Donald Whitney in his book Spiritual Disciplines Within
the Church tells the following story.
Eightyseven year old Giles Pellerin recently attended his 750th consecutive USC
football game.
He has not missed a Trojan game—home or away—in 69 years! One year he had an
appendectomy just five days before a game. Still hospitalized on Saturday, he
told the nurses he was going for a walk and instead went to the stadium.
Why make such sacrifices to identify with an athletic team? “That's just all
part of being a fan!” Pellerin replied. Fan is short for fanatic. For millions
of people their actions prove that “being a fan” is to openly demonstrate your
dedication. But if you ask many Christians to publicly identify themselves with
the Son of God in an unusual way they will think it strange, cult-like, or only
for radical religionists.. Others might feel self-conscious about such public
displays of devotion.
Many Christians respond to baptism this way. Even some who truly love Jesus
consider baptism insignificant or something to think about doing later. How
important is it? Why should anyone seek baptism in a local church? On the other
hand, why would anyone who has come to know Jesus Christ and received his
eternal life refuse to identify with Him in the manner he prescribed?
If others will proudly wear clothing announcing their loyalty to a sports team,
if Giles Pellerin will travel the country for sixty-nine years to express his
devotion to the USC football team, can believers in Jesus Christ remain
unwilling to identify themselves with their Savior and God through baptism?
Today we answer the question: “Why be baptized?”
Thinking it over . . .
Though Jesus did not personally baptize anyone, why
were his followers being baptized?
Who gave the disciples authority to baptize? Who has authority to administer
baptism today? Why? If you love Jesus Christ why should you be baptized?
How are Christians identified with Jesus Christ according to the Scripture? How
are you associated with Jesus?
What might hinder you or keep you from being baptized in a local church?
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ but have not been baptized what should
you do? What is the first step?
What is the relationship between baptism and your faith in Jesus Christ?
What does baptism express about your doctrinal beliefs?
Scripture Reading
John 3:22-30
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