts, they have profound spiritual significance. And what a great place to start this short series with the “first” activity for so many after turning to Jesus: Baptism. It’s so important. As John noted – Jesus called it “a requirement” (see John 6 in verses below), and it is a a profound and public way for us to symbolically demonstrate the spiritual newness that is our gift from God through Jesus.

1. As many of you know, there were actually baptisms done at Gateway this weekend. Why not start with that? Were you, or anyone you know baptized this weekend? Or did you see and cheer any of the baptisms? If yes – spend some time sharing the experience. (15 minutes)

If you were not baptized this Sunday, have you been baptized in the past as part of a personal choice? Take some time for those who want, to talk some about the experience – either this week or in the past…and as the group talks, keep a list of the different reasons that make people choose to be baptized. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Baptism has so many symbolisms and it can be encouraging to think about these. So now, lets take a few minutes to list some of the “spiritual” things that the physical action of baptism represents. (10 minutes)

3. John said that one reason to be baptized is to publicly acknowledge your commitment to follow Christ. So, is it really necessary make a public “announcement” of what is basically a spiritual decision? Why or why not? Have you or anyone you know actually made a commitment to a new life, but been reluctant to take this step? What are some of the major barriers/reasons to “taking the plunge”? (10 minutes)

4. Along the lines of making a “public” commitment, there are often other ways we can publicly acknowledge that we are Christ followers. What are some of those other ways to note who we are “committed to”? As a group, try to list as several ways people can make their association with Jesus known. Finally, wind up by taking 2-3 minutes to think through the list individually – including Baptism, if you have not yet decided to do that – and ask yourself – and God whether He is speaking to you on any of these actions. If so, think about how you could obey His voice, and write down that commitment. (10 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach [them] to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

"What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
John 6:28-29

“Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” “
Matthew 3:13-15

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for [sinful people} to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit…water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from [as an appeal to God for] a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 3:18, 21

“...when [the Roman soldiers] came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”
John 19:33-34

“All my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me…they pierce my hands and my feet.”
Psalm 22:14-16

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”
John 6:44-45

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you…. “
Colossians 2:12-16

"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant...because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34

“It was this promise Jesus referred to the night before his crucifixion, at the last Supper, when he said "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Luke 22:20

“The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The [Ethiopian] eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him 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.”
Acts 8:32-38

Related Next-Step Resources:

• Case for Faith by Lee Strobel (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Letter from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd (available at Gateway Bookstore)

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Check out more information about Christianity at Knowing God available at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website

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