Path to Spiritual Maturity Meeting #10 Recap - Baptism

Opening Prayer

Welcome:

Step 1: Overview

a. Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #6 Baptism in the Foundations Pathway, and doing an application.

b. This week’s assignment: read an article on #7 Communion in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

c. Finish with time for questions/comments.

If we run out of time you can always e-mail us, or post in the discussion group. I will post those e-mail addresses and the group link at the end of our session.

Step 2: Review of #6 Baptism.

-Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #6 Baptism in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

So did you do your reading and application this week? (Yes/no) Did you find it helpful? What struck you the most from your reading this week? Was there anything that you were really challenged on that you prayed about or are doing something about?

There are many misunderstandings and wrong beliefs about baptism. Some believe it is what saves them from their sins or is part of what saves them. However, baptism is a response of obedience to what has already taken place within one’s life as a means of declaring to the world that one is a follower of Jesus Christ, and has identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.

I was saved when I was about 7 years old, and it was after personally trusting in what Jesus had done in His death, burial, and resurrection to bring redemption and forgiveness from sins, and reconciliation with God that I was baptized. Baptism, going to church, being an obedient son – none of those could save me or take away my sinfulness before God. Only what Jesus did could take my place, and only by faith could it be applied to my life. Having believed though, baptism was an act of obedience and joy to publically identify my life with a picture of what Jesus had done in His death (going into the water) and burial (under the water) and resurrection (rising from the water) to wash away my sins.

Do you understand the relationship of Baptism to Salvation? Have you personally received by faith God’s gift of salvation? Have you expressed your commitment through Baptism? How would you explain Baptism to another believer? To an unbeliever?

Step 3: This week’s assignment: Begin #7 Communion in the Foundations Pathway.

Read at least one article in the Baptism category on the Path to Spiritual Maturity (#7 Communion under step 4) [or listen to an audio, or watch a video]. Then think about what you have read and do an application (some suggested ones are listed there). Next week we can discuss any questions that you might have had either about the article, or its application.

Other ideas:

*blog about your reading/application

*write down any questions you might have from the reading/experience

*write out any terms that you did not understand

*spend some time praying about and thanking God for His Word that He has given us to be able to know His truths.

Step 4: Questions, comments, and interaction.

…

Step 5: Closing Reminders:

*This week, focus on the Communion Step. (Keep up your Bible reading time, and as needed, focus on your motivation.)

*Go to the group page to post comments, questions, or to find a posting of what we discussed during our time together. http://users.bible.org/groups/path_spiritual_maturity_discipleship

*E-mail us as needed

Closing Prayer

Pursue Christ in all you do, and may this Path to Spiritual Maturity be a tool to help you pursue Him. That is our prayer and desire. God bless!