This document discusses the necessity of baptism through examining its roots in Jewish ritual purification known as Mikvah and its role in early Christian conversion and salvation. It notes that baptism, like Mikvah, involves full immersion and cleansing from sin. The document explores baptism in the Bible by looking at passages that discuss it washing away sins, being buried and raised with Christ, and calling on His name. The implication is that as Mikvah was an important part of Jewish practice, so baptism holds significance as an integral part of Christian faith.

1. “The Necessity of Baptism” Lessons and Class Discussion + Extra Slides November 1st, 2009 By Christopher Gallagher www.preacherspen.org Sources Cited

2. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1.10)

4. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3.1

6. There are Many Questions… Why should I get baptized? Do I have to get baptized? When do I get baptized? Where do I get baptized?

7. The History of Baptism Did John the Baptist baptize? Did the Pharisees question the process of baptism or John? Baptism has a deep history…going to the Mikvah!

8. What is a Mikvah? The next slides contain information regarding the description and characteristics of a Mikvah written by Rivkah Slonim. This information is found on the website, http://www.chabad.org

9. What is a Mikvah? “…a modern-day mikvah looks like a miniature swimming pool…” “The mikvah must contain a minimum of two hundred gallons of rainwater that was gathered and siphoned into the mikvah pool in accordance with a highly specific set of regulations.” Source: http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/1541/jewish/The-Mikvah.htm

10. What is a Mikvah? “The casual observer will often see only one pool -- the one used for immersion.” “The mikvah waters are commonly chest high and kept at a comfortable temperature. Access to the pool is achieved via stairs.” Source: http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/1541/jewish/The-Mikvah.htm

11. What is a Mikvah? “(Mikvahs accessible to the handicapped or infirm are equipped with lifts.)” “Immersion in the mikvah has offered a gateway to purity ever since the creation of man.” “Mikvah is an integral part of conversion to Judaism” Source: http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/1541/jewish/The-Mikvah.htm

12. Mikvahs? Sound Familiar? Perhaps baptism? Cleansing of sin (Acts 22.16) Forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38) Immersion (Acts 8.38) Reception of a new life (Romans 6.4) Clothed in Christ (Galatians 3.27)

13. What about Baptism? “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 3.21; ESV

14. What about Baptism? “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6.3,4; ESV

15. “So, why are you waiting?” “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22.16; ESV

18. “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1.3

20. Faith in a Foreign Land A Quick Look at Four Men and One God

21. Why Do You Know Daniel? The Lion’s Den? Prayer? Nebuchadneezar?

22. Why Do You Know the Three Boys? Friends of Daniel? Worship? Fiery Furnace?

23. Names? - They Make A Difference! Daniel ( God is my Judge) Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) Mishael (Who is what God is) Azariah (Yahweh is a helper)

24. Names? - They Make A Difference! Belteshazzar (O lady, protect the King) Shadrach (I am very fearful) Meshach (I am of little account) Abednego (Servant of the shining one)

25. Names? - They Make A Difference! Do the names we know make a difference in the account of Daniel? Are they significant to the account?

26. Food, Faith and Honor Why did Daniel not want to defile himself? What is the outcome of the story? In your opinion, why is this story in Daniel?

27. Food, Faith and Honor What do we learn from this story? Faith? Dependence? Commitment?

28. “The Necessity of Baptism” Lessons and Class Discussion + Extra Slides November 1st, 2009 By Christopher Gallagher www.preacherspen.org Sources Cited