1 What Does It Really Mean To Be A Disciple?. 2 Three Preliminary Questions Does God exist? Is Jesus the Son of God? Is the Bible the word of God?

1

What Does It What Does It ReallyReally Mean To Mean To Be A Disciple?Be A Disciple?

2

Three Preliminary QuestionsThree Preliminary Questions

• Does God exist?

• Is Jesus the Son of God?

• Is the Bible the word of God?

3

The Great CommissionThe Great Commission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20)

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A Question That OnlyA Question That Only YouYou Can Answer Can Answer

• “Am I a true disciple of Jesus Christ?”

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What term is used most often in What term is used most often in the NT to describe God’s people?the NT to describe God’s people?

• “Christian(s)” 3x

• “Believer(s)” 4x

• “Saint(s)” 62x

• “Disciple(s)” 274x

Only the term “brother(s)” or “brethren” is used more often in the NT

6

Used Primarily To IdentifyUsed Primarily To Identify

• “Disciple(s) of John” (Mt. 9:14)

• “Disciple(s) of the Pharisees” (Mt. 22:15-16)

• “Disciple(s) of Moses” (Jn. 9:28)

• “Disciple(s) of Jesus” (Mt. 9:10)

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Who Is A Disciple Of Jesus?

• Any good moral person?

• Any sincere religious person?

• Anyone who claims to be saved?

• Anyone who is a member of a church?

Let’s Go To The Bible To Find Out

8

Discipleship Means…Discipleship Means…

• Learning about Jesus (Mt. 11:28-30; Jn. 6:44-45)

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Learning About JesusLearning About Jesus

• What the word “disciple” means

• What Jesus invites all men to do (Mt. 11:28-30)

• What all must do (Jn. 6:44-45)

• Learning about Jesus means learning about:

– What He thinks about things

– How He feels about things

– How He would act

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““Disciple”Disciple”(mathetes)

• BAGD: “...learner, pupil, disciple. 1. gener. pupil, apprentice (in contrast to the teacher).... 2. disciple, adherent....” (pp. 485-486)

• Thayer: “a learner, pupil, disciple....one who follows one’s teaching....The word is not found in th O.T., nor in the Ep. of the N.T., nor in the Apocalypse; in Grk. writ. fr. [Hdt.], Arstph., Xen., Plato, down.” (#3101, p.

386)

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John 6:44-45

• To come to Christ you must be drawn by the Father

• Those who come to Christ have heard and learned from the Father

• Therefore, the way the Father draws is by teaching

44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

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The Attitude Of A DiscipleThe Attitude Of A Disciple

• Samuel’s attitude: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:10-11)

• Isaiah’s attitude: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isa. 6:8)

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• Becoming like Jesus (Mt. 10:24-25; Lk. 6:40)

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Becoming Like JesusBecoming Like Jesus

• A disciple is a learner and a follower (Mt. 10:24-25; Lk. 6:40)

• Becoming like Jesus means:– Thinking the way He thinks– Feeling the way He feels– Acting and reacting the way He does

• Discipleship means much more than: – Being better than those in the world

– Being better than most Christians

– Being as good as the best Christian you know

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• Abiding in Jesus’ Words (Jn. 8:31-32)

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Abiding In Jesus’ WordsAbiding In Jesus’ Words

Jn. 8:31-32: 31Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

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Sin Is The Reason We Need To Sin Is The Reason We Need To Become DisciplesBecome Disciples

Jn. 8:33-36: 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35“And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

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Romans 3:9, 239What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. …. 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

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Sin = To Miss The Mark

1 Jn. 3:4

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

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Sins Against GodSins Against God

• Evil thoughts (Mt. 15:19)

• Thefts (Mt. 15:19)

• Ingratitude (Rom. 1:21)

• Covetousness (Rom. 1:29)

• Envy (Rom. 1:29)

• Deceit (Rom. 1:29)

• Pride (Rom. 1:30)

• Disobedience to parents (Rom. 1:30)

• Drunkenness (Rom. 13:13)

• Coarse jesting (Eph. 5:4)

• Failing to do good (Jas. 4:17)

• Unbelief (Rev. 21:8)

• Lying (Rev. 21:8)

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Isa. 59:1-21 Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that he will not hear.

