“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country. —Romans 6:1-5 (Msg)

1. Water Baptism is your public confession of being born again.

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” —John 3:5-7 (NIV)

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. —Acts 2:38 (NIV)

☑️ It gives the church a time to celebrate.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. —Acts 2:46-47(NIV)

☑️ It gives you identity.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. —John 1:12-13 (NLT)

2. Water Baptism is a choice.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”. —Mark 16:15-16 (NIV)

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. —Revelation 2:5 (NIV)

3. Water Baptism is an act of obedience.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” —Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

4. Water Baptism is done by immersion

For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death. —Colossians 2:12 (GNT)

Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: What did you bring? What childhood memories do you associate with that dish?

1. Why do you think God chose water baptism as the method to show your public confession to Christ?

2. If we are dead to sin, why do Christians still sin?

3. Have you been baptized through water immersion? In under 3 minutes, share your baptism story.

Going Deeper

If you have not been baptized through water immersion, ask yourself this question: What’s stopping me? Then, with this response, talk with a ministry leader about it.

If you have been baptized, how would you use your story to encourage someone that hasn’t? Write out how you would do it and then, try to share your experience with others.