2014.7.27 礼拝

Message Matthew 3:13-15 “Baptism
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied “Let it be so now: it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
Testimonies delivered by John Busby, Michelle Busby, Natsuki Uno, Ayako Shirashige, Tomoaki Takeuchi and Ryuuki Minami on how and where they have come to know Jesus and believe in God.
Following the service in Mitaka, baptism was held in the afternoon at Ome Akebono Church.
Why do we need to be baptized?
1. Jesus’ Example: Jesus set an example of being baptized since while he was free of any sin he was baptized that we who are sinful may be freed
2. Jesus’ Command: Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commandment. However, the last word from Jesus to his disciples was “baptize” and not “be baptized”. The command is for us Christians to go out and baptize people – more responsibility than just being baptized.
The Early Church – Acts 2:38, 41 & 8:12
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized…
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
People believed what was preached that day. There was no need to have complete and full knowledge of the Bible since more important was to believe.
Acts 16:29-33 – Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer and others who believed and were baptized. It took great risk to believe in Jesus during the Roman control but moreover to believe in anything other than Judaism.
The Meaning of Baptism: Romans 6:1-7 – We die with Jesus by being baptized so that we may live a new life, free from sin.
What’s needed for Baptism? 1 Peter 3:21 baptism – not as removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Shows that you have been cleansed inside and is a pledge to God.
Romans 10:13 For “everyone who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Believe and call on God for salvation.
First we must Believe… Romans 10:9-10 because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
As a new born baby has no idea of this world, there is no need to know everything before being baptized but believe and seek Jesus.