DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"Why Baptism?"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- This week’s message is about baptism. If you’ve been baptized, can you share when that happened and what led you to get baptized?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Matthew 28:19–20. Knowing that Jesus commanded his followers to include baptism as a part of making disciples (Jesus-followers), what does that say about baptism?
- Read Romans 6:3–4. What does going under the water and coming up out of the water symbolize, and how does this picture help you understand your new life in Christ?
- Read Acts 2:41. What stands out to you about how quickly people were baptized after accepting the message about Jesus? What might this teach us about responding to Jesus’ command to get baptized?
Go Deeper
- Jeff emphasized that baptism does not save us; we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus. What is the difference between being saved by faith and demonstrating that faith through obedience?
- Jeff described baptism as a declaration to ourselves: “I have a new identity.” How might remembering that you belong to Jesus help you during seasons of doubt, failure, or spiritual struggle?
- Baptism is also a declaration to Jesus: “I'm following you.” Where is Jesus inviting you to trust or obey him more fully?
- Baptism tells others about our faith. Is there someone in your life that you are feeling led to share your faith with, and if so, who?
- Jeff asked, “If you have decided to follow Jesus, what's keeping you from getting baptized?” If you haven’t been baptized since personally choosing to follow Jesus, what questions, concerns, or barriers might be holding you back? If you have been baptized, how can you continue living out the commitment you declared?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Share prayer requests and spend some time in prayer, thanking Jesus for the new life he offers us through his death and resurrection. Ask for his help to encourage one another in following him.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 – Identity
Remember who you are in Christ. Read Romans 6:3–4. Reflect on the new life Jesus has given you. Write down one part of your old way of living that you want to leave behind and one way you can live more fully in your new identity. Practice: Begin the day by reminding yourself, “I belong to Jesus, and I have been given new life in him.”
Day 2 – Obedience
Take the next step in following Jesus. Read Matthew 28:19–20. Consider what it means to be a disciple, not simply someone who believes in Jesus. Identify one area where you need to trust or obey him more fully. Practice: Take one concrete step of obedience today, whether it involves forgiveness, serving someone, telling the truth, or making a change in your priorities.
Day 3 – Commitment
Reaffirm that you belong to Jesus. Read Galatians 2:20. Think about the commitments you have made to Jesus and how they shape your everyday choices. Practice: Pray, “Jesus, my life belongs to you. Help me follow you even when my feelings or circumstances change.” Identify one decision this week that can reflect that commitment.
Day 4 – Witness
Make your faith visible. Read 1 Peter 3:15. Consider how your relationship with Jesus might be visible to the people around you. Think of someone who may be curious about your faith. Practice: Share a brief part of your faith story with someone, encourage a person who is exploring Christianity, or invite someone to join you at church.
Day 5 – Community
Help someone else flourish in faith. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Reflect on the people who have encouraged your spiritual journey and the people who may need your encouragement. Practice: Reach out to someone in your small group, pray with them, or offer a specific way to support their next step with Jesus. If you have not been baptized after personally deciding to follow Jesus, talk with a pastor or group leader about taking that step.