Sacrament: Baptism.
Opening Reflections.
Where have you seen God at work in your life this week?
Share any brief examples and encouragements.
When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
Luke 3:21-22
Discussion.
1. St Augustine, the 5th Century theologian and Bishop of Hippo (in North Africa) famously described a sacrament as “an outward visible sign of an inward invisible grace.” Christians may not all agree on how many sacraments there are, but almost all admit that they at least include Water Baptism and The Lord’s Supper (a.k.a. Holy Communion, Eucharist, Mass) In what way have sacraments been significant to you in your journey of faith?
2. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells his disciples, “Go… and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. In the Book of Acts, Baptism is always the way people expressed their commitment to follow Christ. It is a step of obedience to the risen Jesus.
What has been your experience of baptism, and why may it be significant to take this step of obedience?
3. Romans 6:1-4 speaks of baptism as a means by which we are identified with Jesus in death, burial and resurrection. It is a sign of repentance (a complete change of thinking) and new life in Christ.How has your life changed since being baptised? Did you expect it to make life easier? How did that work out? (Think of what happened to Jesus.)
4. When Jesus was baptised, the Holy Spirit descended on him in a visible and powerful way – it was a moment of profound encounter with God.What has been your experience of the Holy Spirit? Was your baptism an experience of encounter with God? (It is fair to say that in the New Testament it was sometimes but not necessarily for everyone.)
5. At his baptism, Jesus also heard the voice of the Father speaking words of unconditional love and affirmation – “I love you, and I’m proud of you!” Christian Baptism has always been understood as being about belonging. In baptism we are each welcomed by the Father into the Church – the body of Christ. As 1 Samuel 12:22 says, “The Lord was pleased to make you his own.”Have you ever doubted that you belong? What has made a difference?
5. For Jesus, baptism was where he received his commissioning– it was the start of his world-transforming ministry.What do you think the Father has commissioned you to do? (If you need a hint, see Ephesians 3:14-21)
Pray for one another.
Is there anything you will take away from this study and discussion? What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.
