1. Baptism-Why? Text: John 3:16-36 vs 22,23...After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. (Joh 3:22-23)

2. The short answer is because Jesus commanded it. The long answer is as follows: I. John The Baptist was sent by God to preach repentance and faith and to baptize. Jn. 3:23; Mk. 1:1-4

3. II. Jesus was baptized Mk. 1:9-11; A. example- “coming up out of the water” v10 B. “fulfill all righteousness”- Mt. 3:15 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. (Joh 3:22- 23) Rhantanzo-sprinkleBallo-pour Baptizo-whelm, immerse, dip

5. Some Churches Still Immerse Infants

6. III. Jesus & His disciples baptized-Jn 3:23... “...came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.” (they baptized w/His authority) A. Joh 4:1-2 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (2) (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) B. Jesus baptized me...Paul baptized me? Paul thanked God he hadn't baptized any except...I Cor. 1:12-17... no dispute about who, but why?

7. IV. Jesus commissioned them to baptize Mt. 28:19 A. They did-Acts 2:37, 41, 47 (saved and baptized) B. Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” C. added: Acts 2:41-3,000; v47 daily such as were saved; Acts 4:14 “5,000 men”; Acts 5:14 “multitudes”;

8. V. Paul-Romans 6:3-5 Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (eis/ into, for- because of)

9. VI. Peter- I Pet. 3:21... “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

10. Biblical Baptism involves: Proper Candidate: born again believer in Christ. Proper Authority: Bible believing church Proper Mode: immersion in water Proper Motive: obedience & good conscience toward God, not salvation.

11. Baptism – Why?...Why Not? Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.