Definition:
Baptism
Immersion, covering over, buried; initiation, introduction, beginning, body immersion, death to life; the disciples were commanded to go out and make other disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19); later the disciples are told that they would be baptized with fire by the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11).
Scripture Reading:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. / …Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were open to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” / ”Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” / ‘And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ / Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. / For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. / For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. / In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Matt 3: 11; Matt 3: 16-17; Matt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Rom 6: 3-4; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26-27; Col 2: 11-12
Discipleship Directive:
All disciples must make a personal decision to follow Christ in the waters of baptism; this act is to be a sign and testimony that we have died to self and now live totally for Christ. It is a step of faithfulness to be obedient to God and His word. It is also an example and testimony to others of a decision that we have made to follow and live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Dedication Prayer:
I know Lord this is a step that you ask of me to show to others that I have confessed my sin and as a testimony, desire to walk and live for your Glory. Lord, I desire to be obedient to your word and to be faithful to your call on my life. Lord help me to fulfill the call to baptism that I may show to others that I have died to self and I pray that I may live out this testimony each day.
