Next Steps: Part 2 - Every Day Baptism
MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
March 5, 2023
YouVersion
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MyOneLife - Starts March 12
MyOneLife is a 4-week small group experience that takes place on Sunday mornings during the 10:45am service in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses beginning March 12. You’ll learn about the history, vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission and spiritual gifts, and have opportunities to get involved. For more information or to sign up, click this link.
OneLife Students 2023 Summer Camp - June 12th - 16th
OneLife Students is going to Student Life Camp this Summer at Lee University, June 12th - 16th. This is going to be a great experience where your student will grow closer to God, their small groups, and their leaders - plus it’ll be a ton of fun! Registration is open, but there are only a few spots left. To make sure you don’t miss out visit onelifeknox.com/camp to sign up today.
Salvation and Baptism Class - for Elementary Kids & Parents
If you’re a parent of an elementary student and your child has been talking to you about their relationship with Jesus - or if you’re wanting to learn more about HOW to talk to your child about Jesus - then we have a class you don’t want to miss. It’ll take place Sunday, March 26 at 9am in the Meeting Room of our North & East campuses. For more information or to sign up, mark the Kids Salvation & Baptism box on your Connection Card.
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Click here for your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Bottom Line: Being immersed in Jesus is more than a one time step.
Acts 19:1-5
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.”
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”
5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
What next steps does baptism show?
1. I'm not ashamed to go public.
2. I have decided to follow Jesus.
3. I have a story to tell.
What next step can I take if I haven't been baptized?
1. Get baptized!
What next step can I take if I haven't been baptized?
1. Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.
2. Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.
3. Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!
_____________________
START TALKING
What is an example of something - an experience, a hobby, a lifestyle - that you have become "immersed" in where the first step was only the first of many steps you would have to take? What would have been different if you only took the first step?
When have you taken a first step to do something but then didn't go any further with it? What was the result of you not taking any further steps? What would have changed if you had taken more steps?
START THINKING
Read Acts 19:1-2. When Paul met some new people who were believers, his first question might seem a little strange. Why do you think he asked them this question? What does it teach us about true transformation that comes if we have really taken the first step to follow Jesus?
Read Acts 19:3-5. What do you think is the significance of the subtle word choice that compares the baptism "of John" and "in Jesus"? Do you think these people were offended that Paul was essentially telling them that they needed to get baptized again? How is this similar to many in our culture who may have had a religious experience earlier in their life, but to be obedient need to get baptized now (and maybe again) that they have decided for themselves to follow Jesus?
Read Matthew 3:13-17. What evidence does this story give us about how Jesus expects us to be baptized? What is the significance of him being baptized as it relates to his command later Matthew 28:16-20.
START SHARING
When you were younger in your faith, or maybe before you came to faith, what was your understanding of baptism? What were you taught about it? Or what were your assumptions about it? How different or similar is that to what you have learned the Scriptures teach?
Read 1 Peter 3:18-18-22. What is the danger of reading this literally rather than understanding that baptism is a symbol? If you read this passage understanding that baptism represents "immersion in Jesus" how does it change the meaning? How have you experienced being immersed in Jesus as you follow him? How is that different than simply having a belief system?
This symbol of baptism represents several things according to this 1 Peter 3 passage:
1. Getting into the water: my old self before surrendering to and following Jesus
2. Going under the water: my old self dying, my sinfulness being cleansed and washed away
3. Coming up out of the water: my new self, cleansed from sin and made new
What is your story that this can tell? Who or what were you before you followed Jesus? What led you to follow him and what about your old self had to die? How are you different now?
Below are some facts about baptism. What is most surprising to you? What is most helpful to you as you understand baptism or help others understand baptism?
1. Jesus was baptized.
2. Baptism is recorded 27 times in the New Testament, and each time it is after someone has made the decision for themselves to follow Jesus.
3. The word baptism in Greek is "baptizo," which is not originally a religious or spiritual term. It simply means to be immersed or go fully under.
4. Jesus commanded baptism in this order: go into the world, make disciples, baptize them.
5. Baptism is a symbol like a wedding ring. The symbol doesn't make you a believer but is a crucial step of obedience and public affirmation.
START DOING
What is a tangible next step that you need to take from the list below that this sermon challenged each of us to take?
- Get baptized!
- Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.
- Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.
- Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!
What will you actually do today and this week to take that step?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the micro church and the next step they shared. Pray for each other this week and check in on each other to ask how it is going as they take that step!
