Baptism: Welcome to God's Family

I just spent a week in Jamaica working at a boys home. Ironically, this week’s lesson is about baptism and water. While in Jamaica, we had no running water for the first four days of our stay. It really made me stop and think about baptism and the symbolism water has in our lives. It is through water and God’s spoken words that bring us together as a family of Christ, as believers belonging to a group.

Belonging- We all want to belong and fit in. Baptism is a way of belonging into God’s family. God welcomes us into His family just as we are. John the Baptist proclaimed that the reign of God was near. Many people responded to what John was proclaiming. Even Jesus went to be baptized. His baptism wasn’t necessary because he was already faithful to us and to God. Joining clubs and group activities is much like being baptized. We like to belong to a group to fit in and build relationships. What does it feel like to belong? To belong in clubs/sports teams? To belong into God’s family?

Bible Text: Matthew 3:1-17

Key Verse: And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Matthew 3:16

Faith Trait: Generosity

Talk Points:
*Has baptism into God’s family changed your life? How?
*Baptism is done with water and God’s word. Why are new members welcomed with a splash of water?
*Who gives you the friendliest welcome?
*Whom do you have the most fun with?
*Whom do you share your true feelings with?
*Who makes you feel most loved?
*Who is the most generous person you know? Why?

Reminders:
*BUGs Event this Sunday- encourage your child to get signed up soon! We will be making over 500 sandwiches for an organization called, “363 Days.”
*Encourage your child to bring an offering each week.
*We will have large group worship on January 27th from 6-6:30pm.

May God fill your week with His abundant love!