Introduction:

Nyangwira, who lived in central Africa, did not consider baptism to be merely an option. For

more than a year she had eagerly studied the bible. She longed to become a Christian. One

evening she shared with her husband the things she had learned. Outraged, he shouted, I

dont want this kind of religion in my home, and if you keep on studying, Ill kill you. Although

she was crushed, Nyangwira continued studying and soon was ready for baptism.
Before leaving for the baptismal service Nyangwira knelt respectfully before her husband and

told him she was to be baptized. He picked up his large hunting knife and shouted, I have told

you that I do not want you to be baptized. The day you are baptized, I will kill you.
Before leaving for the baptismal service Nyangwira knelt respectfully before her husband and

told him she was to be baptized. He picked up his large hunting knife and shouted, I have told

you that I do not want you to be baptized. The day you are baptized, I will kill you.
But Nyangwira, determined to follow her lord, left with her husbands threats resounding in

her ears. Before entering the water, she confessed her sins and dedicated her life to her saviour,

not knowing whether she would be laying down her life for her lord that day, too. Peace filled

her heart as she was baptized.

When she returned home, she brought the knife to her husband.
Have you been baptized? He asked angrily.
Yes, replied Nyangwira simply. Here is the knife, are you ready to be killed?
Yes, I am, said Nyangwira. Amazed at her courage, the husband no longer had a desire to kill

her.i
What is it about baptism thats very important? Is baptism essential for me to be saved? Does it

matter how I am baptized? These are some of the question we will address in our journey

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tonight!
TO
Body: LEA


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Matthew 28: 19, 20 The final mandate of Jesus included baptism.
Mark 16: 16 He who believes and is baptized, he will be saved.
John 3: 5 Jesus emphasized the baptism as a necessity to enter into heaven.
Before going any further we should understand which baptism Bible is talking about? Of

course, its talking about water baptism but what type of water baptism is legitimate?
o Ephesians 4: 5 Bible says that there is only one true baptism.
o There are three modes (or methods) of water baptism used in Christian churches today:

immersion (in which the person is completely submerged), affusion (that is, pouring),

and aspersion (sprinkling).

o The word baptizo in Greek, translated baptize in the New Testaments, meant to dip

or immerse.
 o There are eight different Greek words in the New Testament used to describe the

application of liquids. But among these various wordsmeaning to sprinkle, to pour, or

to immerseonly the one meaning to immerse (baptize) is used to describe baptism.

o Examples
John 3: 23 Much water was required to baptize and so John chose the river

Jordan.
Acts 8: 38, 39 Baptism by immersion exercised by Philip as he baptized the

Ethiopian eunuch. Notice how the Bible describes! They went down both into the

water whey they were come up out of the water, this is a very clear evidence of

baptism by immersion.
o Matthew 15: 9 Misguided men have introduced other forms of baptism in direct denial

of Gods word.
Romans 6: 4 6 Baptism is the symbol of new life.
o Going into the water represents our old man being crucified. Our past life is buried. The

body of sin destroyed!

o Coming out of the water represents, resurrection, a new life through faith in Christ.
Colossians 2: 12 the same idea is repeated.
Do you want to experience these changes? There is a condition!
What must a person do to prepare for baptism?
o 1. Repent - Acts 2: 38; 3: 19;
o 2. Belief Acts 8: 36, 37; Luke 16: 16
o 3. Learn Gods requirements and obey them Matthew 28: 19, 20; James 1: 22
2 Corinthians 8: 12 God judges our motives.
Illustration: Many think that we should be perfect and then get baptized, but in this idea the

true meaning of baptism is missing.

o This is like saying a baby should never try to walk until certain that he will never slip

and fall. A Christian is a newborn babe in Christ. This is why the experience of

conversion is called the new birth. The ugly, sinful past no longer exists for a child of

God. A persons sinful past is forgiven and forgotten by God at conversion. And baptism

symbolizes the burial of that old life. We begin the Christian life as babies, rather than

adults, and God judges us on our attitude and the trend of our life, rather than on a few

slips and falls that we may experience as immature Christians.ii

Baptism symbolizes our commitment to Christ. It also signifies something else!
o Acts 2: 41, 42, 47 Baptism also symbolizes our commitment to Christ's church.
o 1 Corinthians 12: 13 We are baptized into one body of Christ. Baptism is essential in

joining the true church of God.

What baptism is not
o Baptism in itself doesnt change the heart of man.
 o Baptism does not guarantee salvation. Salvation comes only as a free gift from Jesus

Christ.
o Baptism does not necessarily make a person feel better. It doesnt change his feelings.

Salvation is a matter of faith and not of feelings.

o Baptism does not remove temptations. In fact, we will be tempted more after baptism

because Satan will work very hard to distort us.

This doesnt mean that baptism isnt necessary. Baptism is essential. You cannot enter into any

covenant relationship without a sign or a symbol. Baptism is the symbol that you have

acknowledge God and has surrendered your will.

Conclusion:

Appeal Coming forward Now do you want to enter into this covenant relationship with God?

Do you want to bury your past life of sin and guilt? Do you want to live a life with fullness of

Christ's glory? Do you want to accept Gods final commission and join his last day movement?

Do you want to be baptized in the name of the Father, son and Holy Ghost? If you hear his

voice, dont delay!

i Found in s. M. Samuel, a brave African wife, review and herald, February 14, 1963, pg. 19.

ii Purity & Power, Study Guide 9, Amazing Facts