How can we apply the practice of baptism in our church community? Setting the Scene: John 3:22 in Context “After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized.” (John 3:22) • Jesus treats baptism as normal, hands-on ministry. • Discipleship, fellowship, and baptism occur together, outdoors and accessible. Key Observations from the Verse • Intentional time together precedes baptism, linking teaching with action. • The activity is corporate—Jesus involves His disciples (see John 4:2). • Location is flexible; the countryside setting removes any notion that baptism must wait for a special building. Principles for Baptism Drawn from John 3:22 • Immediate obedience: new believers need not wait long for baptism. • Relational setting: candidates thrive when surrounded by believing mentors and friends. • Team ministry: seasoned believers assist in preparation, testimony, and follow-up. • Public witness: open spaces underscore that baptism is a declaration to the world. Practical Ways to Implement Baptism in Our Church • Schedule regular baptism Sundays so no convert is left waiting. • Pair each candidate with a mature believer for pre-baptism mentoring based on foundational passages such as Romans 6:3-4. • Hold a brief class that reviews salvation, repentance, and the meaning of immersion, using Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21. • Invite candidates to share a concise testimony just before entering the water, following the pattern of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-38. • Celebrate baptisms during a main service or at an outdoor gathering—lakes, rivers, or portable pools echo the simplicity of John 3:22. • Encourage the congregation to verbalize support, then commit to post-baptism discipleship through small groups. • Keep baptism central in preaching; reference Matthew 28:19-20 to connect the act with the Great Commission. • Equip parents to guide believing children toward baptism when genuine faith is evident, honoring Jesus’ welcome to little ones in Mark 10:14. Supporting Scriptures That Shape Our Practice • Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” • Acts 2:38: “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.’” • Romans 6:3-4: “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” • Galatians 3:27: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” • 1 Peter 3:21: “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—it saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Cultivating a Baptism Culture • Keep the baptistry filled or maintain easy access to natural water. • Share photos and testimonies of each baptism to inspire future candidates. • Train leaders to explain the gospel clearly so conversion and baptism remain inseparable. • Integrate baptized believers immediately into service teams and study groups, reinforcing that baptism marks the start of active church life, not the finish line. By rooting every step in the literal example of John 3:22 and the wider testimony of Scripture, the church mirrors Jesus’ own pattern—teaching, spending time together, and joyfully immersing new believers in obedient, public faith. |
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