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Are you not baptised yet? I hope you are excited to get baptised. Baptism is necessary for church membership. This lesson is for those who have not been baptised yet.

What is baptism?

Believer baptism, by full immersion (underwater), is an outward symbol of an inward reality. In baptism, we identify with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Romans 6:1-5, What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.

  • What does it mean to die to sin? (2)
  • What does the word baptism mean? (3a)
  • How does baptism outwardly symbolise an inward reality? (3b-4)
  • How does baptism identify us with Jesus? (5)

Is baptism necessary?

Believer baptism, is commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission, and is therefore a necessary act of obedience to Him.

Matthew 28:16-20, The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

  • What is the command in this passage? (19)
  • What are the ways we are to go about that command? (20-21)
  • Whose authority do we baptise in? (19)

Why must I get baptised if I was christened as a child?

In Scripture, believer baptism comes after belief, and before membership.

Acts 2:32-41, “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.’

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

  • What is the message that they accepted? (32, 36)
  • What was their response to the message? (37, 41)
  • What did the believers do? (41)
  • What did the baptised believers do? (41)

The baptism service

  • Do invite family and friends. This public profession of your faith is a testimony to believers and unbelievers.
  • ⁠Please be at church at 9:00am. We will run through the morning service in the meeting room. You will find out when the baptism will happen, where to go, and what to do at that meeting.
  • ⁠Please wear shorts. Men, wear underwear. Ladies, have a costume or tights underneath. Please ensure clothing is dark in colour. I’ve attached a few photos of appropriate clothing.
  • The church will provide a t-shirt. I need to know your t-shirt size. M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL?

Regarding your testimony

  • You’ll give your testimony during the service. 2-3 minutes max. That’s about one page at 16pt font. You testimony should reflect the response you made in the What is the Gospel week of membership classes (https://www.benonibaptistchurch.com/membership-matters/week-1-what-is-the-gospel/).
    • ⁠What do you say of your former life? Did you lack peace, security? Live like a reprobate, like a Pharisee? Just like Paul did tell your story below. You don’t have to reveal every detail, but be honest.
    • How did you come to trust in Jesus as your Saviour? What were the circumstances or events that led up to your conversion?
    • ⁠Can you describe the Gospel message in your own testimony? You want to make sure that this is clear, concise and if you use “Christianese” that you explain the meaning of every word.
    • How do you live out your life with Jesus as your Lord? Be honest; you’re not perfect but the Holy Spirit produces fruit. Describe it in your life.
    • You may want to say a favourite verse.
  • Please send it to a pastor so they can read through it beforehand. If you need help shout.

Are you not baptised yet? I hope you are excited to get baptised. Baptism is necessary for church membership. This lesson was for those who have not been baptised yet.

Membership matters week 5_ What about baptism_Download