Back to Basics of Being a Born Again Christian: Water Baptism and you 25/26 Mar 2017 Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 2:20 Pr Chris Kam Bulletin Introduction Hebrews 6:1-2 * Repentance * Faith in God * Instructions about baptisms * The laying on of hands * The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. Why do we need to be baptised? a. It’s a _________________. (Matthew 28:19) b. It’s a _________________ pattern in the early church. (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15a; 16:29-34; 18:8; 19:5) c. It’s a _________________ declaration d. It’s a _________________ declaration Big Idea: I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Key verse: Galatians 2:20 1. I am _________________. 20 I have been crucified with Christ … Romans 6:3-4 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death ….. John 6:60, 66 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” ….. 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Matthew 16:24-25 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 2. I am _________________. 20 …. and I no longer live. 1 Cor 15:31 I die everyday. 3. I am _________________! 20 …. but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. John 12:24-25 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Application Questions: 1. What is the most significant thing the Holy Spirit spoke to you about through this sermon? 2. Discuss with the sermon in mind why water baptism is an important part of the Christian life. 3. Why is it important to go back to basics about repentance and faith before water baptism? What does water baptism symbolise? 4. Describe your own baptism experience, the circumstances leading up to it and your decision to be baptised. 5. How has water baptism affirmed your faith in Christ and encourage you in your journey as a Christian? Or what have you missed out in your baptism experience? 6. For those who are not baptised, what are your reasons for the delay? Discuss with your cell group and see if they can help you. (Cell leaders, please find out if you are not sure of the process to baptism and membership in DUMC.)