Key Bible Passage(s):

Tier 1

The many-faceted meaning of baptism finds resolution in the foundational idea of ‘union with Christ’. A relationship is forged and established with the One into whom we are baptised that is so profoundly intimate that it becomes our defining identity. His history becomes our history, and His future becomes our future. Christ is also baptised into us - such that our history and future also become His.

Tier 2

The question of who should be baptised is ironically contentious and divisive in the contemporary Church. Yet the structure of God’s covenants always extend to those who are born into taht covenant, and the signs of those covenants - both blessings and curses - are always bestowed on them. This practise continues in the New Testament and into the early Church.

Tier 3

Equally contentious is the question of how we should baptise. Some factions of the wider Church think that a baptism is only valid if the person being baptised is fully immersed. Yet the evidence from the Bible overwhelmingly supports pouring or sprinkling water on those to be baptised.

The  custom  of  Mother  Church in baptizing infants  is certainly  not to be scorned,  nor is  it to be regarded in any way as  superfluous,  nor is  it to be believed that its tradition  is anything except apostolic…

Augustine

Why do you think the crossing of the Red Sea in the Exodus was seen as a Baptism (I Cor.10:2)? What can it teach us about the meaning of baptism?

In what way does Noah’s flood ‘symbolise’ baptism (I Peter 3:21)? What does this teach us about the meaning of baptism? What does it mean to say the waters of baptism save you through the resurrection of Christ?

How important do you think Baptism really is? Is it possible to be a Christian without being baptised? What would you say to someone who said they were a Christian but had never been baptised?

What does it mean if someone who isn’t a Christian, or who doesn’t become a Christian, gets baptised?

I use the second group session as an opportunity for Q&A

Homework

Read through the Baptismal liturgy which can be found here.