LEARNING FOR LIFE MODULE
Baptism
Brack Buckles
Brack Buckles is a 20+-year youth-ministry veteran who currently is working on his Ph.D. in
student ministry. He is married to Catholene. They have three children, two of whom are
teenagers.
Learning Level: Novice
Teenager, please read aloud:
When I complete this module, I should be able to explain its central truths in my own words.
That central truth is: Baptism is a part of growing in one’s relationship with Christ.
Teenager, please read aloud:
When I complete this module, I should be able to state reasons baptism is so important in the life
of a believer.
Parent, please read this passage aloud:
Matt. 3:13-17
Two-way conversation is more valuable than a lecture. Parent, with that in mind,
please lead a discussion about this:
What does baptism mean? To be immersed under water. Why be baptized?
1. Baptism is an example set by Jesus.
2. Baptism is an outward expression of what has happened on the inside—a cleansing by the
Holy Spirit.
3. Baptism identifies you with the local church. The Jews used a form of baptism to
represent cleansing, but this baptism is more because it symbolizes the cleansing Jesus
has already done for you.
Teenager, please lead a discussion about this:
The literal meaning of the Greek word for baptize means “to dip or immerse.” This is why
baptism by immersion is so important. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan in Matthew 3;
Mark 1; and Luke 1, this is the word that was used. It also carries the idea of drenching, sinking,
or soaking.
Parent and teenager, read and discuss the following quotation:
“Baptism was to put a line of demarcation between your past sins when you are buried with Him
by baptism—you are burying your past sins—eradicating them—putting a line in the sand saying
that old man is dead and he is no longer alive anymore and I rise up to walk in the newness of
life.” T. D. Jakes
Teenager, read the real-life issues below. Discuss with your parent reasons you
think Christian teenagers struggle with these. Discuss other issues you think are
more relevant than the ones listed.
1. Some believe baptism is necessary for salvation.
2. Some believe baptism is just getting wet so they wonder what the point of being baptized
is.
3. Some might say, “Only recently did I truly commit my life to Christ, but I was baptized
as a young child. Isn’t that good enough? Why do I need to be baptized again?”
Parent and teenager, discuss why a disciple of Christ would choose to adopt a
biblical point of view related to this truth. Consider the issues below and also
think of issues not listed:
1. Baptism is the first step in becoming more like Jesus because you are beginning to follow
His example.
2. Being baptized identifies you with Jesus and His church.
3. Being baptized gives you a definite event that you will be able to go back to when you
begin to doubt your salvation. Even though it is not essential for salvation, it can help you
remember what took place around that event.
Parent and teenager, discuss this question: How might Christ use the application
of this truth to further His reign over the hearts and lives of our family, other
believers, and nonbelievers?
Parent and teenager, pray together. Consider including thoughts similar to these:
God show me the importance of baptism in becoming more like you. Give me the strength to
submit to Your will and surrender my pride to follow You with this step of my Christian walk.
Help me use this baptism to reach out to my friends so they can see that You are the King of my
life.
Learning Level: Apprentice
Parent and teenager, review the Novice pages for this module.
Parent,
1. Ask your teenager to say in his or her own words the key truth for this module.
2. Ask your teenager to explain how this truth should impact the attitudes of believers.
3. Ask your teenager to explain how this truth impacts what believers do.
4. With Bibles open, review your teenager’s answers. As needed, rephrase answers to
more accurately and fully represent the light of Scripture.
Teenager, please read these verses aloud:
Romans 6:1-11
Parent, please lead a discussion about this:
What does baptism do? It makes us united with Christ. So as you are baptized, you are baptized
into His death. Then you are raised with Him to life. This ordinance represents the saving act that
has already taken place so baptism is not an empty symbol. It is an important event in the life of
a person that can mark a milestone. It represents the victory that Jesus has had over death.
Teenager, please read these verses aloud:
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Parent, please lead a discussion about this:
Another key aspect of baptism is that it identifies you with the body of Christ. As you are
baptized in a local church, the members can see that you have made the same commitment to
Christ as they have. They should also have a commitment to help you grow. It doesn’t matter
what your background is or where you are from. When you are baptized you are a part of the
church Christ began.
Teenager, please read this quotation aloud:
“Baptism is itself an act of faith and commitment. While faith is possible without baptism,
baptism is a natural accompaniment and the completion of faith. Baptism is, then, a powerful
proclamation of the truth of what Christ has done; it is a “word in water” testifying to the
believer’s participation in the death and resurrection of Christ.” Millard Erickson, Introducing
Christian Doctrine
Teenager, share with your parent any doubts or questions that remain in your
mind related to the topic of this module. Parent, offer your thoughts or promise to
do some extra study before the next meeting.
Teenager, sooner or later Satan will try to harm you related to the topic you are
studying. Discuss with your parent specific actions you can take now that will
help you stand strong in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Parent and teenager, pray together. Consider including thoughts similar to these:
God show me the importance of baptism is becoming more like you. Give me the strength to
submit to your will and surrender my pride to follow you with this step of my Christian walk.
Help me to use this baptism to reach out to my friends so they can see that you are the King of
my life.
Learning Level: Master
Teenager, in your own words, what was the key truth presented in the Novice
level of this module?
Parent, ask interesting questions that clarify ideas and lead to confidence that
understanding has been achieved.
Teenager, how did the additional passages of Scripture add to your
understanding of the key truth presented in this module?
Teenager, what is the opposite of the truth presented in this module? (Example:
The opposite of “Christ is the only way to God” is “There are many ways to
God.”)
Teenager, what world religion, philosophy, famous person, or media expression
(song, movie, etc.) presents that opposite perspective?
Teenager, how would you use the Scriptures and discussions from the Novice
and Apprentice levels to contradict that opposite perspective?
Parent, consider standing behind your teenager, with your hands on his or her
shoulders. Pray aloud that God will give your teenager strength to stand firm for
the truth and to introduce many to Christ.
Learning Level: Master Teacher
Teenager, create the approach you will use to teach the Novice level of this
module to a sibling, friend, or church member. Then present the approach to your
parent first, asking for feedback and possible improvements.
Teenager, present to your parent the truths you will cover when you teach. Invite
your parent to fine-tune any truths or thoughts that might need some correction.
Teenager, teach the Novice level of this module to someone. Invite your parent to
observe so you can receive helpful feedback.