Truths on Baptism

I made a quick note explaining our beliefs of baptism and what the Bible states in our family's dedication post below. Well, This weekend, Pastor Mike did a whole sermon on external signs like baptism, so I thought I'd post the information here for further study. You can hear the sermon--which I highly recommend--at http://www.compasschurch.org/sermons. It is called: The Gospel According to Abraham, Part 3 "Rethinking outward signs and inward realities."

If you want even more study on this topic, here are other sermons Pastor Mike has given which give much Bible study about the topic.You can go to http://www.compasschurch.org/ and then click on Focal Point to download these sermons for FREE.

CD # 0706 – A Crash Course on Christ’s Two Ordinances
CD # 0615 – A Crash Course in Justification & Sanctification
CD # 0634 – Why Don’t We Have to Keep All Those Old Testament Ceremonies?
CD # 0801 – Realities Instead of Rituals
CD # 0836 – No Hiding Behind Religious Trappings

Here are the questions on the back of the sermon (to spur application and further thought):

Application Questions
These questions are provided for your further study and application of today’s sermon. Thoughtfully writing out the answers to these questions will help to drive home the point of today’s study.

1. What are some of the dangers of failing to differentiate between the biblically commanded ceremonial signs and the realities they are supposed to represent?
Why do you think so many prefer to check the box of participating in an “external sign” rather than to engage in the “inward reality” of trusting completely in Christ?
2. Read Jeremiah 4:4 and Deuteronomy 30:6. Why are these passages so important in understanding the limitations of the Old Testament sign of physical circumcision?
3. Why do most couples (or why did you) choose to add a variety of symbolic formalities and ceremonial elements to their wedding event as opposed to simply filing the legal paperwork?
4. Read Matthew 28:19-20. In the New Covenant, Jesus commanded us to baptize those who have become his disciples. Have you been baptized by a church leader after you became a follower of Christ? If not, when will you? If so, what was that like?
5. How would you respond to someone who tells you that because water baptism does not save him, he is not going to do it?

Here are some resources which may assist you in a deeper study of the truths presented in this week’s sermon.
Carson, Alexander. Baptism: Its Mode and Subjects. Reprint. Kregel, 1981.
Conant, Thomas Jefferson. The Meaning and Use of BAPTIZEIN. Reprint. Kregel, 1977.
Dyer, Larry E. Baptism: The Believer’s First Obedience. Kregel Publications, 2000.
Erickson, Millard. “The Initiatory Rite of the Church” in Christian Theology (Second Edition). Baker Books, 1998.
Feinberg, John S. Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship Between OT & NT. Crossway, 1988.
Jewett, Paul K. Infant Baptism & the Covenant of Grace: An Appraisal of the Argument. Wipf & Stock, 1978.
Malone, Fred A. A String of Pearls Unstrung: A Theological Journey Into Believers’ Baptism. Founders Press, 1998.
Schreiner, Thomas, ed. Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. B & H Academic, 2006.
Unger, Merrill F. The Baptism & Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Moody Press, 1974.
Watson, T. E. Should Babies Be Baptized? Grace Publications, 1995.
Waymeyer, Matt. A Biblical Critique of Infant Baptism. Kress Christian Publications, 2008.
Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church: Participating Fully in the Body of Christ. Moody, 1996.