Sermon notes:
I. The word Baptism means to dip.
II. Christian baptism does not save you. (Luke 23:39-43; 1 Peter 3:21)
III. Christian baptism is symbolic of what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-7)
IV. Christian baptism is a public confession of faith in Jesus. (Matthew 10:32-33)
V. Christian baptism is an act of obedience.
VI. Christian baptism should happen after believing in Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-41;8:35-38;10:44-48)
VII.Baptism is a commitment to Christ; membership is a commitment to the body of Christ.
Review:
Looking back on last Sunday’s message and your notes, what was the most memorable part for you?
Digging Deeper:
1. Read Matthew 28:18-20. After Jesus arose from the dead, He told His disciples to go make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Why do you think it is important to Jesus that people get baptized after they become believers?
2. Read Romans 6:3-7. In these verses, how is water baptism a symbol of what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection? When you were water baptized what was going on in your mind? How was God speaking to you?
3. Read Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-38; and Acts 10:44-48. In these verses, what should a person do before they are water baptized?
4. Can you think of any good reasons why a person would believe in Jesus and yet refuse to be baptized?
5. In the message on Sunday, Pastor Frank said that baptism is a commitment to Christ and membership is a commitment to the body of Christ. As you read the Woodbridge Family Commitment Promise, what do you think a church would look like if it followed these core values? How do you think we are doing as a church? How do you think you are doing Which one is the most challenging for you right now?
Taking it Home:
If you have been water baptized, pray this week for Jesus to help you to remember that special day and all that it means. If you have not been baptized, what’s been keeping you? Pray that God will bring you clarity. If you are a member, read through the Family Commitment and pray for yourself and our church to be more like Jesus. If you are not a member, why not?