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• Abiding in all the words of Jesus (Mt. 28:19-20)

• Abiding in only the words of Jesus (Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 1:1-2)

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OT NT• Prophesied a “new covenant”

(Jer. 31:31-33)• Till the Seed should come (Gal.

3:19, 16)

• Nailed to the cross (Rom. 7:4-7; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:13-14)

• Replaced by the NT (Heb. 8:6-13; 10:8-10)

24

Abraham & Christ(Gal. 3:6-29)

NationLandSeed

Gen. 12:1-3

430 years

“Till”

Under Guard

No LongerUnder Tutor

Seed

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The Value Of The OT

• Its creation account explains origins (Gen. 1 & 2)

• Its history provides the background for the NT

• Its revelation of God enlightens (Psa. 119:15, 27)

• Its prophecies confirm (Jn. 5:39, 46-47; Lk. 24:44-47; 2 Pet. 1:19)

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The Value Of The OT

• Its principles instruct (Rom. 15:4)

• Its examples warn and teach (1 Cor. 10:6, 11)

• Its types and shadows illuminate (Heb. 10:1)

• Its message makes us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:14-15)

32


• Moses & Prophets

• Parents or Ancestors

• Pope

• Denomination

• Church

• PreacherNot

33

Jesus’ Words

• What Jesus taught (Jn. 12:48-50; 14:24; Heb. 1:1-2)

• What Jesus’ apostles taught (Jn. 14:26; 16:12-15; 17:6-8; 17-19; 1 Th. 2:13; 1 Cor. 14:37)

• What Jesus’ prophets taught (Eph. 2:19-22; 3:3-5; 4:11-16)

• What has been preserved in the NT (Eph. 3:3-5)

34

God

Prophets Christ

Apostles

NT

Heb. 1:1 Heb. 1:2Jn. 12:49-50

Jn. 15:1517:6-8, 17-19

HSJn. 14:26; 16:12-15;1 Cor. 2:6-7, 10-13

Eph. 3:3-5

1 Th. 2:131 Cor. 14:37

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AbidingAbiding In Jesus’ Words In Jesus’ Words

• Know (1 Pet. 2:2)

• Do (Jas. 1:21-25; cf. Lk. 6:46)

• Do only (Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Jn. 9-11)

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Exodus 25:9“According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” (cf. Ex. 25:40; 26:30; 27:8; 31:11; 39:42-43; Acts 7:44; 2 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 8:5)

37

Numbers 22:18 “Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” (cf. Num. 24:13; 1 Cor. 4:6)

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Deuteronomy 4:2“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the command-ments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (cf. Dt.12:32; Pr. 30:5-6; Gal. 3:15; Rev. 22:18-19)

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Deuteronomy 5:32Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (cf. Dt. 17:11, 18-20; 28:13-14; Josh. 1:7; 23:6; Pr. 4:26-27)

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Galatians 1:8-98 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

41

1 Tim. 1:3-43 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. (cf. 1 Tim. 6:3-5)

42

1 Peter 4:11“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ….”

43

2 John 9-119 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

44

Going Beyond The Doctrine(2 Jn. 9-11)

The Doctrine Of Christ Does Not Have God

Doctrine Of Christ

Has Both The Father And The Son

45

• According To The Pattern (Ex. 25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; 31:11; 39:42-43; Acts 7:44; 2 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 8:5)

• Don’t Go Beyond (Num. 22:18; 24:13; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9-11)

• Don’t Add Or Subtract (Dt. 4:1-2; 12:32; Pr. 30:5-6; Gal. 3:15; Rev. 22:18-19)

• Don’t Turn Aside (Dt. 5:32-33; 17:11, 18-20; 28:13-14; Josh. 1:7; 23:6; Pr. 4:26-27)

Respect For God’s Word

46

Respect For God’s Word

• Don’t Preach Another Gospel (Gal. 1:6-10)

• Don’t Teach A Different Doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3-7; 6:3-5)

• Don’t teach the commandments of men (Mt. 15:7-9; Mk. 7:6-9; Col. 2:16-23)

• Hold firm apostolic traditions (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Th. 2:15; 3:6)

