Baptism and New Birth - Part 1 (Sunday Service)

Oct 27, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as New Birth and Transformation

Baptism is not just a ritual but a transformative new birth, marking a fundamental change in one’s life and relationship with God.

Acts 8:26-39 (ESV):
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that you long to see transformed by God’s power? How might surrendering it to Him through faith and obedience—like the Ethiopian eunuch—lead to a new beginning for you?
[45:50]

Day 2: The Joy and Assurance of Forgiveness

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are declared forgiven and innocent, and this assurance brings deep joy and freedom.

Romans 8:1-4 (ESV):
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Reflection: When you consider that you are fully forgiven and declared innocent because of Jesus, how does that change the way you approach God today?
[26:54]

Day 3: The Mirror of God’s Law

God’s law acts as a mirror, revealing our true moral character and our need for grace.

James 1:22-25 (ESV):
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Reflection: What is one “blemish” or area of sin that God’s Word has revealed to you recently, and how can you respond to His grace in that area today?
[24:55]

Day 4: Baptism as an Act of Faith and Submission

Baptism is a conscious, humble act of faith and submission, not a work to earn salvation but a surrender to God’s grace.

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV):
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Reflection: In what ways do you need to let go of self-reliance and pride, and instead submit to God’s way—even if it means trusting Him in ways that feel vulnerable?
[01:09:50]

Day 5: The Invitation and Readiness for New Life

The invitation to be baptized and begin anew is always open; God calls each person to respond when their heart is ready.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ESV):
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Reflection: Is there a step of faith or obedience that you have been delaying? What would it look like to respond to God’s invitation today, trusting that now is the right time?
[01:13:41]

Sermon Summary

There is no friend like Jesus, who knows every struggle and guides us faithfully to the end. As we gather to remember his sacrifice through the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that God’s law acts as a mirror, revealing not only his perfect character but also our own shortcomings. When we look honestly into this mirror, we see the stains of our soul—blemishes that no human effort can remove. Yet, through Christ’s sacrifice, we are declared righteous, forgiven, and made whole. The blood of Jesus alone washes away our sin and restores us to God.

Baptism is a profound act that marks the new birth of a believer. It is not merely a ritual or tradition, but a transformative moment where faith, understanding, and submission come together. The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 illustrates the essentials of biblical baptism: it is the final stage of conversion, a conscious and informed choice, a passive act of submission, and always by immersion. No special person or place is required—only a heart ready to respond to God’s call. Baptism is not about advanced knowledge or religious achievement, but about a sincere faith in Jesus and a willingness to surrender to his lordship.

This act is deeply personal and joyful. It is not performed out of guilt or pressure, but as a response to the grace and mercy of God. The joy that follows baptism is the joy of new life, of being born again, of knowing that one’s sins are forgiven and that a new journey with Christ has begun. The invitation to be baptized is always open, and it is a decision that brings clarity, direction, and lasting peace. As we reflect on our own baptism or consider taking this step, we are called to remember the freedom and hope that come from being united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. Let us continually seek a clean heart and a renewed spirit, living out the new life that God has given us.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Law as a Mirror: The law of God is not just a set of rules but a mirror that reveals both his holiness and our own moral condition. When we look into this mirror, we see our true selves—our flaws, our need for grace, and the impossibility of self-justification. Only by facing this reality can we fully appreciate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of being declared righteous through him. [24:17]
2. The Nature of Biblical Baptism: Baptism is not a casual or automatic act; it is the culmination of a journey toward faith and understanding. The Ethiopian eunuch’s story shows that baptism follows a conscious decision, informed by the gospel and a personal conviction of need. It is never imposed or performed without understanding, but always involves the heart and mind fully engaged in surrender to Christ. [54:43]
3. Submission and Humility in Baptism: True baptism is an act of submission, where one places themselves entirely in God’s hands. It is not about earning salvation or performing a religious work, but about humbly acknowledging our dependence on God’s grace. This posture of humility is essential—not only for baptism but for the whole Christian life, as we continually rely on God’s mercy rather than our own merit. [58:24]
4. The Simplicity and Universality of Baptism: There is no need for special qualifications, advanced knowledge, or elaborate rituals to be baptized. The New Testament pattern is simple: a sincere faith, a basic understanding of the gospel, and a willingness to obey. Baptism can happen anywhere, at any time, and by anyone who shares the faith—reminding us that God’s grace is accessible to all who seek him. [65:23]
5. Baptism as a Source of Joy and New Beginning: The immediate result of baptism is joy—a deep, abiding sense of freedom, forgiveness, and new direction. This joy is not rooted in personal achievement but in the assurance that God has acted decisively to save and renew us. Baptism marks the beginning of a new life, a reference point for ongoing transformation, and a continual reminder of God’s faithfulness. [71:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:42] - Jesus Knows Our Struggles
[23:42] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper
[24:17] - God’s Law as a Mirror
[26:11] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[29:22] - Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
[31:26] - The Joy of Giving
[32:03] - Mighty to Save
[36:14] - Celebrating Recent Baptisms
[37:36] - CBS Feature: Baptism in America
[45:50] - Acts 8: The Ethiopian Eunuch
[47:44] - Eight Lessons from Biblical Baptism
[54:43] - Baptism: A Conscious Choice
[58:24] - Submission and Immersion
[65:23] - No Advanced Knowledge Required
[71:48] - Baptism as Joy and New Life
[74:19] - Create in Me a Clean Heart

