Sunday
January 22
1. OUR NEED OF BAPTISM
a. What earnest appeal does God make to every human being? Proverbs 23:26.
b. Why is it so important to have a wholehearted commitment to the Lord? Matthew 12:30; Luke 12:47.
c. Why is it so meaningful to commit ourselves to Christ publicly? Romans 10:9; Luke 9:26. How does Inspiration identify this commitment?
[An] obligation, too often lightly regarded-one that to the youth awakened to the claims of Christ needs to be made plain-is the obligation of church relationship.-Education, p. 268.
d. Why is baptism so significant? Mark 16:16. What illustrates its urgency? Acts 22:16.
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91.
Monday
January 23
2. NOT JUST A FORMALITY
a. What does baptism signify? Romans 6:3-10.
In baptism we are given to the Lord as a vessel to be used. Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Self is by profession dead to a life of sin. The waters cover the candidate, and in the presence of the whole heavenly universe the mutual pledge is made. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new life of loyalty to God. The three great powers in heaven are witnesses; they are invisible but present.-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1074.
b. What is the church's duty toward all candidates for baptism? Acts 10:47, 48; Colossians 1:28.
All who believe are to be gathered into one church.-The Desire of Ages, p. 821.
There is need of a more thorough preparation on the part of candidates for baptism. They are in need of more faithful instruction than has usually been given them. The principles of the Christian life should be made plain to those who have newly come to the truth. None can depend upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a saving connection with Christ. We are not only to say, 'I believe,' but to practice the truth. It is by conformity to the will of God in our words, our deportment, our character, that we prove our connection with Him. Whenever one renounces sin, which is the transgression of the law, his life will be brought into conformity to the law, into perfect obedience.-Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 91, 92.
c. With what attitude should this thorough examination be done? Proverbs 15:33.
The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be understood whether they are simply taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord's side, to come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing.-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 95.
Tuesday
January 24
3. UNITED ON PRESENT TRUTH
a. How has Christ bidden us teach new believers all aspects of present truth, no neglecting vital point? Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 9:26. Give some examples.
One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is the subject of dress. Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with. Are they vain in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. In most cases, submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress. . . .
The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, expressed in character, is an exaltation above everything that is esteemed in earth or in heaven. It is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city. This knowledge it is God's purpose that all who put on Christ by baptism shall possess. And it is the duty of God's servants to set before these souls the privilege of their high calling in Christ Jesus."-Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 96, 97.
b. What is God's will for us to understand about the church? Ephesians 1:17-23; 5:29-32; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
c. What promises are assured to all who are truly converted and baptized into His body? Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Ephesians 2:18, 19.
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 91.
d. After baptism, what must we keep in mind at every step of our Christian journey-even for the rest of our life? Romans 6:11-18; John 15:4-7; Matthew 24:13.
Wednesday
January 25
4. THE DEPTH OF THIS COMMITMENT
a. Baptism is a sign of our commitment to Christ. From this time on, as members of His body, what is implied in our commitment to one another? Galatians 6:2, 10; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
The followers of Christ should not praise and flatter one another; for Satan will do a plenty of this work, and if persons have a high opinion of their own ability, it will prevent them from learning in the school of Christ. Let none censure and condemn others; for in doing this they are colaborers with him who is the accuser of the brethren, who would steal from their hearts every particle of love for one another. Christians will not seek to tear one another down in order to build up self, but all will endeavor to strengthen and encourage one another.-Gospel Workers (1892), pp. 459, 460.
b. Besides the ever-needed encouragement, what else is often necessary in showing Christian love for a brother or sister, and why? Leviticus 19:17.
c. Why is this vital in maintaining the purity of God's church? 2 Chronicles 7:14.
When the church is in difficulty, when coldness and spiritual declension exist, giving occasion for the enemies of God to triumph, then, instead of folding their hands and lamenting their unhappy state, let its members inquire if there is not an Achan in the camp. With humiliation and searching of heart, let each seek to discover the hidden sins that shut out God's presence.-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 497.
We repeat, God holds the church responsible for the sins of its individual members. When coldness and spiritual declension exist, God's people should put away their pride and self-confidence and self-exaltation, and should come to the Lord in sorrow and humility, not charging Him with injustice, but seeking wisdom to understand the hidden sins which shut out His presence.-The Signs of the Times, April 21, 1881.
d. With what spirit must this unavoidable work be performed? Galatians 6:1.
Thursday
January 26
5. A MOST TENDER UNION
a. What characteristic must we cultivate which-if ever kept in mind-could prevent many apostasies? Leviticus 19:18; James 5:9.
He who says or does anything that tends to separate the members of Christ's church is counterworking the Lord's purpose. . . . True religion unites hearts, not only with Christ, but with one another in a most tender union.-Gospel Workers, p. 484.
b. What ordinance helps us develop this quality, and with what important occasion is it conducted? John 13:13-15; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.
This ordinance [of feet washing] does not speak so largely to man's intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it.-The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898.
c. What should be intertwined with everything pertaining to the church? John 13:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 14:40. How does this apply to church business meetings?
In our business meetings, it is important that precious time should not be consumed in debating points that are of small consequence. The habit of petty criticism should not be indulged; for it perplexes and confuses minds, and shrouds in mystery the things that are most plain and simple. How does Jesus, our Counselor, whom we have invited to be present at these meetings, look upon these things? If there is that love among brethren which will lead them to esteem others better than themselves, there will be a giving up of their own ways and wishes to others. It is our duty to study, daily and hourly, how we may answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples may be one, as He and the Father are one.-Gospel Workers (1892), p. 230.
Friday
January 27
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How can we work together to better prepare baptismal candidates?
2. How can we avoid the danger of mistaking too much familiarity-which breeds contempt-for precious unity-which breeds love?