2. Does it even matter ? Yes it totally matters To understand this, we need to start from the beginning We need to discuss the reasons for Baptism We need to discuss the mindset of the person being baptized We need to make sure they can answer one question

3. Why should anyone be Baptized? Baptism is God’s answer to man’s sins Man becomes separated from God by committing sins Moses told God’s People in his day Deut 9:18-19 And I fell down before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the Lord was wroth against you to destroy you.

4. In Samuel’s day they understood the power of God and what he could do to them 1 Sam 12:19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. We have learned through the scriptures that when we sin we have to correct our ways Prov 28:13-14 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

5. We know from the past that the Lord will visit us and our sins as he always has before Jer 14:10 Thus saith the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the Lord doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Baptism today blots out our sins Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord

6. A change takes place in Baptism Rom 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

7. How do I know I am ready? Do you know the three types of sins and what they mean? 1 John 2:16-17 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

8. How do I know I am ready? Do you know you have committed a sin that has put you in a lost condition with God ? 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. What did God say to do that you did not do or what did God say not to do that you did? If you can answer that question, then you know right from wrong

9. How do I know I am ready? Do you understand what godly sorrow is after I explain what it means ? 2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Cor 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10. How do I know I am ready? Every subject for Baptism was told to decide for themselves if they should respond Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Can any man forbid water? Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we.

11. Some Would Hold Their Children Back For A Later Date ? What would be the worst thing that could happen if you waited? You might not have the opportunity you are waiting for. You might not desire to be Baptized later You might die in your sins while waiting Many will be waiting when the world ends You might need to be Baptized again later

12. So, Preacher What is That Question? After thinking about all these things, ask yourself : “Should I Tarry Now, Or Be Baptized Today”?