Baptism: A New Beginning and Commitment in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of New Beginnings

Baptism is a profound act that symbolizes spiritual cleansing and a new beginning in Christ. It is not just a ritual but a public declaration of one's commitment to follow Jesus. This act represents the burial of the old self and the rebirth into a new life, acknowledging what we have already received through Jesus. Baptism is an act of obedience commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28, where He instructs His disciples to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This symbolic act is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus and the joy of committing to follow Him. [01:23]

Romans 6:4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think about a specific area in your life where you need a fresh start. How can you invite Jesus into that area to experience a new beginning today?

Day 2: Inclusivity of the Gospel

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 illustrates the inclusivity of the Gospel. This narrative shows that Jesus' message transcends all human divisions, welcoming all who seek Him, regardless of nationality, culture, or social status. The Ethiopian's eagerness to be baptized upon understanding the Scriptures underscores the importance of community and learning within the body of Christ. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, reminding us that God's love and salvation are available to all. [03:43]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on someone in your life who might feel excluded or marginalized. How can you extend the love and inclusivity of the Gospel to them today?

Day 3: Community and Learning in the Body of Christ

The interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of community and learning within the church. As believers, we grow together, learn from one another, and help each other understand the Scriptures. This communal aspect of faith is vital for spiritual growth and understanding. The Ethiopian's eagerness to learn and be baptized upon understanding the Scriptures emphasizes the role of community in our spiritual journey. [02:39]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think about a time when you learned something valuable from a fellow believer. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your community this week?

Day 4: Baptism as a Milestone

Baptism is a significant milestone in a believer's life, marking their commitment to follow Jesus. It serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence and faithfulness. Even when we face failures or shortcomings, we can lean on God, knowing that He is always there to help us back into a right relationship with Him. This milestone is not just a one-time event but a continual reminder of our journey with God and His unwavering support. [04:34]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or failure. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and faithfulness in that situation?

Day 5: God's Renewed Mercy and Provision

God's mercy is renewed every morning, providing us with the strength and grace we need for each day. Whether we face relational, financial, or health challenges, we can trust in God's provision and care. He is the great physician and provider, capable of meeting all our needs through His miraculous power. This assurance allows us to face each day with confidence, knowing that God's mercy and provision are always available to us. [24:01]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you need God's provision. How can you actively trust in His renewed mercy and provision today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound significance of baptism in the Christian faith. Baptism is not merely a ritual but a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and a new beginning in Christ. It represents a burial of the old self and a rebirth into a new life, much like a burial service followed by a birthday party. This act of obedience is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28, where He instructs His disciples to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of our lives.

We also delved into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8. This narrative highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel, showing that Jesus came for all nations, regardless of nationality, culture, or social status. The Ethiopian's eagerness to be baptized upon understanding the Scriptures underscores the importance of community and learning within the body of Christ. Baptism is a milestone that not only marks our commitment to God but also serves as a reminder that God will be with us throughout our lives, even when we face shortcomings.

Today's service was a celebration of new beginnings for several members of our congregation who chose to be baptized. Each testimony was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus and the joy of committing to follow Him. We concluded with a prayer for God's continued guidance, protection, and blessings upon those who were baptized, emphasizing that while the journey of faith may have challenges, God's presence and mercy are renewed every morning.

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Key Takeaways

1. 4PJk&t=83s'>[01:23]
2. Inclusivity of the Gospel: The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrates that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of nationality, culture, or social status. Jesus' message transcends all human divisions, welcoming all who seek Him. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, reminding us that God's love and salvation are available to all.

3. Community and Learning in the Body of Christ: The interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of community and learning within the church. As believers, we grow together, learn from one another, and help each other understand the Scriptures. This communal aspect of faith is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.

4. Baptism as a Milestone: Baptism is a significant milestone in a believer's life, marking their commitment to follow Jesus. It serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence and faithfulness. Even when we face failures or shortcomings, we can lean on God, knowing that He is always there to help us back into a right relationship with Him.

5. God's Renewed Mercy and Provision: God's mercy is renewed every morning, providing us with the strength and grace we need for each day. Whether we face relational, financial, or health challenges, we can trust in God's provision and care. He is the great physician and provider, capable of meeting all our needs through His miraculous power.

