GOING DEEPER
08.25.2019 | “Practice Makes Permanent | Baptism”
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Breaking Ground
Do you remember your high school or college graduation? What do you remember about it?
Why are rituals important?
The Dig
In the book of Acts, baptism is intrinsically linked with the mission of God. As the church expands, God’s Spirit precedes his followers into new areas of ministry, and in each new place people respond to God’s invitation by being baptized.
Do you believe that in your world—your “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and whole Earth”—God is already present and active?
(Because He is.)
In regards to inviting people to pursue faith at E3, do you behave like this is true?
If not, why not?
What would it look like if you started to act like this was true?
By the way, responding to God’s presence does not always mean being rude, or overtly bold or loud. It’s really about inviting people (which can be risky in and of itself) in a way that is appropriate to the context you are in.
Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-4. In this passage, an early church leader named Paul describes the way that he has “invited” the people at Corinth into a life with Jesus. (Again, God’s “power”, particularly in the letter to the church at Corinth, is not necessarily demonstrated by fantastic and amazing things: for Paul, “God’s power” in Corinth is as much about different kinds of people loving and accepting each other.)
How would you describe his approach? Is it helpful to you?
What might this look like in your context?
Getting Out of the Hole
E3’s mission is to help people become disciples (“fully-devoted followers”) of Jesus.
Consider your own journey with God – have conversations with people you trust and respect to figure out what steps and practices you could start making part of your life.
Pray about what next step you may need to take.