Christianity 101: Part 1 - 'What is Baptism?'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

What is Baptism?

The Baptist Declaration of Principle defines it this way –

Christian Baptism is the immersion in water in the Name of Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried and rose again”. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3)

Readings:

Matthew chapter 3 verses 13 - 17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 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 alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew chapter 28 verses 18 - 20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The disciples took this instruction seriously and when Simon Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached to the Jews on the day of Pentecost they were convicted of their own sin and they cried out what must we do? And…

Acts chapter 2 verse 38

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.



Prayer and Reflection:

Lord our God, thank you for the miracle of this universe, this world and of our lives in it. We are sorry for taking these things for granted and we ask your forgiveness. God, I ask that where there is sin in our lives, that you would help us overcome it, turn from it and come to you. Restore our souls, dear Lord. Help us to follow you faithfully, for you are kind and gentle. You guide us along right paths, your rod and your staff comfort us, your goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

And now, loving God, we ask your blessing and anointing on Amy as she prepares for this special and holy moment. Help us, her family and friends, to support her in her times of joy and her times of struggle. We will exalt you, our God the King; we will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day we will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. For how great are You, Lord, and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom.

Amen.


Questions to Consider

1. Were you Christened as a baby? Why do you think that infant baptism is or is not a good idea?
2. What do you think of the idea that we should make our own choice about Baptism if and when we believe in Jesus?
3. Our readings focus on Jesus’s baptism, His instruction to baptise, and the early church’s practice of baptism. How do these fit into your thoughts on baptism?
4. If you are a believer, but have not been baptised since coming to faith, what is stopping you? Have you discussed the idea with Christian friends?