Ephesians 4:4-6 “ There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (NIV)
There is an inward and an outward baptism.
BAPTISM!!
The truth is you need to know what a church believes; if you don't know what a church believes then the church probably doesn't believe anything.
1. What is the message of baptism?
Baptism was such an important issue that it was the first sermon Peter preaches. In wonderful 5 point fashion:
1. Jesus was real. Acts 2:22
2. Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.
Acts 2:23-24
3. His life was prophetic prophecy from the O.T.
Acts 2:25-35
4. Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior. Acts 2:36
5. And the Gospel is open to all. Acts 2:37-38
Have you accepted this message?
Jesus died on the Cross to pay for your sins. Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Question: Was baptism for believers or babies? Who should be Baptized?
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (NIV)
2. What is the meaning of baptism?
Symbolic - I have put my faith in Jesus Christ and I am showing the world that I am a believer.
Salvation - It is a requirement for salvation.
Romans 6:3 “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (NIV)
It is Symbolic - Jesus died on my behalf, buried in my tomb, resurrected on my behalf, and now I am resurrected in him.
Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (NIV)
3. What is the method of baptism? Acts 2:41 “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (NIV)
Greek word Baptizo means: to dip under or immerse.
John Wesley “Buried with him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church"
Matthew 3:13-16 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” (NIV)
What about your baptism?
Many people have been baptized by water into a church before they have been baptized by the Spirit.
ARE YOU SAVED?
