I. He commands us to be baptized-
* Baptism is a response of obedience to Jesus as Lord [Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41].
* Baptism is following the example of Jesus [Matt. 3:13-17].
* Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus [Acts 2:41; 8:35-38; 16:23-24].
* Baptism expresses our desire to follow Jesus [Romans 6:4].
* Baptism symbolizes certain truths:
- The life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus [I Cor. 15:1-4].
- The believer's new life in Christ [Romans 6:1-4].
- The believers future resurrection [Ephesians 1:13-14; Rom. 6:5].
* Baptism is the gateway into the local church. It is a church ordinance [Acts 2:41, 42, 47].
* Baptism is something the believer wants to do [Acts 2:41a].
2. He commands us to join a local New Testament church-
* The church is Christ's body on earth [Matt. 16:18; Romans 12:5].
* The members are commanded to assemble for public praise, prayer, and preaching for the encouragement and edification of the saints [Heb 10:25].
* The members are to submit and follow the spiritual leaders [Heb. 13:7, 17; Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-4].
* The members need preaching and teaching to assist them in spiritual growth [2 Peter 3:18].
* The members need to discover, develop, and use their spiritual gifts for the rest of the body [I Cor. 12:12-26; Rom. 12:4-8; Eph. 4:11-12; I Peter 4:10].
* The members need to follow the example of Jesus [Luke 4:16].
* The New Testament was written to local churches who gathered together on the Lord's Day [I Cor. 16:2].
* Believers are joined with Christ and each other [I Cor. 12:12-27].
* The early church kept a list of widows and members [I Tim. 5:9].
* The early church knew who was in their number [Acts 2:41b].
