Mar 6, 2023
When
we talk about the Christian faith there are core doctrines which
are agreed upon by all Christians. For example, faith
in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. One can't
be a Christian without believing these truths.
There are also practices which the worldwide church has
participated in for over two thousand years. Community worship,
prayer, communion (Eucharist) and baptism. The major differences in
these practices lie in why,
and how they are to be
practiced. However, no Christian Church disagrees with their
importance.
When it comes to baptism, every church, denomination or Christian
tradition acknowledges the essential role baptism plays in the life
of a follower of Jesus. In fact it was Jesus who taught us to
"go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them"
(Matthew 28:19). If Jesus commands us to designate a disciple of
his with baptism...that's what we are going to do. The big
questions then are, "Why, exactly?" -
"How should it be done?" -
"When?"
In this sermon we strive to answer those questions, not with Church
tradition or denominational creeds, but with what the Bible
teaches. If any of these questions have been swirling around your
mind or if you have a friend who has wrestled with these issues
give a listen to part five of Asking For A Friend.