That ye might believe…

Lesson TwentyOur privilege

I. THE BAPTISM CONTROVERSYA. Baptism has always been a controversial act.

1. Because it is obvious 2. Because it is a statement 3. Because there is a "loyalty"

associated with it

I. THE BAPTISM CONTROVERSYB. Baptism became controversial within the parameters of Christianity about the 3rd century

But Baptism must be performed under the proper authority in order to be Scriptural.

I. THE BAPTISM CONTROVERSY

C. Baptist refusal to accept the Baptism of the Roman Catholic church and later of the Protestant churches

Resulted in the hatred of those churches against the Baptists and the most severe persecution.

II. THE BAPTISM INFLUENCE

A. It is obvious that between John the Baptist and Jesus a lot of people were baptized.

II. THE BAPTISM INFLUENCE

B. Most of those who were baptized turned from Christ

• I am going to baptize those who make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ

• I am going to instruct them that baptism is a promise to live as Christ would have us to live but

• I am not going to demand that a person live up to all of my expectations before I baptize them.

II. THE BAPTISM INFLUENCE

C. Baptism does not a disciple make

Discipleship REQUIRES that the disciple give up themselves to their teacher.

• Baptism is a step in discipleship.• It is not the end of that

discipleship

III. THE BAPTISM PRIVILEGEA.Some suggested reasons for that1. He was busy preaching and left the lesser

task of baptism to the disciples2. It would seem strange to baptize in the

name of the Father, and in the name of myself, and in the name of the Holy Ghost

3. Can you imagine the envy and worse, the pride of those who could claim their baptism was from Christ himself?

That person would be worshiped as much (or more) than Christ.

III. THE BAPTISM PRIVILEGE

B. The reason I am convinced of

This is a privilege He reserved for the disciples.

Whenever we baptize we do so as representatives of Jesus Christ.