_____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, Click Here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
March 5, 2023
YouVersion
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MyOneLife - Starts March 12
MyOneLife is a 4-week small group experience that takes place on Sunday mornings during the 10:45am service in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses beginning March 12. You’ll learn about the history, vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission and spiritual gifts, and have opportunities to get involved. For more information or to sign up, click this link.
OneLife Students 2023 Summer Camp - June 12th - 16th
OneLife Students is going to Student Life Camp this Summer at Lee University, June 12th - 16th. This is going to be a great experience where your student will grow closer to God, their small groups, and their leaders - plus it’ll be a ton of fun! Registration is open, but there are only a few spots left. To make sure you don’t miss out visit onelifeknox.com/camp to sign up today.
Salvation and Baptism Class - for Elementary Kids & Parents
If you’re a parent of an elementary student and your child has been talking to you about their relationship with Jesus - or if you’re wanting to learn more about HOW to talk to your child about Jesus - then we have a class you don’t want to miss. It’ll take place Sunday, March 26 at 9am in the Meeting Room of our North & East campuses. For more information or to sign up, mark the Kids Salvation & Baptism box on your Connection Card.
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Click here for your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Bottom Line: Being immersed in Jesus is more than a one time step.
Acts 19:1-5
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.”
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”
5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
What next steps does baptism show?
1. I'm not ashamed to go public.
2. I have decided to follow Jesus.
3. I have a story to tell.
What next step can I take if I haven't been baptized?
1. Get baptized!
What next step can I take if I haven't been baptized?
1. Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.
2. Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.
3. Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!
_____________________
START TALKING
What is an example of something - an experience, a hobby, a lifestyle - that you have become "immersed" in where the first step was only the first of many steps you would have to take? What would have been different if you only took the first step?
When have you taken a first step to do something but then didn't go any further with it? What was the result of you not taking any further steps? What would have changed if you had taken more steps?
START THINKING
Read Acts 19:1-2. When Paul met some new people who were believers, his first question might seem a little strange. Why do you think he asked them this question? What does it teach us about true transformation that comes if we have really taken the first step to follow Jesus?
Read Acts 19:3-5. What do you think is the significance of the subtle word choice that compares the baptism "of John" and "in Jesus"? Do you think these people were offended that Paul was essentially telling them that they needed to get baptized again? How is this similar to many in our culture who may have had a religious experience earlier in their life, but to be obedient need to get baptized now (and maybe again) that they have decided for themselves to follow Jesus?
Read Matthew 3:13-17. What evidence does this story give us about how Jesus expects us to be baptized? What is the significance of him being baptized as it relates to his command later Matthew 28:16-20.
START SHARING
When you were younger in your faith, or maybe before you came to faith, what was your understanding of baptism? What were you taught about it? Or what were your assumptions about it? How different or similar is that to what you have learned the Scriptures teach?
Read 1 Peter 3:18-18-22. What is the danger of reading this literally rather than understanding that baptism is a symbol? If you read this passage understanding that baptism represents "immersion in Jesus" how does it change the meaning? How have you experienced being immersed in Jesus as you follow him? How is that different than simply having a belief system?
This symbol of baptism represents several things according to this 1 Peter 3 passage:
1. Getting into the water: my old self before surrendering to and following Jesus
2. Going under the water: my old self dying, my sinfulness being cleansed and washed away
3. Coming up out of the water: my new self, cleansed from sin and made new
What is your story that this can tell? Who or what were you before you followed Jesus? What led you to follow him and what about your old self had to die? How are you different now?
Below are some facts about baptism. What is most surprising to you? What is most helpful to you as you understand baptism or help others understand baptism?
1. Jesus was baptized.
2. Baptism is recorded 27 times in the New Testament, and each time it is after someone has made the decision for themselves to follow Jesus.
3. The word baptism in Greek is "baptizo," which is not originally a religious or spiritual term. It simply means to be immersed or go fully under.
4. Jesus commanded baptism in this order: go into the world, make disciples, baptize them.
5. Baptism is a symbol like a wedding ring. The symbol doesn't make you a believer but is a crucial step of obedience and public affirmation.
START DOING
What is a tangible next step that you need to take from the list below that this sermon challenged each of us to take?
- Get baptized!
- Live unashamed to be immersed in Jesus.
- Follow Jesus to where I've never been before.
- Apply the Gospel to every part of my story, and tell that story!
What will you actually do today and this week to take that step?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the micro church and the next step they shared. Pray for each other this week and check in on each other to ask how it is going as they take that step!
_____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, Click Here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
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