More Important Than You Think

Today’s goal: Every Christian who has not been baptized as a Christian, sign up to be

baptized

3 views on baptism:

#1 The Roman Catholic view: Baptism is necessary for salvation, and the act of baptism

causes regeneration (salvation). This is not a Christian view

#2 The Paedo Baptist View:  In the Old Covenant, circumcision was the external sign of entrance into God’s covenant community. In the New Covenant, baptism is the external sign of entrance into the “covenant community”

- Baptism is the NT counterpart to OT circumcision

- Therefore, children of believing parents should be baptized as a sign they belong to the

“covenant community” of the Church

- This is not seen as a saving act; the child will need to personally, consciously place faith

in Jesus as Savior like anyone else to be saved

- We disagree with this view, but so long as baptism is not seen as a saving act, it is a

secondary issue

#3 Believer’s Baptism: The ceremony of baptism takes place after a profession of faith has

been made, in obedience to Jesus. Faith precedes baptism.

Colossians 2:11-12 

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an external representation of a believer having been buried with Christ and

raised with Christ through faith

3 Reasons YOU need to be baptized:

#1 Jesus commands it

Matthew 28:19-20 

#2 Jesus’ friends obey Jesus

John 15:14 

-4 excuses people give for not getting baptized

1. I was baptized as a baby

2. I’m scared to be in front of people

3. I don’t want to mess up my hair

4. It’s just a ceremony and I don’t see the point

#3 Baptism proclaims your identification with Jesus

When should someone get baptized? As soon as they have opportunity

Acts 2:41 

Acts 8:36 and Acts 8:38 

Acts 10:47