Our sermon this Sunday will be on the subject of baptism as a defining marker of what makes a church. As you prepare for Sunday consider the following:
Carefully Think
- Read through Romans 6:1-11. What is the main theme of this section? How do you know?
- Read through Romans 6:3-5. What do these verses emphasize in relation to the main idea of 6:1-11?
- Why does Paul use the word “baptize” in relation to our salvation? Does he have in mind water baptism? Spirit baptism? Some combination? How can you tell?
- In your understanding, what is the purpose for water baptism?
- Read through Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:37-41. What relationship does baptism have to conversion?
Prayerfully Meditate
- Have you been baptized? If so, When? Where? Why? If not, why not?
- Who should be baptized according to the verses you have read above? Conversely, from what you learn from the verses above, who should not be baptized and why?
- How important is baptism to the Christian life? Remember what you have read in relation to baptism and how it fits with Romans 6:1-11. Consider what Matthew 28:18-20 suggests.
Actively Respond
- If you are a Christian and show the evidence of internal regeneration, but you have not been baptized, why not? Is this a biblical reason? Why would you delay openly professing your faith. Schedule a time to talk with one of the elders about this.
- What about children who profess faith? According to Romans 6:3-5 what is true about a person”™s soul and what is baptism depicting. Do you see specific evidence of such a radical regeneration in the life of your child? Each case is unique. Perhaps a conversation with our Children”™s director or an elder would be helpful.
- If you are a believer and have been baptized, how does your attitude and behavior reflect the emphasis of Romans 6:3-5?
- Pray for those who will be leading the church in our corporate gathering on Sunday. Pray that they will have a focused attention in leading the entire church in a biblical manner.
- Pray for all who will be involved in the service (instrumentalists, sound technicians, ushers, etc.). Pray that we will all help to enhance people”™s affections for God this week in how we serve the body.
- Pray for those who will attend who do not know Christ. Pray that they will consider the truths of the gospel they will hear. Pray for believers to grow in their understanding and application of God”™s Word.
- Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will sing Sunday (found below).
- Listen to samples of the music we plan to sing (found below), or download them to your music library on your computer.
Click on the links below to listen to or download these songs:
Creation Sings the Father’s Song
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Use the material below to meditate on the lyrics of the songs for this Sunday:
