Celebrating Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith
Summary
Because Jesus is risen, we gather today to celebrate His transformative power in our lives, particularly through the act of baptism. Our ongoing series, "We Are the Church," emphasizes that the church is not a building but the people of God, united in purpose and mission. Today, we focus on baptism, a significant practice that symbolizes a believer's faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is for those who have personally believed in Jesus as their Savior and wish to publicly profess their faith. Acts chapter 8 illustrates this through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, highlighting the importance of understanding and believing the message of Jesus before baptism.
The Ethiopian eunuch's encounter with Philip demonstrates the necessity of hearing and understanding the Scriptures. Philip explained the prophecy of Isaiah, which foretold Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. This message, which has resonated for over 2,700 years, is the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Those being baptized today have heard, understood, and believed this message, and now they take the step of publicly professing their faith through baptism.
Baptism involves entering physical water, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing and transformation that has already occurred through faith in Jesus. It is a public declaration of an inner change, a washing away of sins by the Holy Spirit. This act of immersion reflects the believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. As we witness these baptisms, we celebrate the profound reality of lives changed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
For those who have not yet been baptized, consider what might be standing in your way. Do you understand and believe the message of Jesus? For those being baptized, rejoice in the assurance and joy of your faith. And for those who have already been baptized, let this be a reminder of your spiritual cleansing and the ongoing grace of Jesus in your life. Let us celebrate the gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from the inside out.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a public declaration of faith for those who have personally believed in Jesus as their Savior. It symbolizes the believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, marking a significant step in their spiritual journey. [06:01]
- Understanding and believing the message of Jesus is essential before baptism. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 highlights the importance of hearing and comprehending the Scriptures, which reveal the good news of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. [07:57]
- Baptism involves physical water, but it represents a spiritual cleansing that has already occurred through faith. This act of immersion signifies the washing away of sins by the Holy Spirit, a profound transformation that believers celebrate publicly. [14:44]
- The spiritual cleansing through baptism is a work of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on human effort. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved, emphasizing the unmerited favor we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. [18:59]
- For those who have not yet been baptized, consider what might be hindering you. Understanding and believing the message of Jesus is crucial, and baptism is an opportunity to publicly profess your faith and experience the joy of spiritual cleansing. [21:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction to Baptism
[02:30] - The Church as People of God
[04:00] - Understanding Baptism
[06:01] - Acts 8: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
[07:57] - The Message of Jesus
[09:48] - The Good News of Jesus
[11:48] - Sharing the Message
[14:44] - Public Profession of Faith
[16:11] - Physical and Spiritual Water
[17:53] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[18:59] - Spiritual Cleansing
[21:00] - Invitation to Baptism
[23:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 8:26-39
- Isaiah 53:7-8
- Titus 3:4-7
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the Ethiopian eunuch doing when Philip approached him, and what was his initial reaction to Philip's question? [06:01]
2. How did Philip explain the passage from Isaiah to the Ethiopian eunuch, and what was the eunuch's response? [07:57]
3. Describe the process and significance of the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism as depicted in Acts 8. [14:44]
4. According to the sermon, what does the act of baptism symbolize for believers? [16:11]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrate the importance of understanding Scripture before baptism? [07:57]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that baptism is both a physical and spiritual act? [16:11]
3. How does the sermon connect the concept of spiritual cleansing with the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? [18:59]
4. What does the sermon imply about the ongoing significance of baptism for those who have already been baptized? [21:00]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own understanding of the message of Jesus. Are there areas where you seek deeper understanding or clarity? How might you pursue this? [07:57]
2. If you have not been baptized, what might be standing in your way? How can you address these obstacles to take this step of faith? [21:00]
3. For those who have been baptized, how can you let the memory of your baptism inspire you to live out your faith more fully? [21:00]
4. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit's work in transforming and guiding you? [18:59]
5. How can you support and celebrate with those in your community who are taking the step of baptism? What role can you play in their spiritual journey? [23:32]
6. Think about a time when you publicly professed your faith. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? How can you continue to share your faith story? [14:44]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of the grace and mercy you have received through Jesus Christ? [18:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Public Declaration of Faith
Baptism is a profound act that signifies a believer's public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It is not merely a ritual but a meaningful expression of one's personal belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This act of immersion in water symbolizes the believer's identification with Jesus' sacrifice and victory over sin. It marks a significant step in the spiritual journey, where the individual openly professes their faith and commitment to follow Christ. Baptism is a celebration of the transformative power of Jesus in one's life, a testimony to the world of the inner change that has taken place. [06:01]
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: Think about your own faith journey. How can you publicly declare your faith in a way that reflects your personal relationship with Jesus today?
