Believe andBe Baptised

A Christian ChurchWe don’t believe

• We’re here by accident• Physical life and death is

all there is• God is uninterested in us• We can make it on our own

and all faiths lead to God• Christians are better than

other people• In “pick ‘n’ mix

spirituality”• That the Bible is irrelevant• That Christianity is about

rules and regulations

We believe• We have a purpose to

fulfil • Eternal life that begins

here on earth• God loves us –

unconditionally• Jesus took the initiative

to save us – it’s His rescue plan

• Our aim is to become like Jesus in every way

• We must be “born again”

• The Bible is God’s word to us

• Christianity is about relationship - eternally

Encounters with Jesus• Mary Magdalene at the tomb• Two disciples on their way home• The disciples on Easter Sunday• The disciples a week later• Seven disciples fishing• Individual meetings with Peter & James• Over 500 disciples at one time

“In its favour as living truth there exists such overwhelming evidence, positive and negative, factual and circumstantial, that no intelligent jury in the world could fail to bringin a verdict that the resurrection story is true” – former Chief Justice Lord Darling

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIVUK)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIVUK)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

The Great Commission• The Christian’s Mission Statement• Go and make disciples of all nations• Baptise them in the name of the Father, Son &

Holy Spirit• Teach them everything I’ve commanded you

• Three key points• The Christian faith may be personal but it’s

not private• Made for sharing

• Baptism isn’t about becoming a Christian• Step of faith and an act of obedience

• Christianity isn’t just believing – it’s a way of living

• The Great Co-Mission• Jesus promises to be with us