Baptism: What the Bible Really Teaches

by Tony Twist, Bobby Harrington, David Young

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM AS A DEFINING COMMITMENT FOR DISCIPLES As church leaders, we see it on people’s faces — they want renewal. Baptism helps disciples and seekers find a renewed faith in Jesus and commitment to following him. The authors focus on how Jesus’ teachings play a significant role in the renewal process. People seem to know that baptism is tied to God’s renewal plan for our lives. The authors help you understand exactly why baptism, for the disciple of Jesus, is like the wedding ceremony for those who get married. Though the Bible is pretty clear on baptism — over time and through various religious traditions — baptism has become a controversial topic. Three Renew leaders, each with an expertise in biblical studies, come together to write this Tony Twist, David Young, and Bobby Harrington guide you through all the religious noise so you can find clarity in What the Bible Teaches . TONY TWIST has earned degrees from Milligan College, Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Southern Baptist Seminary, and Indiana University. He and his wife, Suzanne, maintained a passion for disciple making as they served churches in Virginia, Tennessee, and Indiana. He currently serves as President and CEO of the TCM International Institute, a global graduate school for disciple makers with bases in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Heiligenkreuz, Austria. BOBBY HARRINGTON is Lead Pastor of Harpeth Christian Church, author and co-author of various discipleship books, including DiscipleShift and The Disciple Maker’s Handbook , and trainer of disciple-making coaches. He serves as Co-founder and Executive Director for Renew and Discipleship.org. He has completed graduate work at Harding University, the University of Calgary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, finishing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Southern Seminary. He lives with his wife in Franklin, Tennessee. They have two children and two grandchildren. DAVID YOUNG completed a Master of Arts degree at Harding School of Theology and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in New Testament at Vanderbilt University. He has worked for churches in Missouri, Kansas, and Tennessee, taught at several universities, and spoken around the world. He is the host of the New Day Television Program and author of several books, including The Rhetoric of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (Fortress Press, 2017). David currently serves as Senior Minister for the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He and his wife, Julie, have two married children. David is a co-founder of Renew.

85 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Anna Mari · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is well researched and thought out. I am not convinced of their position on baptism, but at least was pushed to consider an alternative thought to that which I grew up with and then studied on my own several years ago. I appreciate the research and extensive footnotes of the sources used to compile this exhaustive book on their thoughts on baptism.

The rating is not because of my difference in theology, but rather in the writing itself. I found parts of the book repetitious like the author was trying to convince me the view being presented was the proper one by just saying more times.

If you are struggling with what baptism means in the life of a follower of Jesus, this has a LOT of sources and some good ideas. It is a place to start your personal journey in researching what baptism means in the life of a Christian.

Do not misunderstand me, I believe that baptism, by immersion is the Biblical form of baptism for the believer in Christ. It is part of the Great Commission that Jesus gives all His followers. I do not want to water down it's importance.

If you have questions about what it means to even be a Christian, I am happy to have a dialog with you.

[Dr Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich with scriptural insight, charts comparing aspects of belief followed by repentance and the act of baptism, etc.

I thought this resource included a lot of research to support the act of baptism as an expression of repentance and faith into Christ’s finished work.

The authors covered a number of topics and controversial questions - like does the Bible support infant baptism under the New Covenant in contrast with the Old Covenant.

There was much to ponder and a great resource for church leaders commissioned with discipling others.