Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to South Point Church's online baptism class. Today, we aim to answer three fundamental questions: What is baptism? Who gets baptized? And why do we baptize? Baptism is not about a mystical feeling or a religious ritual that guarantees salvation. Instead, it is an outward symbol of an inner commitment to Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding ceremony is an outward declaration of a couple's commitment, baptism publicly signifies a believer's decision to follow Jesus.
Baptism symbolizes three key aspects: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are declaring that we have died to our old selves, been buried with Christ, and risen to new life through His resurrection. This act is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.
Anyone who has heard the gospel and committed to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior should be baptized. The gospel, or "good news," is that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, not by our works, we are restored to a right relationship with God.
We baptize because Jesus set the example by being baptized Himself and commanded His followers to do the same. Baptism is a step of obedience and a public declaration of faith. If you have believed in Jesus but have not been baptized, this is your next step. Whether you were baptized as a child or have never been baptized, understanding and committing to this act is crucial.
To get baptized, decide if this is your next step, sign up online, and prepare to share your testimony. Baptism is not the end but the beginning of your journey with Jesus. Continue to grow in your faith by engaging with the Bible, joining a small group, giving, and serving. Remember, everyone has a next step in their spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as an Outward Symbol: Baptism is not about achieving a mystical feeling or completing a religious ritual. It is an outward symbol of an inner commitment to Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding ceremony publicly declares a couple's commitment, baptism publicly signifies a believer's decision to follow Jesus. [05:47]
2. Symbolism of Baptism: Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we declare that we have died to our old selves, been buried with Christ, and risen to new life through His resurrection. This act is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. [07:24]
3. Who Should Be Baptized: Anyone who has heard the gospel and committed to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior should be baptized. The gospel is the good news that all have sinned, but Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, not by our works, we are restored to a right relationship with God. [11:23]
4. Why We Baptize: We baptize because Jesus set the example by being baptized Himself and commanded His followers to do the same. Baptism is a step of obedience and a public declaration of faith. It is an essential part of the Christian journey, signifying our commitment to follow Jesus. [12:28]
5. Next Steps After Baptism: Baptism is not the end but the beginning of your journey with Jesus. Continue to grow in your faith by engaging with the Bible, joining a small group, giving, and serving. Everyone has a next step in their spiritual journey, and it is crucial to keep moving forward to avoid staying stuck. [17:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Introduction and Overview
[01:06] - What is Baptism?
[01:41] - What Baptism is Not
[03:28] - Baptism as an Outward Symbol
[04:35] - The Marriage Analogy
[06:21] - Symbolism of Baptism
[07:59] - Who Should Be Baptized?
[09:08] - Understanding the Gospel
[10:51] - Faith, Not Works
[12:01] - Why We Baptize
[13:01] - Where Are You Today?
[14:09] - Next Steps for Baptism
[15:20] - Practical Steps to Get Baptized
[17:25] - Continuing Your Journey with Jesus
[18:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Baptism
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 3:22 - "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are."
2. Colossians 2:12 - "For we were buried with Christ when we were baptized. And with him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead."
3. Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the three key aspects that baptism symbolizes? ([06:21])
2. What does the pastor say baptism is not about? ([01:41])
3. Who does the pastor say should be baptized? ([07:59])
4. Why do we baptize according to the sermon? ([12:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the symbolism of baptism (death, burial, and resurrection) relate to the transformative power of Jesus in a believer's life? ([06:21])
2. Why is it important to understand that baptism is not a mystical feeling or a religious ritual? ([01:41])
3. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and obedience to Jesus' command? ([12:28])
4. What does it mean to be restored to a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus, as mentioned in Romans 3:22? ([03:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you made an inner commitment to Jesus that you have not yet publicly declared through baptism? If so, what is holding you back? ([13:01])
2. How can you use the symbolism of baptism to remind yourself of the transformative power of Jesus in your daily life? ([06:21])
3. If you have already been baptized, what are some next steps you can take to continue growing in your faith, such as engaging with the Bible, joining a small group, giving, or serving? ([17:57])
4. Think about someone in your life who might be ready to hear the gospel. How can you share the good news of Jesus with them in a way that is both loving and clear? ([08:27])
5. How can you ensure that your decision to get baptized (or to encourage someone else to get baptized) is based on a genuine commitment to follow Jesus rather than a desire for a mystical experience or religious ritual? ([01:41])
6. What practical steps can you take this week to prepare for baptism, such as signing up online, sharing your testimony, or reflecting on your faith journey? ([15:20])
7. How can you support others in your small group or church community who are considering baptism or have recently been baptized? ([17:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as an Outward Symbol
Baptism is not about achieving a mystical feeling or completing a religious ritual. It is an outward symbol of an inner commitment to Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding ceremony publicly declares a couple's commitment, baptism publicly signifies a believer's decision to follow Jesus. This act is a public declaration of faith and a testimony to others about the transformative work Jesus has done in one's life. It is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just a private matter but something to be shared and celebrated within the community of believers. [05:47]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about your own baptism or the idea of being baptized. How does publicly declaring your faith impact your relationship with Jesus and your community? What steps can you take today to live out this public declaration in your daily life?