• Speak As The Oracles Of God (1 Pet. 4:11)

47

The Consequences

• One will be rebuked by God (Pr. 30:5-6)

• One is accursed (Gal. 1:6-10)

• One is proud and knows nothing (1 Tim. 6:3-5)

• One does not have God (2 Jn. 9-11)

• One will receive plagues and God will take away his part from the Book of Life (Rev. 22:18-19)

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Mt. 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!” (See 1 Jn. 3:4)

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Loyalty To The LordLoyalty To The Lord

• Preaching the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:20)

• Believed and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:21)

• Continue with the Lord (Acts 11:23)

• Added to the Lord (Acts 11:24)

• Disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26)

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Four Attitudes Toward Truth(1 Ki. 22)

• Ahab

• The prophets

• Jehoshaphat

• Micaiah

[Homework]

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• Ahab hated the truth (1 Ki. 22:3, 6, 8, 17-18, 26-27)

• The prophets perverted the truth (1 Ki. 22:6, 11-13)

• Jehoshaphat wanted the truth on his side (1 Ki. 22:5, 7)

• Micaiah wanted to be on the side of truth (1 Ki. 22:14)

Four Attitudes Toward Truth

What Is Your Attitude Toward Truth?

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Richard Whately

“It is one thing to wish to have truth on our side, and another to wish sincerely to be on the side of truth.”

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• Abiding in Jesus’ Words (Jn. 8:31-32)

• Bearing Fruit for Jesus (Jn. 15:1-2, 5, 8)

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Bearing Fruit For JesusBearing Fruit For Jesus

• Turning from sin and changing our lives (Mt. 3:8; Lk. 3:8)

• Living righteous lives (Rom. 6:17-22; Eph. 5:9; Phil. 1:11; Heb. 12:11)

• Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)

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Bearing Fruit For JesusBearing Fruit For Jesus

• Praising God (Heb. 13:15)

• Doing good works (Col. 1:10)

• Helping needy saints (Rom. 15:25, 28)

• Converting sinners to Christ (Rom. 1:13; Phil. 4:17)

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• Loving other Disciples (Jn. 13:34-35)

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Paul’s Description Of LovePaul’s Description Of Love(1 Cor. 13:4-8)

4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails.

Substitute Your Name

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Discipleship Means…Discipleship Means…• Loving other

Disciples (Jn. 13:34-35)

• Loving Jesus the Most (Lk. 14:26; cf. Mt. 10:34-37)

• Bearing our Cross (Lk. 14:27)

• Forsaking All (Lk. 14:33)

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What Does It Really Mean To What Does It Really Mean To Be A Disciple?Be A Disciple?

• Learning about Jesus

• Becoming like Jesus

• Abiding in Jesus’ Words

• Bearing fruit for the Lord

• Loving other disciples

• Loving Jesus the most

• Bearing our cross

• Forsaking all

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Is It Worth It???Is It Worth It???

• The rewards of discipleship (Mk. 10:28-31)

• The consequences of rejecting Jesus (Heb. 10:26-31)

Yes when youconsider

61

The Great CommissionThe Great Commission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20)

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The Scholars OnThe Scholars On “Making Disciples” “Making Disciples”

• William Hendriksen: “The concepts ‘baptizing’ and ‘teaching’ are simply two activities, in co-ordination with each other, but both subordinate to ‘make disciples.’ In other words, by means of being baptized and being taught a person becomes a disciple, with the understanding, of course, that this individual is ready for baptism and is willing to appropriate the teaching.” (Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew, p. 1000)

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The Scholars OnThe Scholars On “Making Disciples” “Making Disciples”

• Albert Barnes [Presbyterian]: “This word properly means disciple, or make disciples of. This was to be done, however, by teaching, and by administering the rite of baptism.” (“Matthew and Mark,” Barnes’ Notes, p. 323)

• A. Carr: “‘Make disciples of all the Gentiles...by baptism and by instruction in all my commands to you’” (“The Gospel According To St. Matthew,” Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges, p, 319)

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“Baptize”(Baptizo)

BAGD: “dip, immerse, mid. dip oneself, wash (in non-Christian lit. also ‘plunge, sink, drench, overwhelm’; fig. ‘soak’...)....” (A Greek-English Lexicon Of The New Testament And Other Early Christian Literature, p. 131)

