Learning to Lead In Worship

07/29/08

Lesson Nine

Introduction:

A. Theme scripture, bookmark: 1 Peter 3:21

1. Distribute.

2. Discuss.

I.  Presenting and Idea.

A. Think about who does a noticeable job of presenting an idea that they would like carried out in the congregation.

1. Watch for a skill that you would like to develop.

2. Be a "good finder."

3. Be ready to vote for a winner.

B.  Begin the presentations

D. Evaluate, reinforce, compliment after each speaker.

E. Vote for winner to be presented at conclusion of class.

1. Hand out voting cards.

2. Vote for one person.

II. Baptisms.

            A. Biblical Authority

1. Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

2. Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

3. John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

4. Acts 2:38 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.

5. Romans 6:3-4 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

6. 1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

                        7. Examples (All found in the book of Acts)

                                    2:23-41  Pentecost

8:12-13  Samaritans

8:36-39  Eunuch

9:18  Saul

10:47-48 Cornelius

16:14-15 Lydia

16:30-33  Philippian Jailer

18:8  Crispus and Corinthians

19:4-5 Twelve at Ephesus

            B. Procedure for Baptisms.

1. Baptism is not restricted to the public services. It can take place at any time and at any place where there is "much water" -- enough for the person to be buried in water.

Never ask a person to be baptized "sometime" or at the next service, or during Bible camp. It is our belief that you are added to the body at the point of your baptism, it is the reason we will practice baptizing. You can take the person "the same hour" and aid that person in obeying Christ.

2. Has the person confessed Christ?

3. Be sure the candidate understands why he is being baptized. Mention this just before you baptize him, after you are in the water.

4. Check to see that the water is deep enough and at the proper temperature. Also, if an electric heating element is used, disconnect it before entering the water.

5. Help the candidate down into the water. Watch steps and footing carefully.

6. Two Baptismal procedures:

Laying back in the water

Administrator should face the audience. Move the person far enough to one side to be sure his head will not hit the other side.

Administrator may hold the hand of the person with his hand. Tell the person to hold the nose tight, and to keep the mouth closed. Instruct candidate to think about Christ and what is being done.

Squatting

Move the person into the middle of the baptistery.

Have them hold their breath and place your hand on top of their head. As they squat you determine when they are completely covered and then you remove your hand.  The candidate will then stand on their own.

7. Say something before baptizing. No formula is given in the New Testament. It is a good opportunity, however, to teach. It is not necessary to raise the hand or close the eyes. It might be better to look at the audience.

8. Put the candidate completely under the water slowly and easily and raise him up without a splash.

9. Make sure the person was buried completely.

10. Congratulate the person baptized. Encourage him to be faithful.

11. Baptism is a picture of death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Let us make it a beautiful picture.

-Adapted in part from Bradfield's Sermon Outlines, by W. A. Bradfield

 Conclusion:

A. Next Weeks Class:

1. We will present a two-minute talk on “What I gained from this class and how I plan to use it.”

2. For those who wish we will practice Baptisms.

B. Next week we will discuss what can we do to make this class better for the next time. 

C. Award prize.