Celebrating Baptism: A Step of Faith and Unity
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated a significant milestone for 31 individuals entering the waters of baptism. This momentous occasion is not just a ritual but a profound step in the journey of faith, symbolizing a public declaration of one's commitment to follow Christ. We began with a heartfelt prayer for these individuals, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and traditions from which we all come, yet recognizing our unity as one family under God. The essence of our faith is rooted in the anticipation of Christ's return, where He will right every wrong and heal every hurt. Until that day, we are called to remain steadfast in grace and faith.
The sermon introduced a new series titled "What Does the Bible Say?" which aims to explore core Christian doctrines, starting with baptism. Through a personal story from my construction days, I illustrated the importance of having a firm foundation in our faith, much like needing a stable footing on a slippery roof. In today's world, many are deconstructing their faith due to cultural pressures and disillusionment with church leaders. This series seeks to ground us in biblical truth, providing clarity and confidence in our beliefs.
Baptism, as discussed, is a vital act of obedience and a means of enacting God's grace in our lives. It is not necessary for salvation but is 100% necessary as a step of faith and obedience. Baptism represents the washing away of sins, unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection, and integrates us into the body of Christ, the church. It is an outward expression of an inward faith, a declaration of our commitment to follow Jesus.
As we continue this series, we will delve into other significant topics such as human sexuality, justice, and more, equipping us to stand firm in our faith amidst a post-Christian culture. The call is to remain grounded in the truth of God's Word, to be discipled, and to make disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission with the assurance that Christ is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Diversity: Despite our varied backgrounds and traditions, we are united as one family under God. This unity is crucial as we anticipate Christ's return, where He will heal every hurt and right every wrong. Until then, we must remain steadfast in grace and faith, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. [23:07]
2. Firm Foundation in Faith: In a world where many are deconstructing their faith, it is essential to have a firm foundation in biblical truth. This foundation provides clarity and confidence, enabling us to stand firm amidst cultural pressures and disillusionment with church leaders. [36:15]
3. Baptism as a Step of Faith: Baptism is not necessary for salvation but is 100% necessary as a step of faith and obedience. It symbolizes the washing away of sins, unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection, and integrates us into the body of Christ, the church. [49:46]
4. The Great Commission: As followers of Christ, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This mission is not optional but an expectation for every believer, with the promise that Christ is with us always. [47:01]
5. Grace for Sanctification: While we are justified by faith in Jesus, the process of sanctification requires grace, which is enacted through baptism and our integration into the church community. This grace empowers us to grow in Christlikeness and fulfill our calling as His followers. [01:11:24]
YouTube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:07] - Churchwide Prayer
- [26:25] - Offering and Gratitude
- [30:52] - Baptism Weekend Introduction
- [35:08] - Personal Story: Construction and Faith
- [36:15] - Deconstructing Faith
- [37:54] - The Bible's Firm Foundation
- [39:44] - Cultural Pressures on Faith
- [41:58] - Progressive Christianity
- [43:08] - Unity in the Church
- [45:30] - Baptism: A Unifying Ordinance
- [47:01] - The Great Commission
- [49:46] - Baptism's Importance
- [51:32] - What is Baptism?
- [53:36] - Biblical Examples of Baptism
- [55:18] - Baptism and Salvation
- [59:02] - The Object of Baptism: Jesus
- [01:01:14] - Steps to Salvation
- [01:03:49] - The Promise of Forgiveness
- [01:06:28] - The Work of Belief
- [01:07:53] - Baptism's Role in Sanctification
- [01:09:31] - Baptism and God's Grace
- [01:11:24] - Outward Action of Inward Faith
- [01:12:32] - Unity with Christ and the Church
- [01:13:59] - Prayer and Baptism Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:1-6
2. Matthew 28:18-20
3. Romans 6:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4:1-6, what are the seven things that Paul says we should unify under as a church? How does this relate to the concept of unity in diversity mentioned in the sermon? [43:08]
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific instructions Jesus gives to His disciples in the Great Commission? How does this passage emphasize the importance of baptism? [47:01]
3. Romans 6:1-5 discusses being baptized into Christ's death and resurrection. What does this passage say about the significance of baptism in the life of a believer? [01:07:53]
4. The sermon mentioned a personal story about working on a slippery roof. How does this story illustrate the need for a firm foundation in faith? [35:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "unity in diversity" challenge or encourage the way believers interact with each other within the church? What might this look like in practical terms? [23:07]
2. The sermon emphasized that baptism is not necessary for salvation but is 100% necessary as a step of faith and obedience. How can this understanding impact a believer's view of baptism and its role in their spiritual journey? [49:46]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 serve as a foundational mission for the church today? How can this mission be lived out in a post-Christian culture? [47:01]
4. The sermon mentioned cultural pressures and disillusionment with church leaders as reasons for deconstructing faith. How can believers maintain a firm foundation in biblical truth amidst these challenges? [36:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How have you experienced unity in diversity within your church community? Are there specific ways you can contribute to fostering this unity? [23:07]
2. Have you been baptized? If so, how did it impact your faith journey? If not, what might be holding you back from taking this step of faith and obedience? [49:46]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of having a firm foundation in faith. What are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your foundation in biblical truth? [36:15]
4. How can you actively participate in fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily life? Identify one person you can reach out to this week to share your faith or invite to church. [47:01]
5. Consider the pressures and challenges you face in your faith journey. How can you remain grounded in God's Word and resist the temptation to deconstruct your faith? [39:44]
6. The sermon mentioned the role of grace in sanctification. How have you experienced God's grace in your life, and how can you extend that grace to others in your church community? [01:11:24]
7. Think about a time when you felt unsteady in your faith, like being on a slippery roof. What helped you regain your footing, and how can you support others who might be experiencing similar struggles? [35:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity: One Family Under God
In a world filled with diverse backgrounds and traditions, the concept of unity in diversity is a powerful testament to the Christian faith. As believers, we are called to recognize and celebrate our differences while embracing our shared identity as one family under God. This unity is not merely a social construct but a spiritual reality that reflects the heart of God. It is a reminder that despite our varied experiences and perspectives, we are united by our faith in Christ and our anticipation of His return. Until that day, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in grace and faith, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This unity is crucial as we navigate the challenges of life, offering a glimpse of the healing and restoration that Christ will bring when He returns. [23:07]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who comes from a different background than you. How can you reach out to them this week to foster unity and understanding?
