New Birth: Baptism and Conversation

by Michael Strickland, Anessa Westbrook

A GUIDEBOOK ON WHY AND HOW TO BE SAVED Why do we need a spiritual “new birth”? How is it even possible? The concept sounded strange to Jesus’ audience. It can sound even stranger in our day, when many wonder why good people need it—and how bad people could still deserve it. Yet Jesus knew (and we know too) that we humans are deeply flawed. We need a new beginning. In New Birth , Strickland and Westbrook walk through our need for a new birth and the way to be born again, according to Jesus. What is the point of baptism? Why do we need to repent? This book guides readers to know what the Bible teaches about the why and how of being born again. This book equips disciple makers to teach baptism from a biblical foundation. — Brett Andrews , founding pastor of New Life Christian Church This book establishes the necessary doctrinal foundation for a global movement of disciple making in a clear and solid way. — Brandon Guindon , founding pastor of Real Life Texas, Houston, TX This well-written book will help those thinking about becoming Christians and deepen the understanding of those who are already Christians. — Dr. Sherry Pollard , Professor, Harding University MICHAEL STRICKLAND (PhD, University of Birmingham) is Director of Instruction and Associate Professor of Theology and Mathematics at Amridge University. He also holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mathematics from Auburn University and Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lipscomb University. ANESSA WESTBROOK (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry at Harding University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Church Growth and a Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology. Her doctoral research focused on the spiritual development of women.

120 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Alina Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this book is that it can be both brief and deep. I read through New Birth for the first time in one hour, and it focused on presenting the broad overview of Scripture that shares the story of baptism and of the significance behind it. However, when I went back to answer each chapter’s discussion questions, I filled 25 pages of my journal with over 60 scripture references that I found either in the book or in addition to the book. This is a read for both pre-baptized Christians and for Christians who have followed Christ for a long time. There is no doubt that you will learn a lot from this book.

[Joey Hungerford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview on the theology and importance of baptism. I would have liked to see more content on “counting the costs” before baptism. In the book one analogy was made that we need to take a leap of faith and we will never know everything, much like when we get married. This is true, but I also wouldn’t recommend marrying just anyone who sees their need for marriage. Marriage counseling or discipling someone to understand the commitment of Lordship and repentance before baptism is important.

[Anna Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

In five chapters, you can have an amazing overview of what a life surrendered to Christ looks like. Tackling topics Including Baptism and the Lordship of Christ. Not convinced about Christianity or even a conservative Christian Theology? Take moment to read through this book. Answer the questions honestly. Keep a thoughtful and open mind.
Seek truth.