Online Bible Study - The Promise Is to You
THE QUESTION: How can I be adopted into God's family? WE BELIEVE: God provides the means to make you one of His children. A STORY: During a tour at a large manufacturing plant, a visitor saw a man using a fiery torch to cut huge slabs of steel. Operating from a plan, a pointer traced the pattern and then, a system of levers enlarged the design as it was burned into the metal. Every once in a while when the flame would skip and not make any cut into the metal. When this happened, a liquid was applied to the metal, and immediately the cutting was resumed. The worker explained that the torch could cut through steel, 8 inches thick. But, if the flame touched the slightest bit of rust, the torch would not cut. That's why the liquid was used to clean the metal before the cutting could resume. ANSWER THIS: Have you ever been so dirty that you thought no amount of cleaning could make you stainless? How did you feel when the dirt was finally removed? Write your answer here: GOD SPEAKS: The Lord knows that sins can make our souls as filthy as dirt can soil our clothes or bodies. He also sees that no amount of human scrubbing can ever remove those sinful stains. It is only by God's grace that any of us can be made clean again. So that we may receive His grace, God has given His people a holy washing. Like the liquid that cleaned the metal in our story, God's washing is guaranteed to remove any sins that stain our souls. Before Jesus left this world, He told His disciples to go into all the world and tell people how they can be saved. He also told His followers that they should baptize. Baptism may be a new word for you. It simply means to 'apply water'. You know that water can wash away many stains, but the water we use Baptism is special. When the water of Baptism is connected with the Word of God, it becomes the means which God uses to wash souls from their sin. (Matthew 28:1-19, 1 Corinthians 6:11) Even as baptism washes us from our sin, it also makes us children who are now adopted into God's family. You may wonder how simple water can do such wonderful things. The answer is, "Water can't." It is God's word with the water that makes the miracle. You, like all people who have been touched by the Holy Spirit, will wish to be baptized. (Mark 16: 16) It is very simple and not frightening at all. If you live near a congregation of believers, the person who leads worship can perform baptism. If you are not close to a church, any Christian can do a baptism. Water is placed on you three times with the words, "I baptize you, your name, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Please remember that although a person is saved by faith in Jesus alone, baptism was commanded by the Savior and is one way of the ways God is sharing His grace and love. When the day of your baptism comes, be happy with in what is happening: every sin which has ever dirtied your soul is being washed away by the power and Word of God. (Hebrews 10: 22) THIS PART OF OUR LESSON ASKS? Do you wish to be baptized into the Christian faith? If so, please contact us so that we can put you in touch with a local pastor and congregation where you can be baptized.
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