### [01:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - The Significance of Baptism
[02:39] - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
[03:43] - Inclusivity of the Gospel
[04:34] - Baptism as a Milestone
[05:24] - God's Enduring Presence
[07:09] - Introduction to Baptism Service
[09:27] - Brandon's Baptism
[12:22] - Brittany's Baptism
[14:02] - Matteo's Baptism
[15:45] - Andy's Baptism
[18:19] - Gabby's Baptism
[24:01] - Prayer for God's Mercy and Provision
[25:50] - Encouragement for the Baptized
[26:58] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 8:26-39 (NIV)

> Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

#### Observation Questions

What does baptism symbolize according to the sermon? ([01:23])
How did Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch meet, and what was the Ethiopian doing when Philip approached him? ([02:39])
What was the Ethiopian eunuch's response after understanding the Scriptures? ([03:43])
How does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrate the inclusivity of the Gospel? ([03:43])

#### Interpretation Questions

Why is baptism considered a public declaration of faith, and what does it signify about the believer's relationship with Jesus? ([01:23])
How does the interaction between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch highlight the importance of community and learning within the church? ([02:39])
In what ways does the story of the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrate that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background? ([03:43])
How can the act of baptism serve as a milestone in a believer's life, and what does it remind them of regarding God's presence? ([04:34])

#### Application Questions

Reflect on your own baptism or the decision to be baptized. How did it mark a new beginning in your spiritual journey? ([01:23])
How can you actively participate in making the Gospel inclusive and welcoming to people from different backgrounds in your community? ([03:43])
In what ways can you contribute to the learning and growth of others within your church community, similar to how Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch? ([02:39])
Think of a time when you faced a significant challenge in your faith journey. How did you experience God's presence and support during that time? ([05:24])
How can you remind yourself daily of God's renewed mercy and provision, especially when facing personal struggles? ([24:01])
Identify one person in your life who might be seeking spiritual understanding. How can you support them in their journey, similar to how Philip supported the Ethiopian eunuch? ([02:39])
What steps can you take to publicly declare your faith and commitment to Jesus in your daily life, beyond the act of baptism? ([04:34])

Sermon Clips

1. "Baptism symbolically illustrates a spiritual cleansing, forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It illustrates a new beginning. Like I said, a burial service followed by a birthday party, and I hope that phrase will stick with you. Also, we practice baptism because God commanded us to do it. It is an act of obedience. Not to gain something from God, but because we received already something from God." [01:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "This is the beauty of the body of Christ. When we come together as a church, we learn from one another and things are explained to us. And this is the celebration. And exciting to be part of a church because we are growing together. We are learning together. So we receive explanation." [02:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus came for any kind of nations, for all nations. Doesn't matter the nationality. Doesn't matter the culture. Doesn't matter... Yeah, for some of you might be surprising, but doesn't even matter the political party. Doesn't matter anything because Jesus accept all of us. Just like this Ethiopian. Also, the social status doesn't matter. God welcomes everyone." [03:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Baptism also is a milestone in our lives. In my opinion, I remember exactly when I was baptized. I not... I was 13, almost 14 years old. And I remember the place. I remember who. And I remember who was there. It's a milestone in our life. To remind us, not just the commitment that we made to God, but also that God is going to be there for us for the rest of our lives." [04:34] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You might go through life. You will go through life and you'll have some shortcomings. Hopefully not. But you might fail once or twice. Never ever forget that God is there to help each one of us up. To just go back to the relation that he wants us to have with him. So that being said, it's a time of celebration." [05:24] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I want you to realize a walk with God is not necessarily easy. It's But it's definitely better because we have hope because we have someone that we can go to. then we always always can't remember that we can lean on. We can lean on him." [25:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You will have challenges in this life. You will have tests and trials because we live in a fallen. World. But remember always remember God. It's always going to be there for you. All you have to do is just Lord help me and he's going to help." [26:58] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "They made a commitment not just in front of us, but also in front of you and also angels in heaven that they committed to serve you to follow. You to obey you and to honor you through everything that they do in their lives. So we are asking for your blessings upon each one of them. We're asking your protection upon each one of them. We're asking for you to destroy any schemes of the devil that might be set up in front of them." [28:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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