<aside> 🌊 A Lifestage pastor or Lifegroup leader and “baptizee” can read and discuss the passages below, then talk through baptism details.
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As followers of Jesus, baptism is a symbol of the inner reality that a person has repented of their sins, accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and made a commitment to live with and in obedience to the Holy Spirit for the rest of his/her life. It's also a symbolic celebration of turning from our old way of life (death), and being "resurrected" back to life with Jesus (Colossians 2:12)!
Baptism is a celebration where a person publicly declares their love and devotion to Jesus. Either at Lifegroup, a special gathering, or a Sunday service, you will share why you want to get baptized, declare your faith in Jesus, and get baptized to celebrate your new life in Jesus' community (1 Cor. 12:12-13)!
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Following Jesus’ resurrection and before his ascension to heaven, Jesus shares the Great Commission to his disciples, as his final words to follow him:
“19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 2.36-41 NLT
The Apostle Peter addresses the crowd on Pentecost, following the Holy Spirit resting on and filling those gathered. Peter shares this message with the disciples to explain the new reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the sending of the Spirit.
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Romans 6:1-4 NLT
The Apostle Paul explains the symbolism and meaning of baptism, and its implications for following Jesus, within the larger story of God’s grace, sin, and the believer’s new life in Christ.
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.