Day 2: Understanding and Believing the Message of Jesus
Before one can be baptized, it is essential to understand and believe the message of Jesus. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 illustrates the importance of hearing and comprehending the Scriptures. Philip explained the prophecy of Isaiah, which foretold Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, to the eunuch. This understanding led to the eunuch's desire to be baptized. The message of Jesus is the good news that He died for our sins and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe. It is crucial for individuals to grasp this truth before taking the step of baptism, as it forms the foundation of their faith. [07:57]
Romans 10:17 (ESV): "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the message of Jesus. What steps can you take to deepen your comprehension and belief in His sacrificial death and resurrection?
Day 3: Baptism as a Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing
Baptism involves entering physical water, but it represents a spiritual cleansing that has already occurred through faith in Jesus. This act of immersion signifies the washing away of sins by the Holy Spirit, a profound transformation that believers celebrate publicly. It is a public declaration of an inner change, where the believer identifies with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. The physical act of baptism is a powerful symbol of the spiritual reality that has taken place within the believer's heart, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. [14:44]
Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Consider the areas of your life where you need spiritual cleansing. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring renewal and transformation in those areas today?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Cleansing
The spiritual cleansing through baptism is a work of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on human effort. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved, emphasizing the unmerited favor we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, bringing about the regeneration and renewal of the believer's heart. This divine work is a testament to God's love and grace, as He transforms us from the inside out, making us new creations in Christ. Baptism is a celebration of this miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [18:59]
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV): "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you rely more on His power and guidance for spiritual cleansing and transformation?
Day 5: Overcoming Barriers to Baptism
For those who have not yet been baptized, it is important to consider what might be hindering you. Understanding and believing the message of Jesus is crucial, and baptism is an opportunity to publicly profess your faith and experience the joy of spiritual cleansing. It is a step of obedience and a declaration of one's commitment to follow Christ. Reflect on any barriers that may be preventing you from taking this step, whether they are doubts, fears, or misconceptions. Seek God's guidance and wisdom to overcome these obstacles and embrace the transformative power of baptism in your life. [21:00]
Acts 22:16 (ESV): "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
Reflection: Identify any barriers that may be preventing you from being baptized. What steps can you take to overcome these obstacles and take the step of baptism in obedience to Christ?
Quotes
"Because Jesus is risen, that's why we're here. Because Jesus changed lives and transforms people by His resurrection, that's why we're here today. I welcome you today again. To this special baptism service." [00:04:01] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"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 to sit with him." [00:07:44] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Have you heard of the prophet Isaiah who wrote 700 years before Jesus and prophesied of his death and described his death as a sheep going to the slaughter and is silent, as a lamb who was slain, who bore our burdens and took on our pain. Surely he was crushed for our iniquities and the punishment that brought us peace was upon him." [00:09:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It's Jesus that changes our lives from the inside out. It's Jesus who is the one that we celebrate here today. And so baptism is for those who have understood and believe the message. And it's for those who will take this next step and will actually make a public profession." [00:14:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"To those who are being baptized today, rejoice! By faith you've been washed, your sins have been cleansed. As you stand to make a public profession today, I pray that God will give you calm assurance and great joy in the Lord and that He will use your testimony to impact everyone here today and encourage us as we hear what God has done in your life." [00:22:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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