April 26
What we’re doing this week:
This week we are having baptism at Lifeline! There are 42 high school students being baptized. We are so excited to celebrate these students taking the next step on their faith journey.
If you missed this last week, take a moment to fill out our leader survey!
Discussion Questions:
For those of you who have time for small group tonight, we want students to reflect on what they just witnessed during baptism. Did they feel overwhelmed hearing everyone’s testimonies? Do they feel disconnected from the experience? Have they been baptized before? Are they interested in baptism? There is a lot that can come up after witnessing baptisms. Allow this small group not to dissolve into side conversations, but rather be centered on the topic of baptism, and be reminded of what baptism is and what it isn’t. After the activity, spend the remaining time how you see fit.
INSTRUCTIONS: Go through each statement as a group and decide whether it is true or false. Then, read the truth statements that follow and open up scripture passages.
Q: Baptism is something I have to do in order to be truly saved from my sins.
A: FALSE
The truth is Baptism is an expression of faith in Christ and a step of obedience. We are saved by grace through faith, and baptism is an expression of that faith, not a way to be saved. But, since Jesus commanded it, baptism is the next step of obedience once a person has surrendered his or her life to God.
Have someone read in their bible: Matthew 28:19-20
What questions do you have about this?
Q: Baptism is something Christians are commanded to do once they are a believer.
A: TRUE
The truth is, Baptism is a vital part of the life of every Christian. Baptism is a physical experience that corresponds with your spiritual encounter with Christ. It is an outward symbol of an inner experience of grace.
Have someone read in their bible: Acts 2:38 & Colossians 2:12
The truth is, Baptism is a public declaration that Jesus is the leader of your life. Baptism is you declaring to all your friends and family, with certainty, that Jesus is the new leader of your life. Because he is your leader, your savior, and your Lord, you are committing yourself to doing everything Jesus has commanded you from this day forward. You won’t be perfect, but you are seeking to follow him.
Have someone read in their bible: Galatians 3:27 & John 14:15
What questions do you have about this?
Q: I have to a lot of work to do on my faith to be a better Christian before I am ready to get baptized.
A: FALSE
The truth is, Baptism symbolizes the washing away of your sins. This is why we completely immerse in the water, to symbolize the fact that Jesus’ death and resurrection are sufficient to completely wash you free from punishment for sin.
Have someone read in their bible: Psalm 51:7 & Acts 22:16
The truth is, Baptism is a reminder of your faith as you seek to live it out. As you seek to follow Christ, you will be able to look back on your baptism and remember the commitment you made, the people who heard it, and all that baptism represents. This can be a great help when you doubt your salvation or struggle to obey Christ.
Have someone read in their bible: Hebrews 10:22 & 1 Corinthians 6:11
What questions do you have about this?
Q: Baptism is a long-standing tradition that Christians have partaken in for Thousands of Years.
A: TRUE
The truth is, Baptism symbolizes your new life in God. In the beginning water was a symbol of chaos (Genesis 1:2). Out of chaos, God brings order. He creates life. The same is true for us. God takes the chaos of our lives without him and transforms them into new lives with him. Baptism pictures this transformation. Being lowered into the water (chaos) and being raised out of the water symbolizes coming to new life in Christ.
Have someone read in their bible: Romans 6: 3-4
The truth is, Baptism connects you to the larger family of God. For some 2,000 years, believers all around the world have decided to pursue baptism as a symbol of their new life with God. When you get baptized, you are partaking in an experience that is rooted in the early church.
Have someone read in their bible: Acts 2:41
What questions do you have about this?