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Joseph Thayer: “I. 1. prop. to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge.... 2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water; in the mid. and the 1 aor. pass. to wash one’s self, bathe....” (A Greek-English Lexicon Of The New Testament, #907, p. 94)

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W. E. Vine: “to baptize, primarily a frequentative form of bapto, to dip, was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc....” (The Expanded Vine’s Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, p. 89)

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The Testimony Of Scholars

Moses Stuart: “Baptize means to dip, plunge, or immerse into any liquid. All lexicographers and critics of any note are agreed in this.” (Essay on Baptism, p. 51; Bib. Repos., 1833, p. 298, quoted in Edward T. Hiscox, The Hiscox Guide For Baptist Churches, p. 206)

John Calvin [Presbyterian]: “The very word ‘baptize,’ however, signifies immerse, and it is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” (Institutes, Vol. III., p. 343, via Cope p. 5)

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The Testimony Of Scholars Martin Luther [Lutheran]: “Baptism is called in

the Greek language baptismos, in Latin mersio, which means to plunge something entirely into the water, so that the water closes over it. And although in many places it is the custom no longer to thrust and plunge children into the font of baptism, but only to pour the baptismal water upon them out of the font, nevertheless, the former is what should be done.” (A Compend of Luther’s Theology, Ed. Hugh Thomson Kerr, p. 167, quoted in The Gospel Anchor 9:8:29ff)

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The Testimony Of Scholars

• Philip Schaff: “Immersion, and not sprinkling, was unquestionably the original form. This is shown by the very meaning of the words baptizo, baptisma and baptismos, used to designate the rite.” (His. Apos. Ch., p. 488, quoted in Edward T. Hiscox, The Hiscox Guide For Baptist Churches, p. 212)

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What Is Baptism?

Requirement Sprinkling Pouring Immersion

Water (Acts 10:47)

Administered in water (Mk. 1:9)

Much water (Jn. 3:23)

Coming to water (Acts 8:36)

Going down into water (Acts 8:38)

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What Is Baptism?

Requirement Sprinkling Pouring Immersion

Coming out of water (Mt. 3:16; Acts 8:39)

A burial (Rom. 6:4)

A resurrection (Col. 2:12)

Bodies washed (Heb. 10:22)

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Christ’s Blood And BaptismChrist’s Blood And Baptism

Christ’s Blood Baptism

Mt. 26:28 Remission Acts 2:38

Heb. 9:13-14; 10:22 Cleansing

Eph. 5:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:20-21

Rev. 7:14 WashingActs 22:16; Heb. 10:22

Rom. 5:9 SalvationMk. 16:15-16; 1 Pet. 3:20-21

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Christ’s Blood and BaptismChrist’s Blood and Baptism(Rom. 6:3-4)

3Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

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Burial

New LifeDeath ChristChrist

SinnersSinners

Burial

New LifeDeath

75

Burial

New LifeDeath ChristChrist

SinnersSinnersDeath New Life

Burial

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All Spiritual Blessings In Christ(Ephesians 1:3)

Redemption (Eph. 1:7)Eternal Life (Rom. 6:23)

Sanctification (1 Cor. 1:2)

Reconciliation (Eph. 2:13, 16)Justification (Gal. 2:16)Forgiveness (Eph. 1:7)

Grace (2 Tim. 1:9)Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10)

Baptized Into Christ (Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:26-27)

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The Purpose Of BaptismThe Purpose Of Baptism

“103. There is no saving efficacy in water-baptism, yet it is a duty of all believers to confess Christ in this solemn ordinance.…” (Confession Of Faith And Government Of The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1893, p. 56)

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“15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. “ (Mk. 16:15-16)

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“What, then, does Christian baptism signify? It is not a washing away of one’s sins, because cleansing from sin comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:7) Rather, it is a public demonstration, testifying that one has made a solemn dedication to Jehovah God….” (The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life, 1968, pp. 183-184)

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“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

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“Note 8. -- Baptism is not essential to salvation, for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of ‘baptismal regeneration’; but it is essential to obedience, since Christ has commanded it.” (Edward T. Hiscox, Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, pp. 20-21)

