Title: I Love My Church Topic: Does Baptism Matter? Sermon Notes
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LIFE GROUP GUIDE Title: I Love My Church Text: Colossians 2:11-12 Topic: Does baptism matter? Baptism pictures the believer’s death and resurrection with Christ. It is the outward reflection of the power of God working through the faith of the believer. It is a public declaration of one who has trusted Christ for salvation. Baptism is a step of obedience to Christ, a statement of submission to Him, and an identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. MAIN POINT At its heart, baptism is an opportunity to be like Jesus. DELIVER – Use this space to take notes during the sermon. Additional commentary is also available to rightly understand and teach God’s Word. Sermon Notes: 1. In baptism we identify with Jesus. (11-12) 2. In baptism we obey Jesus. (Mt. 28:18-20) 3. In baptism we preach Jesus. DISCIPLE – Use these questions to engage people in discussion on a personal level. Ask everyone to open their sermon notes and Bibles. ➢ Review last week’s time together. o What did we discuss last week? What was your main takeaway? o How were you reminded of these truths throughout the week? o Did you do any of the things you wanted to apply from last week? o Did you have any opportunities to share what God is teaching you? ➢ Read (or have a volunteer read) Colossians 2:11-12. ➢ Review the sermon point: “In baptism we identify with Jesus.” Share from your notes and ask group members for insights. 1. What is Paul describing when he states “with a circumcision not done with hands?” 2. Based on the scripture in Colossians how are we “identifying with Christ” through the act of baptism? What is Paul saying baptism symbolizes? Being “buried” and “raised up” with Christ is a way of saying that we have passed from our old life into a new life at conversion. Paul is using baptism as our public imagery as a picture of the believer’s death and resurrection with Christ. ➢ Read (or have a volunteer read) Matthew 28:18-20. ➢ Review the sermon point: “In baptism we obey Jesus.” Share from your notes and ask group members for insights. 3. What is the three step process Jesus gives in this text as guidelines for making disciples? What is Christ’s very first command he gives every believer? If we neglect baptism, we are disobeying our Lord. Jesus Himself was baptised. He was not a sinner, yet He humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example we are to follow. ➢ Review the sermon point: “In baptism we preach Jesus.” Share from your notes and ask group members for insights. 4. What is the design in scripture for a person to publicly declare that they are a follower of Christ? What has the church today replaced that biblical proclamation (public declaration) of faith in Christ with? Why do you think this has happened? Christ has commanded us to align ourselves with Him and share His gospel with the world. Christ’s intent for every believer, once we come to Christ, is that we grow up & become like Him while we are taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. If our lives are not given to advancing the Gospel and to expanding the Kingdom of God, than we are failing. DEPLOY – Use this final section to help people respond to your time together. ● What does baptism symbolize? (Discuss the picture it represents of Christ and the believer) ● Have you been baptised? Was it post conversion? Why does it matter if we were baptized before or after faith in Christ? (Think what baptism signifies) NEXT WEEK - Use this information to prayerfully prepare, brainstorm, and study. Text: Luke 15 Topic: Prodigal Son .