INTRODUCTION

There tends to be a lot of confusion surrounding baptism. And while the topic often evokes strong emotions, it is not a subject in which people have much to draw from, other than their own experience. For this reason we will spend some time exploring what the Bible has to say about baptism and how this informs our understanding of this universal Christian practice.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Have you been baptized? What was your experience?
   
   
2. What was your understanding of baptism in the environment you grew up?
   
   
3. Read Matthew 3:1-17 and John 3:22-4:2. Baptism, with its roots in Jewish ceremonial cleansing, was for John and Jesus a public declaration of a brand new association. Why did Jesus consider it important for people to be baptized (Matthew 28:19)?
   
   
4. Who should be baptized? Infants, children, adults?
   
   
5. What is the connection between baptism and salvation? Is baptism necessary for salvation?
   
   
6. Is the method of baptism important? Why or why not?
   
   
7. What is the value in the method of baptism used at your church?

THINK ABOUT IT

Think about the countless people who have shared in the Christian practice of baptism, from a remote tribe in Pakistan to a mega-church in Atlanta, Georgia. How does it make you feel when you realize you are connected in this way, not only with Christ, but also with Christians all over the world and throughout history?

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Have you gone forward with your faith? Are you ready to be baptized? Visit www.northpoint.org/baptism or www.buckheadchurch.org/baptism.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:19