“Sacrament” 1)A sacred act instituted by Christ for Christians to do. 2)Uses earthly elements along with God’s Word. 3)Offers and gives forgiveness of sins, life and salvation

Lesson 44

What is Baptism?

Why is the water we use in Baptism not just plain water? Mark 7:3-4 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) water Jesus commands us to use

Why is the water we use in Baptism not just plain water? Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… baptize Jesus commands us

Why is the water we use in Baptism not just plain water? Ephesians 5:26 …to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word… his Word water Jesus commands us to use together with

Key Point #1 The water in Baptism is not just plain water, because it is water God has commanded us to use and it is connected with his Word.

Agree or Disagree? Water that has been used for a baptism should not be poured down the drain after the baptism because it is special water.

Evaluate… Meg, a teenager, wanted to be baptized standing in a river, instead of standing next to the baptismal font in church.

What’s wrong here? As a pastor pours water on a baby’s head, he says, “I baptize you in the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Comforter.”

John asks his pastor, “Why does Jesus tell us in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the triune God, when in Acts 2:38 Peter talks about being baptized in Jesus’ name?” How would you answer John?

Whom are we to baptize? Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… all nations

Whom are we to baptize? Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit… adults all nations includes

Whom are we to baptize? Acts 2:39 …The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” children all nations includes

Key Point #2 God commands us to baptize “all nations” – both children and adults.

Why do we baptize children? Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… all nations children are part of

Why do we baptize children? Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. sinful children are by nature

Why do we baptize children? Matthew 18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. believe in Jesus children can

Key Point #3 We baptize little children since “all nations” includes them, they are sinful, and they can believe.

When little Stephanie was baptized, her parents received several greeting cards that expressed the joy that some of their friends had when they hard about Stephanie’s birth and her baptism. Some cards spoke about Stephanie’s christening. Why do you suppose a baptism would be referred to as a christening?

Lesson 44 Baptism is an act that Jesus commands us to do to all nations, using water together with his Word.

Vocabulary… “baptize” to apply water in various ways

Vocabulary… “immersion” “dunked” completely under the water

Vocabulary… “baptismal font” the stand in church which holds the water for a baptism