How can we encourage others to believe and be baptized as Mark 16:16 instructs? Setting the Foundation: Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This straightforward declaration is God’s unchanging standard. Belief is not mere intellectual agreement; it is trust that moves the heart to obey, beginning with baptism. Recognizing the Urgency of Salvation • Salvation is a life-and-death matter. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, every soul truly hangs in the balance. This sense of urgency fuels loving action, not panic. Building Relationships that Open Hearts • Spend time with people as Jesus did (Luke 5:29-32). Meals, hobbies, shared service—all create space for genuine friendship. • Listen more than you speak. Genuine interest shows Christ’s love long before a word of gospel explanation is given. • Pray for them by name. Only the Spirit “convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). Sharing Truth with Clarity and Compassion • Keep the message simple: – God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:3) – Humanity’s sin (Romans 3:23) – Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) – Call to repent, believe, and be baptized (Acts 2:38) • Speak plainly: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Use personal testimony. The man born blind simply said, “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see.” (John 9:25) Modeling Obedience through Our Own Baptism • Share how your baptism was an act of submission and joy. • Live consistently: obedience reinforces the credibility of the message (Philippians 1:27). • Celebrate baptisms publicly; visible joy invites others to consider the same step. Creating Opportunities for Response • Offer clear invitations in conversation: “Would you like to place your trust in Jesus today?” • Host Bible studies focused on Jesus’ identity and mission (e.g., Gospel of John). • Provide literature or digital resources that explain belief and baptism simply. Helping New Believers Take the Step of Baptism • Explain what baptism signifies: identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4). • Offer practical guidance on when and where; make it easy—much like Philip with the Ethiopian: “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). • Involve the church family for encouragement and accountability. Trusting the Spirit and the Power of God’s Word • “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) • Our task is faithful proclamation; God grants the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Rejoice in every step forward, remembering heaven’s joy over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). |
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