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Water Baptism

What is water baptism?
Water baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. Just before Jesus returned to heaven, He commanded His followers to preach the gospel to all people and to baptize believers. Baptism is a sign to everyone watching that he or she has accepted Jesus as Savior and that he or she plans to obey Jesus and live to please Him.

Who should be baptized?
Everyone who is sorry for his or her sins, repents, and believes in Jesus as Savior should be baptized. There is no age limit for baptism. When a person is saved and understands what baptism means, he or she should be baptized.

Does baptism save me?
No. Water baptism does not give us salvation. The Bible teaches that we can only be saved by repenting of our sin and believing on Jesus as Savior. If a person does not repent and believe, it does no good to be baptized. Water does not wash away sin—only the blood of Jesus can take away our sins.

What does “baptism by immersion” mean?
The New Testament was first written in Greek. The Greek word for baptize means “to go down under, to dip, to submerge.” Water baptism represents our identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. This is why each believer should be submerged in water at baptism, not have water sprinkled or poured on him or her. Since baptism is for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, this cannot include babies who are not old enough to make such a decision.

How can I be baptized?
Each church has their own guidelines and process for water baptism. Talk to your youth pastor, youth leader, or pastor for more information. Adapted from Foundations for Faith.

Copyright 1994. Gospel Publishing House. Used by permission.

How to Study God's Word

1. Learn how to Read God’s Word.
a. Read each verse considering the surrounding verses and then in the greater circle of the surrounding chapters, books, and the Bible as a whole.
b. Read with the literal meaning in mind unless the context indicates the words are symbolic or a word picture.
c. The Bible never contradicts itself. If something seems contradictory read the verse in light of all other verses on the same subject.
d. Generally when the Bible repeats something, it is emphasizing its importance. Generally when the Bible repeats something, it is emphasizing its importance.

2. Learn to Study God’s Word.
a. This will require more discipline and time than simply reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit will help and teach you. Ask Him.
b. Make sure to read the study notes, helps and cross references from your Fire Bible. These will aid you in your study and understanding of God’s Word.
c. Read the verse aloud and to yourself several times. Consider each phrase and its meaning as you read.

3. Learn to Live God's Word.
a. You want God's Word to live in your heart. For this to happen you must do your best to apply God’s Word in your everyday life. You will need to meditate (chew on it) on God's Word and act on the principles learned.
b. Think about what God is instructing you to do with what you just read. Ask yourself questions: "What do I do now? What is the resulting promise for me? How will this verse affect my daily life? How will it make me love God and people more?"
c. God's Spirit may speak and ask you to do something. You need to act on whatever He shows you to do.

4. Learn to Pray God's Word.
a. When meditating upon a verse or a passage of Scripture personalize it and make it your prayer to God.
b. As you read a portion of Scripture ask God to help you, your family and friends live out that portion of Scripture.
c. There are many passages of Scripture that contain prayers already. Simply pray these for yourself and others.
The Fire Bible Student Edition contains many articles, terms, helps, references and tools to help you get the most from your time in God’s Word. Go to www.fbse.ag.org to order your copy today.