Day 2: Building a Firm Foundation in Faith
In today's world, many are deconstructing their faith due to cultural pressures and disillusionment with church leaders. It is essential to have a firm foundation in biblical truth to navigate these challenges. This foundation provides clarity and confidence, enabling believers to stand firm amidst the shifting sands of cultural trends and personal doubts. Just as a stable footing is necessary on a slippery roof, a solid understanding of Scripture and core Christian doctrines is vital for a resilient faith. By grounding ourselves in the truth of God's Word, we can withstand the storms of life and remain anchored in our beliefs. This series aims to equip believers with the knowledge and assurance needed to confidently live out their faith in a post-Christian culture. [36:15]
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your faith where you feel uncertain or shaky. What steps can you take this week to strengthen your understanding and confidence in that area?
Day 3: Baptism: An Act of Obedience and Faith
Baptism is a vital act of obedience and a means of enacting God's grace in our lives. While it is not necessary for salvation, it is 100% necessary as a step of faith and obedience. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins, unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection, and integrates us into the body of Christ, the church. It is an outward expression of an inward faith, a public declaration of our commitment to follow Jesus. Through baptism, believers participate in the death and resurrection of Christ, signifying their new life in Him. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of faith and a crucial step in the journey of discipleship. [49:46]
"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." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on the significance of that moment in your life. If you have not, consider what steps you might take to explore this important step of faith.
Day 4: The Great Commission: Our Mission and Promise
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This mission, known as the Great Commission, is not optional but an expectation for every believer. It is a call to actively participate in God's redemptive work in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus with others and helping them grow in their faith. The promise that accompanies this mission is the assurance that Christ is with us always, empowering and guiding us as we fulfill His command. This call to discipleship is a reminder of our responsibility to live out our faith and make a lasting impact in the lives of others. [47:01]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally disciple or share your faith with this week? How can you take a step towards fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily life?
Day 5: Grace for Sanctification: Growing in Christlikeness
While we are justified by faith in Jesus, the process of sanctification requires grace, which is enacted through baptism and our integration into the church community. This grace empowers us to grow in Christlikeness and fulfill our calling as His followers. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, transforming us into the image of Christ. It involves a daily surrender to God's will and a commitment to live according to His Word. Through the support and encouragement of the church community, believers are equipped to pursue holiness and reflect the character of Christ in their lives. This journey of sanctification is a testament to God's grace at work in us, enabling us to live out our faith with authenticity and purpose. [01:11:24]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense the need for growth in Christlikeness? How can you invite God's grace to work in that area this week, and who in your church community can support you in this journey?
Quotes
"Jesus himself said in the Great Commission, we talked about that, make disciples of the nation, go make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [01:12:31] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Baptism is a means of enacting God's grace in our lives. And this one, I actually think there are Christians, maybe even in here today, that are missing out on some of the grace that they need for sanctification because they have not yet walked into the waters of baptism." [01:10:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Part of that grace is given in the waters of baptism. As you are unified with Jesus and unified with his body, Jesus says, so, I mean, not only is it a command, but I actually believe it's another form of God acting out his grace in our lives." [01:11:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Baptism is the very first action that it produces. It is that outward action. It is the action of an inward faith." [01:12:32] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Baptism unites us with Christ Jesus in his death and resurrection. So it unites us with Jesus. And lastly, baptism unites us with Christ's body, the church." [01:13:38] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Upon the confession of your faith, if you are saying, Lord, I want to be united with you in your death and in the resurrection to walk in newness of life, then that is the only prerequisite for being baptized." [01:12:29] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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