2. Baptism and Circumcision: A Sign Colossians 2:11-12 – Christ Cuts Away the Sin Circumcision of Flesh Every Male A Sign of the Old Covenant Not Optional Done for Them by Parents Circumcision of Heart Male and Female A Sign of the New Covenant Not Optional Done for Us by Christ What Significance Does God Place on Baptism?

3. Washing: Cleansing Not the Washing of Literal Filth (1 Pet. 3:21) A Washing of Our Spirits (Titus 3:5) Flashback to the Temple’s Bronze Laver

4. Burial and Resurrection: Death Rom. 6:1-8 – Faith in a Future Resurrection Col. 2:12-13 – Faith in a Present Resurrection

5. New Birth: Life John 3:3-8 – You must be born again

6. Initiation Ceremony: Beginning Jesus Began with Baptism (Matt. 3:13-17) A Ceremony of Coming into Christ Initiated into a New Life (1 Cor. 10:1-4) Into the Name of… (Matt. 28:18-20) A Ceremony of Putting on Christ (Gal. 3:27)

7. What Is Your Answer? Luke 7:29-30 29When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.

8. Picture Credits Slide 3 Picture by “SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget” on FlickrSCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget Slide 4 Picture by slagheap on Flickrslagheap Slide 5 Picture by slagheap on Flickrslagheap Slide 6 Picture by Cbglades on FlickrCbglades