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “No Friend Like Jesus: The Joy and Meaning of Baptism”

Bible Reading

Acts 8:26–39 (ESV)
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Observation Questions

What was the Ethiopian eunuch doing when Philip met him, and what question did Philip ask him? (Acts 8:28–30)
According to the passage, what did the eunuch need before he was baptized? (Acts 8:34–36)
How did the actual baptism take place—what actions did Philip and the eunuch take? (Acts 8:38–39)
What was the eunuch’s response after his baptism? (Acts 8:39; [01:10:30])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the story emphasizes that the eunuch was reading Isaiah and needed help understanding it before being baptized? ([54:43])
The sermon described baptism as a “passive act of submission.” What does it mean to submit in this way, and why is humility important in this process? ([58:24])
The eunuch was a powerful, educated man, yet he still needed guidance and was willing to be taught. What does this say about the kind of heart God is looking for in those who come to Him? ([51:32])
The sermon said that baptism is not about advanced knowledge or religious achievement, but about sincere faith and willingness to surrender. How does this challenge common ideas about who is “ready” for baptism? ([01:05:23])

Application Questions

The sermon compared God’s law to a mirror that shows us our true selves, including our flaws. When you look honestly at your own life, what “stains” do you see that you know you can’t remove on your own? How does this realization affect your view of Jesus’ sacrifice? ([24:17])
Baptism is described as a conscious, informed choice—not something done out of pressure or tradition. If you have been baptized, what led you to that decision? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have? ([54:43])
The act of baptism is deeply personal and joyful, not something to be done out of guilt. Have you ever felt pressured to do something spiritual because of others’ expectations? How can you make sure your faith decisions are truly your own? ([01:09:50])
The eunuch’s response after baptism was joy and a sense of new direction. Can you recall a time when you experienced deep joy or freedom after taking a step of faith? What was that like, and how did it change you? ([01:11:48])
The sermon said that no special person or place is needed for baptism—just a heart ready to respond. How does this truth affect the way you think about sharing your faith or helping others take steps toward Jesus? ([01:02:51])
Baptism is described as the beginning of a new life, a “reset button.” In what areas of your life do you long for a fresh start or a renewed spirit? What would it look like to invite Jesus into those areas today? ([01:11:48])
The invitation to be baptized is always open, and it brings clarity and peace. If you are considering baptism or a new step in your faith, what would help you move forward? Who could you talk to for support or guidance? ([01:13:01])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Sermon Clips

“If we want to see an accurate reflection of our moral character, we must look into the mirror of God's law. The first function of the law is, as it manifests the character of the God whose law it is. It is a mirror. Not simply a mirror that reveals the face of God, but it is a mirror for us. And why do we use a mirror? It's been said that we never see ourselves as others see us. That's because we don't have the perspective of being able to look at ourselves from without.”

“Because in simple terms, beloved, what happens is I can deceive myself into thinking that I'm a righteous person. I can compare myself with other people and look at the laws of humanity and measure myself and give myself a high score. But once I look into the perfect mirror, once I examine the law of God, I'm devastated because I can see the darkness of my sin when I see myself against the standard of perfect righteousness.”

“It's what we're all about as a church is bringing people to the Lord and then being the church ourselves and living faithful to uh to God. But it's a challenge when you're a smaller group. Uh so to have two people who we kind of had a good familiarity with already uh make that commitment to being baptized uh that was just a wonderful thing for all of us and inspired at least this lesson today and the lesson uh in a couple weeks from now as we'll focus on the significance of of baptism and and what we saw take place and what's also taking place in most of our lives.”

