1. Lesson 46a

2. How can Baptism offer and give such great blessings?

3. How can water give forgiveness, rebirth, and eternal salvation? Titus 3:5 …he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit… the Holy Spirit works through connected with

4. How can water give forgiveness, rebirth, and eternal salvation? Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word… water the Holy Spirit the Word of God works through connected with

5. Key Point #1 It is not the water that does such great things, but the Holy Spirit, who works by God’s Word connected with the water used in Baptism

6. Which symbol do you think is better to have on top of a baptismal font: a cross or a dove? Why did you make that choice?

7. In Unitarian churches pastors baptize children. But they don’t say, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Do those children receive forgiveness for their sins? Why or why not?

8. Agree or Disagree? Other than fulfilling Jesus’ command to apply water, the water in Baptism doesn’t really serve a useful purpose. Give a reason for your answer.

9. Why do you think the hymnal calls Baptism “Holy” Baptism?

10. What two main things does the Holy Spirit do through the Word of God in Baptism? Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off— for all whom the Lord our God will call.” promise blessings

11. What two main things does the Holy Spirit do through the Word of God in Baptism? Colossians 2:12 …having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. give faith that trusts God’s promises

12. Key Point #2 Through the Word of God in Baptism, the Holy Spirit promises blessings to us and also gives us the faith to trust that promise.

13. Agree or Disagree? Whether or not the blessings of Baptism stay with us all our lives depends on us. Give a reason for your answer.

14. In Mormon churches people are baptized “in place of” people who have already died. Do those dead people receive eternal life in that way? Why or why not?

15. Melinda says to you, “You just had a water baptism. You didn’t have a Spirit baptism. When you get baptized in the Holy Spirit, you feel light all over and filled with love for Jesus. It happened to me one day in church when the preacher was preaching from the Word of God. It just swept over me.” How would you respond to her?

16. Evaluate… If the only power in Baptism is in the Word, why does the pastor make the sign of the cross over the person who is about to be baptized?

17. Lesson 46a In Baptism, the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word connected with the water, offering God’s blessings and giving faith to receive those blessings.