Group Reconnect
Group Leaders, we’d love your help as we prepare to celebrate God’s nearness to us this Easter. Please record your group’s responses to any of the questions below and share them here. Who knows—you may see some of your answers on display in a lobby near you!
- What’s your favorite characteristic of God?
- When do you feel nearest to God?
- What defining moment opened your eyes to Who Jesus really is?
- What one word best describes how Jesus has changed your life?
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Click here.
Message Recap
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we can receive and accept God’s forgiveness. Ed Ollie taught us that worshiping God is a weapon against the enemy, that belief always precedes Baptism, and that Baptism is not the same thing as salvation. He also showed us several examples from the book of Acts of people getting baptized as soon as they heard and believed the good news of Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
- What did you learn as a child about the practice of Baptism?
- Read Acts 16:25–34. What moments led to the jailer’s decision to be baptized with his family?
- Read Acts 2:37–38, 41; Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:16–17; and Romans 6:3–4. What do these verses teach us about belief, forgiveness, and Baptism?
- If you’ve been baptized, what do you remember about that experience?
- What do you find significant about celebrating Baptism publicly with other believers?
- Did Ed Ollie’s message clarify any misconceptions you previously held about Baptism? What questions remain unanswered?
Live it Out
- Have you had the opportunity to declare your faith by being baptized publicly? If so, take time today to remember how you first heard about Jesus and how He has changed you from the inside out. Praise God for His faithfulness to you.
- If you have never been baptized as an adult, what’s holding you back? Talk to God about any feelings brought up by the Sunday service, and check out willowcreek.org/baptism for more information to help you decide if you’re ready to take the next step.
- Is there another way God is calling you to live out the message this week?
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
