Join us for an in-depth, heartfelt Bible study session from Mount Pleasant Methodist Church (a Global Methodist Church) in Vancleave, Mississippi. In this Week 22 gathering, the group dives deeply into Question 33 from the catechism in Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist (pages 127–130): “Do you believe that there is but one baptism?”
Led by Sherry Judy, in place of Rev. Ron McDougald (who was unable to attend), this lively discussion explores the meaning of one baptism as declared in Ephesians 4:4-6 — “one body… one Spirit… one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.”
Key topics covered in this open, honest conversation include:
- The biblical foundation of one baptism and what it means for Christian unity across denominations
- Reflections on diversity within the body of Christ (referencing 1 Corinthians 12) and why multiple denominations exist despite “one faith”
- The Methodist understanding of baptism as God’s initiating grace — not dependent on human decision alone (prevenient grace)
- Infant baptism vs. believer’s baptism: scriptural tensions, household baptisms in Acts, repentance (Acts 2:38), and why Methodists do not rebaptize those already baptized in a Trinitarian tradition
- Baptism as a symbol of repentance, inner cleansing, new birth in Christ, death to sin, burial with Christ, and resurrection to new life (Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:11-14, Hebrews 10:19-22)
- Mode of baptism (sprinkling, pouring, immersion) — why Methodists recognize various forms when done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Personal stories of baptism experiences — infant, childhood, adult — and powerful moments of reaffirmation (including a trip to the Jordan River)
- The ongoing nature of the Christian life: baptism is not a “ticket to heaven” but the beginning of a life of obedience, daily taking up the cross, and growing in grace
- How witnessing baptisms stirs thanksgiving for God’s saving grace
- A closing challenge: praying for someone who does not yet know Christ, with real-life examples of how God uses ordinary moments (even trash cans!) to prompt intercession
Whether you were baptized as an infant, as a child, or as an adult — or are still exploring the meaning of this sacrament — this transparent discussion will encourage, challenge, and deepen your appreciation for God’s grace in baptism.
Scripture Focus:
- Ephesians 4:4-6
- Acts 2:37-39
- Romans 6:1-5
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
- Galatians 3:26-28
- Colossians 2:11-14
- Hebrews 10:19-22