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4But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (Tit. 3:4-5)

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“Is Baptism necessary for salvation? I don't beat about the bush about it at all. I come out with a plain, definite, No! No, baptism doesn't save, doesn't help save, and I'll go even further to say that it doesn't have anything in this world to do with the saving of a soul!” (Good News, March 2, 1972)

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“There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” (1 Pet. 3:21)

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The Sinner And BaptismThe Sinner And Baptism

• Salvation (Mk. 16:16)

• Kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3, 5)

• Remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

• Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)

• Washing away sins (Acts 22:16)

• Newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4)

• Being of Christ (1 Cor. 1:12-13)

BAPTISM

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The Sinner And BaptismThe Sinner And Baptism

BAPTISM

• Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13)• Being a child of God (Gal.

3:26-27)• Putting on Christ (Gal. 3:26-

27)• Cleansing (Eph. 5:26)• Sanctification (Eph. 5:26)• Putting off the body of the

flesh (Col. 2:11-13)• Forgiveness (Col. 2:13)• A good conscience (1 Pet.

3:21)

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“What Shall We Do?”(Acts 2:37)

NT Teaches Action Pentecostans

Jn. 6:44-45; Rom. 10:17 Hear Acts 2:22

Jn. 8:24 Believe Acts 2:36, 41

2 Cor. 7:9-11 Godly Sorrow Acts 2:37

Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 17:30-31 Repent Acts 2:38

Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 22:16 Be Baptized Acts 2:38, 41

Acts 14:21-22; Rev. 2:10 Continue In Acts 2:42

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Cases Of Conversion In ActsExamples H F GS R C B

Jews on Pentecost 2:22 2:36 2:37 2:38 2:38

Jews in Jerusalem

4:4 4:4 3:19

Jews in Jerusalem

5:14

The Samaritans8:6, 14

8:12 8:12

Simon the Sorcerer

8:6, 14

8:13 8:13

89


Ethiopian Eunuch

8:35 8:37 8:37 8:38

Saul of Tarsus9:6;

22:109:18; 22:16

Jews in Joppa 9:42

Cornelius 10:43 10:48

Lydia 16:1416:1

416:15

90


Philippian Jailer 16:3216:3

116:33

Corinthians 18:8 18:8 18:8

Ephesians 19:5 19:2 19:3 19:5

Rom. 10:17

Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6

2 Cor. 7:9-11

Acts 17:30-

31

Rom. 10:9-

10

Mk. 16:16

91

Hearing

Faith

Repentance

Confession

Baptism

Rom. 10:17

Rom. 10:9-10

Acts 3:19; 17:30-31

Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6

Acts 2:38; 22:16Steps To

Conversion

92

• If you were taught wrong about baptism, could you have been baptized right?

93

Are Are YouYou A True Disciple A True Disciple Of Jesus? Of Jesus?

Yes

No

Don’t know

94

Some Questions For You

• Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?

• Do your past sins cause you sorrow?

• Will you decide to turn away from a life of sin in repentance?

• Are you willing to confess Jesus as Lord?

• Are you willing to be baptized for the remission of your sins?

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Feelings Can Be Deceptive

• Pr. 14:12: 12There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

• Pr. 28:26: 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

• Jer. 17:9: 9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

96

“Feelings, Nothing More Than Feelings”

• Jacob sincerely felt that Joseph was dead (Gen. 37:33)

• The Samaritans thought Simon the sorcerer was “the great power of God” (Acts 8:9-11)

• Saul of Tarsus thought he ought to persecute Christians (Acts 26:9-11)

• Many will feel that they should be saved (Mt. 7:21-23)

Feelings are based upon what webelieve, not necessarily reality

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Feelings & Salvation

• Having a good conscience does not guarantee a right relationship with God (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 26:9-11)

• Self-approval does not guarantee God's approval (1 Cor. 4:3-5)

• People in the first century did not know they were saved, because they felt good; they felt good, because they knew they were saved (Acts 8:39; 16:34)

Documents

1 What Does It Really Mean To Be A Disciple?. 2 Three Preliminary Questions Does God exist? Is Jesus the Son of God? Is the Bible the word of God?