PURPOSE
Jesus taught that anyone wanting to follow Him should first estimate the cost (Luke 14:28-33).
While we cannot judge the motives of the heart as only God can, it is the goal of this study to help the seeker to fully understand their decision and to truly repent before baptism (Acts 2:38-41).
The following are a number of areas to be discussed with those seeking to be baptized and become part of the church.
Scriptures and Topics
I.God’s Plan for Salvation:
Acts 2: 36-41 (Tap to Expand)
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
- 1) Baptism is an adult decision.
- 2) A person must hear the message (belief/faith), repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit in order to be saved.
- 3) There is no other practice in the scriptures for being saved.
- While God is the judge of all men and churches (not us) we must be faithful to the scriptures and fellowship only with those who have followed God’s plan for salvation and live according to His word.
II. Personal Relationship with God
Matthew 4:4 / Mark 1:35 / 2 Timothy 2:15 / 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Tap to Expand)
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”
Mark 1:35
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- Discipleship is a lifelong relationship with God that does not end even at death!
- Every disciple needs to maintain their own personal relationship with God.
- Daily devotion to God through prayer and reading of God’s word is the standard for all disciples.
III. Relationship with Gods Church
- A. The Mission of the Church Luke 19:10 / II Corinthians 5: 10-21 / Matt 28:18-20
- B. Discipleship Hebrews 3:12-13
- C. Fellowship – Acts 2: 42-47 / Hebrews 10:23 – Sunday Service / Midweek / Small Groups
- D. Dating and Marriage II Corinthians 6:14-17- Disciples date and marry other Disciples
- E. Serve with your Gifts Ephesians 2:8-10 / Romans 12:4-8
- F. Financial Support Acts 2:45 / Luke 11:42 / Malachi 3:10 / I Corinthians 9:13-14