Things that Divide Battles over Baptism

Baptism is a matter of to .

(Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:37-38) 

Baptism is a matter of with .

(Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 5:6-8)

Scene 1:   (Romans 6:1-3) 

Scene 2:  (Romans 6:4) 

Scene 3:  (Romans 6:5)

What connects you to all of these scenes?     

If you are wrestling with the doctrine of baptism yourself, here are several questions you might find helpful:

1. Is there anything in my heart that takes pride in my view or feels superior to Christians who are on “the other side”? If so, how can I direct my heart back to the Gospel as the only source of my identity and “rightness”?

2. Is there anything in me that is disrespectful or dismissive of the importance of this issue? Do I appreciate why Christians have been willing to die for their differences over this issue?

3.   Have I taken seriously the urgency of Christ’s prayer for the unity of the church (John 17),and am I looking to take whatever steps I can to pursue the realization of this prayer in my own life?

4.    What is the right context for me to flourish, both in maintaining my own convictions about baptism and in pursuing genuine fellowship and partnership in the Gospel with those who differ?

NOTES: