THE BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM Lesson 48 Faith Foundations Course One

WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS GOD GIVES US IN BAPTISM?

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 1.Recall the account of Pentecost in Acts 2. Summarize what happened on that day. The sound of a roaring wind filled the room. Flames of fire rested on the disciples and they spoke about Jesus in many languages. Many people became believers.

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 2.Use the following words in a sentence that describes what happened after Peter preaching his sermon on Pentecost: repent 3000baptize forgivenessfollowers

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 2.Use the following words in a sentence that describes what happened after Peter preaching his sermon on Pentecost: In one day, 3000 people repented and were baptized for the forgiveness of sins and became followers of Christ.

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 3.Compare Acts 2:38 and 22:16. What blessing do both passages point to that comes through Baptism? Forgiveness of sins.

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 4.Jesus earned forgiveness for everyone by his suffering and death, and we receive forgiveness through faith. How then is it possible to receive forgiveness through Baptism? Through Baptism the Holy Spirit forgives our sins by bringing us to faith.

RESCUE FOR SINNERS 5.Jerry and Monika wanted to wait six months to baptize their baby so the entire family could be there. How might you use the truth revealed in Psalm 51:5 to encourage them to baptize their baby as soon as possible? We’re born in sin and need forgiveness as soon as possible. That happens in Baptism.

KEY POINT #1 In Baptism God forgives our sins.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 6.Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Why are we certain that all people will die? All have sinned, and the wages of sin is death.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 7.Why do you think some people are afraid to die? The thought of facing a holy God in judgment can be frightening if we have a guilty conscience.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 8.Read Hebrews 2:14,15. This passage says that by his death, Jesus freed those who were held as slaves by their fear of death. Why does Jesus’ death take away our fear of death? Because Jesus died, our sins are forgiven. Death becomes our open door to heaven.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 9.Read Galatians 3:27. How might you use this passage to comfort the elderly relative who is upset by the news that he won’t get better? We were clothed with Christ’s righteousness at our baptism. There is nothing to fear.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 10.Read Colossians 1: Why do you think Satan’s kingdom is called the “dominion of darkness”? Evil is often done in the dark so we can’t see it’s wrong and others can’t see what’s happening.

RESCUE FOR THOSE HEADED FOR DEATH 11.Though Baptism isn’t specifically mentioned here, Paul is describing what happens in our lives through Baptism. Describe the change that takes place. He has rescued us from Satan’s kingdom. We no longer have to obey or fear Satan.

KEY POINT #2 In Baptism God delivers us from death and the devil.

RESCUED FOR ETERNAL LIFE 12. John 3:3,5 helps us understand the O’Brian’s concern. What was their concern? Unless a person is born again spiritually (brought to faith), the person won’t be part of God’s eternal kingdom.

RESCUED FOR ETERNAL LIFE 13.Read Titus 3:5-7. What special blessing did the O’Brians want for their child? To be an heir of God, having the hope of eternal life.

RESCUED FOR ETERNAL LIFE 14.Read Mark 16:16. Evaluate this statement: This passage shows that Baptism is more than just a symbolic ceremony. Baptism plays a part in our salvation.

RESCUED FOR ETERNAL LIFE 15.Read 1 Peter 3:20,21. Why is Baptism more important than an earthly kingdom? Earthly kingdoms come and go. Baptism gives us an eternal kingdom.

KEY POINT #3 In Baptism God gives us eternal salvation.

WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS GOD GIVES US IN BAPTISM? 1.In Baptism God forgives our sins. 2.In Baptism God delivers us from death and the devil. 3.In Baptism God gives us eternal salvation. SUMMARY In Baptism God forgives our sins, delivers us from death and the devil, and gives us eternal salvation.

LESSON 48 CONNECTIONS 1.Stephen and his wife, Joy, are very shy. Because they don’t like a lot of attention, they are reluctant to have their baby baptized. What would you tell them? The blessings of Baptism are very important for their baby. The Baptism could even be done privately.

LESSON 48 CONNECTIONS 2.Why do babies need Baptism as much as anyone else? They are born in sin and need forgiveness and salvation.

LESSON 48 CONNECTIONS 3.Evaluate this statement: Baptism frees us from a lifelong fear of death. Baptism makes us children of God and heirs of eternal life.

LESSON 48 CONNECTIONS 4.Every time Grandma Jones hears that a lady in the church is going to have a baby, she tells the mother-to-be that Baptism is the most important gift parents can give their children. Why do you think she says that? She wants her to think about the importance of Baptism and to have the baby baptized soon after the child is born.

LESSON 48 CONNECTIONS 5.The morning before Tim was scheduled to have surgery, his pastor came to the hospital to have a devotion with Tim and his family. In the devotion the pastor talked about Tim’s baptism. Why do you think that he did that? No matter what happens with tomorrow’s surgery, Tim knows that he’s a member of God’s family for eternity because of his baptism.