Your congregation is hosting a gospel meeting (a series of special church services designed to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and encourage spiritual commitment). The guest preacher is highly engaging, and his messages are motivating many people to dedicate their lives to serving God.
Up until this week, neither you nor any of your close friends in your Bible class had been baptized.
- On Thursday night, one of your classmates comes forward and is baptized.
- On Friday night, two more of your close friends decide to go to the front of the auditorium to be baptized.
The Pressure to Conform
You love God, but you honestly do not feel that you are ready yet to make the lifetime commitment to become a Christian.
Now, with your friends baptized, there are only a couple of kids left in your class who have not been baptized. You begin to feel intense pressure to follow their lead, even though you don’t feel ready in your heart.
Discussion Questions
- What should you do in this situation?
- Why is it dangerous to get baptized (fully immersed in water to show repentance, have sins forgiven, and commit to following Jesus) just because your friends are doing it?
- How can you know when you are truly ready to take this important spiritual step for yourself?
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.