“Even the world at times pays attention to baptism because it's unusual. It's different than anything else they see and clearly has a much deeper meaning than what they see visually. And a few weeks ago, I was just happened to be scrolling and ran across this video from CBS this morning where they devoted a segment of time to the attention being given to baptism today.”

“Water baptism is identifying in the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Getting in the ocean to do something so transcendent in a transcendent place like the ocean. It's just a really special way to connect with God. Mark Francancy is the pastor of Oceanceans Church, a non-denominational Christian church in Orange County. And I believe that we are witnessing today a historic interdenominational uh mass baptism.”

“There's something about going through a hard season that wakes people up to what really is important in life. Would you say that this younger generation of men overall seems to be a demographic that has been hurting in recent years? For sure. I think it's the first generation that's growing up, you know, completely inundated with technology, social media, raised on tablets.”

“They understood that forgiveness of sins comes at the point of baptism. Uh they understood that it's transformative, that it's not just something you do and then you go back to your old life, that that changes your way of life. And it was a true sense of humility that these people were being baptized with. So I was greatly appreciative of this and say we have to use this later and this is now the later.”

“Jesus taught in John chapter 4, you must be born again as he spoke to Nicodemus. And Peter picked up on the same teaching where he talked about how we're uh baptized both of water and by the spirit. The Holy Spirit is involved in our water baptism. as far as that new transformation and the Holy Spirit comes to live in our lives once we are baptized, but it's a born-again experience, but it's one that we are actively participating in.”

“But in Acts 8 26-39, we have the record of one baptism. But it's given a lot of attention. The book of Acts records the early history of Christianity. It records what happened after Jesus ascended back into heaven. Remember in the end of Matthew, we talked about going to all nations uh teaching about him and baptizing them in the name of the father, son, holy spirit and teaching them to obey all things that were commanded of them. So here in the book of acts we see that actually taking place.”

“Baptism always took pl place in the lives of people that fully understood what was happening. They could fully engage the subject. He was already learning about Jesus. He just needs someone to further explain it to him which is very common. That's why we have Bible studies a lot of times before someone is baptized to make sure they have a full understanding because usually have someone has some understanding and even just the understanding they need it but they're still going to need to be consciously engaged in what happens when they're baptized.”

“Uh baptism never took place in the lives of people that didn't understand what was going on. Uh people that did not have their mental faculties were never baptized. People that were so young they couldn't even understand what was happening to them. We never find baptisms like that. We never find baptisms where just well-meaning people went and baptized people that didn't really understand what was happening or were so young they couldn't fathom even what was taking place. Baptism always took place with people that were fully conscious and fully understanding of what took place.”

“There's never more humble of an act than probably baptism because you are indicating your entire dependency upon God to forgive you of those sins. You're acknowledging in a way that, hey, I'm not earning anything. There's there's nothing I'm doing here other than putting myself into the arms of others. And if a person has a lot of pride and arrogance, I'm not going to be baptized. Uh, I'm going to do it myself or something like that. That's not the way baptism happens.”

“Here we're learning a lot about what baptism involved. Uh the word baptiso that you saw on people's t-shirts there in the video comes from the Greek word baptido which simply means or that that is the Greek word, I'm sorry, but it means immersion. It never meant sprinkling. It never meant like water being poured on you. It indicated a full submersion into water. And I appreciate that being honored on the t-shirts that they were wearing because that's reflective of the biblical teaching here that Philip took him down into the water and it describes baptism that way and then brings him up out of the water giving a lot of evidence to the fact that it was a full immersion which is exactly what the original word means.”

“We simply find the New Testament is people needed to understand that they are being saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and that he died for their sins and they have to believe with all their heart that he's the son of God. uh Peter taught in Acts chapter 2 that person needs to understand the change of life that's involved the re the repentance and that was captured in our video earlier. They understood that that it's transformative.”

“It's not a one-time act and then you just go back to what you were doing Friday night. Your life will be fundamentally different from that point onward. But once you're there and you confess Jesus as Lord, we find examples of that. You can be baptized. It's that level of knowledge. It's more of a conviction based on understanding than it is I got to understand everything.”

“Because what happens when a person is baptized? They are born again. It's the greatest reset button ever. You get to start all over again. But at this point now, you have Jesus with you to forgive you along the way. You confess sin. You have motivation to turn from that sin. you go back to that point. It's always your reference point, the point of baptism that I made a dedication to live differently and I will do that. When I stumble, I'm going to get right back up again.”

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