Baptism

Read

• Colossians 1:13-14 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What two realms does Paul describe?

2. What has God done?

3. How does Paul define redemption?

4. What role does Jesus have?

For yourself

What does the rescue and forgiveness described here mean for my own relationship with God? What would I like to understand better?

Investigate this passage carefully.

Read

• Acts 2:36-41 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What do Peter's listeners believe?

2. What question do they ask?

3. What does Peter tell them?

4. What promises are mentioned?

5. What do those who accept the message actually do?

For yourself

Write down the sequence without adding anything that isn't in the passage.

How does my own response to Jesus compare with the response described here? What do I still need to understand?

Read

• Romans 6:1-4 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What does Paul say Christians were baptised into?

2. What connection does he make with Jesus' death?

3. What does burial represent?

4. What is supposed to follow resurrection?

For yourself

What would living a new life mean in my own circumstances? What would need to change?

Read

• Romans 10:5-13 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Acts 22:16 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What does Romans say about believing, confessing and calling?

2. Who may call on the Lord?

3. What language does Ananias use with Paul in Acts 22?

4. How do these passages fit together?

For yourself

What would it mean for me personally to call on the Lord? What questions do I need to investigate about that response?

Read

• Acts 22:7-16 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What has Paul experienced before meeting Ananias?

2. What does Ananias tell him?

3. What does verse 16 connect with baptism?

4. What questions does this passage raise for you?

For yourself

Does Paul's experience challenge any assumptions I have about responding to Jesus? What should I examine more closely?

Read

• John 3:3-5 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Titus 3:3-5 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What language of new beginning appears?

2. What role do water, Spirit, washing and renewal have?

3. Who is responsible for saving?

4. Is salvation described as something earned?

For yourself

How does this picture of salvation affect the way I approach God? What might I need to rethink about earning His acceptance?

Read

• Colossians 2:11-14 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• 1 Peter 3:21 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Galatians 3:23-27 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Look back

1. What does baptism represent?

2. What does God do?

3. What does the person do?

4. How are faith, repentance and baptism connected?

5. How is baptism connected with Jesus?

For yourself

What conclusions do you draw?

In light of these passages, what do I believe my next step should be? What, if anything, do I still need to understand?