Day 2: Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we declare that we have died to our old selves, been buried with Christ, and risen to new life through His resurrection. This act is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. It signifies that we are no longer bound by our past sins and failures but are now living a new life in Christ. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus every day. [07:24]
Colossians 2:12 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Reflection: Reflect on the symbolism of baptism in your own life. How have you experienced the death of your old self and the birth of a new life in Christ? What areas of your life still need to be transformed by His power?
Day 3: Who Should Be Baptized
Anyone who has heard the gospel and committed to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior should be baptized. The gospel is the good news that all have sinned, but Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, not by our works, we are restored to a right relationship with God. Baptism is an act of obedience that follows this commitment, signifying that we have accepted Jesus' sacrifice and are now part of God's family. It is a step that every believer should take to publicly affirm their faith and commitment to Jesus. [11:23]
Acts 2:38 (ESV): "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus but have not yet been baptized? What is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? How can you prepare yourself to take this important step in your faith journey?
Day 4: Why We Baptize
We baptize because Jesus set the example by being baptized Himself and commanded His followers to do the same. Baptism is a step of obedience and a public declaration of faith. It is an essential part of the Christian journey, signifying our commitment to follow Jesus. By being baptized, we are following Jesus' example and His command, showing that we are serious about our faith and our desire to live in obedience to Him. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony to others and a way to strengthen our own faith. [12:28]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Reflect on Jesus' command to be baptized and make disciples. How does this command influence your understanding of baptism? What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example and command in your own life?
Day 5: Next Steps After Baptism
Baptism is not the end but the beginning of your journey with Jesus. Continue to grow in your faith by engaging with the Bible, joining a small group, giving, and serving. Everyone has a next step in their spiritual journey, and it is crucial to keep moving forward to avoid staying stuck. Baptism is a significant milestone, but it is just the start of a lifelong journey of growing closer to Jesus and becoming more like Him. By staying engaged in your faith community and continually seeking to grow, you can ensure that your faith remains vibrant and active. [17:57]
2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Reflection: What are the next steps you need to take in your spiritual journey after baptism? How can you stay engaged in your faith community and continue to grow in your relationship with Jesus? What specific actions can you take today to move forward in your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Baptism is an outward symbol to the world, to yourself and to your family and friends of an inward confession, an inward commitment, that you have said yes to Jesus. And so what is baptism? It's an outward symbol of an inner commitment." [05:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, if we're all honest, we've all made a choice, we knew it was wrong, and we did it anyway, because it felt good to us. And we've broken God's heart, and we've hurt others, and we've hurt ourselves. At some point, there are no perfect people, right? All of us, all of us, have come short." [09:08] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus obediently, in love towards His heavenly Father and towards you and I, was willingly put on a cross to pay the price for my brokenness, and my errors, and my sins, for your brokenness, for your sins, for the world, for anyone who would receive Him." [10:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith in Jesus restores our relationship with God. Listen, we're in a relationship with God not because we earned it or worked for it, but because we've put our trust and our faith in Jesus." [11:23] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus set the example. I mean, I've read the Bible a lot of times, and maybe you didn't know this, but like, did you know that Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist? And when He went to John, John said, hey, you actually should baptize me. But Jesus said, hey, this is an important process, and God showed up in that moment." [12:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Baptism is not a religious ritual. I mean, I think sometimes as we think about God and Jesus and heaven, we think that those things are like this jigsaw puzzle, that if we just get the right pieces in the right place, then we unlock the secrets of this life that we're supposed to have and that we get into heaven." [02:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Baptism is a symbol of three just basic things. And it's this. First is the death of Christ. There's a reason that you get in a tub of water, because water can be both life-giving, but can also be very deadly and dangerous. And part of the baptism process is when we say yes to Jesus, we are dying to ourselves." [06:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Anyone who has heard the gospel and committed to the gospel, has said yes to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And I know that sounds a little churchy, but there's a reason why there, because the first part of, has anyone heard the gospel? We kind of need to know, what exactly are we saying yes to?" [07:59] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are not made right with God because we get baptized, or because we went to church, or we put something in the offering plate, right? Or because we were born in the right country, or we have a good job, or we made lots of money, right? That isn't how we get right with God. We get right with God because Jesus paid the price on our behalf." [10:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Baptism isn't the end of your journey with Jesus. It is the beginning of your journey. It is the beginning of your journey with Jesus. So we want to continue to partner with you and help you continue to take next steps. One of those might be downloading the YouVersion Bible app on your phone so that you can daily engage the Bible." [17:57] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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