What next steps does baptism show?

1. I'm not ashamed to go public.

2. I have decided to follow Jesus.

3. I have a story to tell.

What next step can I take if I haven't been baptized?

1. Get baptized!

What next step can I take if I have been baptized?

1. Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.

2. Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.

3. Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!

START TALKING

What is an example of something - an experience, a hobby, a lifestyle - that you have become "immersed" in where the first step was only the first of many steps you would have to take? What would have been different if you only took the first step?

When have you taken a first step to do something but then didn't go any further with it? What was the result of you not taking any further steps? What would have changed if you had taken more steps?

START THINKING

Read Acts 19:1-2. When Paul met some new people who were believers, his first question might seem a little strange. Why do you think he asked them this question? What does it teach us about true transformation that comes if we have really taken the first step to follow Jesus?

Read Acts 19:3-5. What do you think is the significance of the subtle word choice that compares the baptism "of John" and "in Jesus"? Do you think these people were offended that Paul was essentially telling them that they needed to get baptized again? How is this similar to many in our culture who may have had a religious experience earlier in their life, but to be obedient need to get baptized now (and maybe again) that they have decided for themselves to follow Jesus?

Read Matthew 3:13-17. What evidence does this story give us about how Jesus expects us to be baptized? What is the significance of him being baptized as it relates to his command later Matthew 28:16-20.

START SHARING

When you were younger in your faith, or maybe before you came to faith, what was your understanding of baptism? What were you taught about it? Or what were your assumptions about it? How different or similar is that to what you have learned the Scriptures teach?

Have you been baptized? Why or why not? What was your experience?

Read 1 Peter 3:18-18-22. What is the danger of reading this literally rather than understanding that baptism is a symbol? If you read this passage understanding that baptism represents "immersion in Jesus" how does it change the meaning? How have you experienced being immersed in Jesus as you follow him? How is that different than simply having a belief system?

The symbol of baptism represents several things according to this 1 Peter 3 passage:

1. Getting into the water: my old self before surrendering to and following Jesus
2. Going under the water: my old self dying, my sinfulness being cleansed and washed away
3. Coming up out of the water: my new self, cleansed from sin and made new

What is your story that this can tell? Who or what were you before you followed Jesus? What led you to follow him and what about your old self had to die? How are you different now?

Below are some facts about baptism. What is most surprising to you? What is most helpful to you as you understand baptism or help others understand baptism?

1. Jesus was baptized.
2. Baptism is recorded 27 times in the New Testament, and each time it is after someone has made the decision for themselves to follow Jesus.
3. The word baptism in Greek is "baptizo," which is not originally a religious or spiritual term. It simply means to be immersed or go fully under.
4. Jesus commanded baptism in this order: go into the world, make disciples, baptize them.
5. Baptism is a symbol like a wedding ring. The symbol doesn't make you a believer but is a crucial step of obedience and public affirmation.

START DOING

What is a tangible next step that you need to take from the list below that this sermon challenged each of us to take?

- Get baptized!
- Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.
- Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.
- Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!

What will you actually do today and this week to take that step?

START PRAYING

Pray for each person in the micro church and the next step they shared. Pray for each other this week and check in on each other to ask how it is going as they take that step!