Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
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Sacrament of Baptism
This lesson was the first of four that dealt with our two sacraments: baptism and communion.
Bible Text:
Matthew 3:1–17; Mark 16:15–16; Matthew 28:19–20; Colossians 3:1–14
Lesson Focus:
In baptism we join the family of faith and receive God's promises of forgiveness, salvation, and new life.
Big Question:
What really happens during baptism?
Key Words:
BORN AGAIN, INFANT BAPTISM, DAILY REPENTANCE, BODY OF CHRIST
Key Word's Definition
BORN AGAIN: having received in baptism salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of everlasting life with God.
INFANT BAPTISM: occurs when a baby receives the sacrament and becomes a full member of the body of Christ. The infant becomes a member not by his or her own decision, but by the undeniable grace of God.
DAILY REPENTANCE: the realization every day that you are a sinner, but through your baptism into Jesus Christ you are redeemed and forgiven.
BODY OF CHRIST: the entire company of saints, including everyone on earth—past, present, and future—who lives in the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ for eternity.
Going Deep
In Jesus' baptism, the Spirit descended on him and a voice from heaven declared, "You are my Son" (Mark 1:10–11). In baptism, all become members of one body, which is the body of Christ. We become children of one Father, and there is "no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
Baptism is a new birth. We become children of God and heirs with Christ. Baptized into Christ, we are members of the body of Christ, buried with Christ "by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Receiving forgiveness, we are freed from sin and death to righteousness. Whatever sins we commit cannot hold us captive. Not only every day, but also every hour, God's forgiveness frees us to new life so that we may start anew to serve God.
Salvation is promised to us in baptism. God in Christ Jesus rescues us from death and sin so that we might live in God's glory forever. God does this "through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit . . . poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5–8). Adopted as God's children through Jesus Christ in baptism, we receive God's grace and the forgiveness of sins. We become inheritors of God's promises, set aside for God's purposes, so that we might live new lives to the glory of God. New life in Christ is characterized by unity in the Spirit given in baptism. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who is the power of God. The Holy Spirit energizes us and gives us gifts for new life together in Christ.
Baptism is both an event and a process. We become members of any family by an event like birth, adoption, or marriage. Baptism, too, is an event—the washing in God's grace with water and word. Becoming part of a family is a process. It is the responsibility of all family members as well as the new family member. We learn and grow into what being a family member means. Baptism also involves the family of faith in a process. The process of baptism is ongoing education and growth in Christian understanding. It is also reliance on baptism in daily repentance and forgiveness of sins. "Daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever"
Creative Writing Option: Water Dwellers
Have students get into pairs or work together as a small group. Come up with a list of at least one thing that lives in water for every letter of the alphabet. If you have time (and art supplies), students can illustrate the list with the water creatures.
Debrief the activity with these questions:
- Have you ever visited an aquarium? Which creatures did you like the most?
- What are some ways that you use water every day, and how could you remember your baptism during these times?
- Why do you think God uses something so common to do something so amazing?
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