TEACHING

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022
10:30 AM (in-person + communion & prayer)
LENT 2022 - THE JOURNEY OF JESUS
In the 40 days before Resurrection Sunday/Easter/Pascha known as Lent, we are following the journey of Jesus from Baptism, to Wilderness, to Public Ministry in Luke 3-4:13.
LENT 1, BAPTISM 
Luke 3:21-22
This Sunday, we explore Baptism. The baptism of Jesus marked a start, a hinge point between the Old and New in the story of the Bible. Baptism is a physical act with spiritual impact. This ancient Christian practice is a significant pivot for Jesus, Pilgrim Church, and You.
EMAIL QUESTIONS HERE
CONNECT WITH US HERE
GIVE HERE

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

ONLINE NOTES:

PRINT ME

TEXT: Luke 3:21-22 21 Now when[a] all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying,[b] the heavens[c] opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.[d] And a voice came from heaven, “You are my one dear Son;[e] in you I take great delight.”[f]

STORY

PRAYER

Baptism motifs:

• Exodus: Jesus Baptism, Exodus Community, Your Baptism
• Circumcision: Mark of Covenant people, New Testament - all people (men and women bear the mark that does not mar)
• Exodus Redux: Death and Resurrection
• Citizenship Oath

At baptism, you renounced your old citizenship and  swore allegiance to Jesus, and you were given a naturalization  certificate. You are now part of the new humanity: you are no longer  strangers and foreigners. Once a citizen of a different kingdom, your  ruler was your vices, addictions, and fears. Your ruler was the prince  of this world. That is what you left behind when you were baptized and  chose to submit yourself to Jesus as your new King.  
-Rev. Eduardo Davila
​
Word Baptism: baptizō βαπτίζω, baptisma βάπτισμα, baptismos βαπτισμός, baptō βάπτω

• Most lexicons attempt to distinguish between a literal meaning and a figurative meaning. The literal meaning for baptizō is invariably listed as “to dip, immerse, wash”.
• Used in various ways: 
  • The word “baptism” A.T. Robertson: even in its figurative use, always means “immersion.”
  • By contrast, B.B. Warfield stated that if the mode of baptism must be duplicated to conform with New Testament practices, then the same criteria should also be applied for the Lord’s Supper. It should always be done in an upper room, after an evening meal, and when reclining
• The word group for “baptism” does not always mean “to dip” or “to immerse,” and there do exist examples from the Greek Scriptures to show this. 
• The baptism of the Spirit 
• In Hebrews 9:10 

Three Primary Kinds of Baptism: Water & Spirit, Spirit, Blood

• Water & Spirit
• Spirit - As empowering presence: Staying, Sanctifying, Sharing Power
• Blood - Jesus on the cross, Martyrdom

Water Baptism Mode: Immerse, Sprinkle, or Pour?

• Immersionists Romans 6:3-5 
• Pouring and sprinkling are terms of Scripture often used to picture 
• Likewise, “pouring” is a recurrent image of the Holy Spirit’s action in baptizing the church. 
• In Isaiah 52:25 (KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV), we have the mention that the Servant, despite being marred in his visage and form, will “sprinkle – nazah” many nations. 
• Water baptism is to be a visible sign of an inward spiritual reality. Martin Luther said, echoing the words of Augustine: “Without the word of God the water is simple water, and no baptism.”
• ​One is Baptized: 

​Who should be baptized and When?

• Infant baptism (paedobaptism)
  • Major Arguments for:
    • Covenantal Grace
    • Exodus
    • Circumcision

​

• Believers’ baptism (credobaptism)
  • Major Arguments for:
    • New Testament clear paradigm - repent, believe, obey Jesus then Baptism.
    • Baptism as part of the context of discipleship
    • No explicit evidence of infant baptism until 2nd cent, and no regular/dominant use of it until much later 4th+ cent.
    • Children or Adult: "while someone need not necessarily be an adult (“adult baptism” is a bit of a misnomer) before being baptized, they do need to be old enough to be able to understand, and confess, their dependency on and devotion to our Lord."

Where we all agree

• Not optional ‘equipment’
• Physical/embodied practice -virtual reality/symbolic cannot be initiatory baptism. The body matters and it blessed in baptism

​​Where we at Pilgrim (Baptist) Church land

What about you?

• The official starting line...

​For Reflection and Discussion

1. Use questions from Andrés message, then these, if you have time.
2. Have you observed an infant or believer’s baptism? What were your impressions? How was it done?
3. Read Luke 3:21-38
4. In what way is Baptism similar or different from other public ceremonies?
5. What does an event that requires physical participation do differently than one where you could just observe? What changes if you engage your body?
6. Baptism by John, then 40-days of wilderness prayer and temptations, were right before the start of Jesus’ public ministry. What does this reveal about the start of what will be his third year of ministry?
7. The voice from heaven in v. 22 echoes the words of God to Abraham (Gen 22:2) and of Isaiah (42:1), commissioning the Messiah as the Servant, the one who will suffer and die for the people and the world. How is the voice during the baptism of Jesus both a wonderful affirmation and a clear reminder of the path ahead for Jesus?
8. What names to you recognize in the genealogy of Jesus in v. 23-28, and what do you know about them?
9. How has the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit reminded you of God’s affirming love while calling you forward to what lies ahead?
10. Other thoughts on baptism and it’s meanings?