Celebrating Faith: Baptism and Communion in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Green Pines Baptist Church. Today is a special day as we celebrate both ordinances given by Jesus: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We are blessed to witness the baptism of four individuals who have publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of their commitment to follow Christ and symbolizes their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
We read from Hebrews 10:19-25, which calls us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. This passage reminds us of the importance of gathering together to encourage one another in love and good deeds. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is being fulfilled today.
Baptism is a profound act that signifies dying to oneself and rising to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Jesus. We heard testimonies from Allie, Katie, Jennifer, and Melissa, each sharing their journey to this point of baptism. Their stories reflect God's work in their lives and their desire to obey Him.
As we move forward, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience. The book of Judges will be our focus in the coming weeks, where we will see God's quickness to forgive and His judgment of sin. This serves as a reminder that while God is merciful, He is also just.
In our lives, we must recognize that our faithfulness is enabled by God, and our failures are judged by Him. We must also be aware of the facades we create, thinking we can control sin in our lives. God calls us to complete surrender and trust in Him.
As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we remember Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. This act of communion is a reminder of the new covenant in His blood and our hope in His return. Let us continue to pray for one another, support each other in our faith journeys, and be witnesses to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing our identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is an act of obedience that signifies dying to oneself and rising to new life in Christ. This powerful testimony encourages us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Jesus and live out our faith boldly. [13:19]
2. God's Faithfulness and Our Obedience: Hebrews 10:19-25 reminds us of the importance of drawing near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Gathering together as a church to encourage one another in love and good deeds is crucial. Our obedience to God's commands, such as making disciples and baptizing them, reflects our trust in His faithfulness. [09:46]
3. The Reality of Sin and Judgment: The book of Judges highlights God's quickness to forgive and His judgment of sin. While God is merciful, He is also just. We must recognize that our faithfulness is enabled by God, and our failures are judged by Him. This serves as a reminder to live in obedience and repentance, continually seeking God's grace and forgiveness. [59:55]
4. The Facade of Control Over Sin: We often deceive ourselves into thinking we can control sin in our lives. However, God calls us to complete surrender and trust in Him. Allowing sin to remain in our lives can lead to spiritual bondage and hinder our relationship with God. We must be vigilant in rooting out sin and seeking God's help to live a life of holiness. [01:04:57]
5. The Power of Communion: Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and the new covenant in His blood. It is an act of remembrance and hope, looking forward to His return. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of our unity in Christ and our commitment to live out His teachings in our daily lives. [01:18:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:07] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[09:46] - Call to Worship (Hebrews 10:19-25)
[11:47] - The Command of Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20)
[13:19] - The Symbolism of Baptism
[14:29] - Allie's Testimony and Baptism
[15:59] - Katie's Testimony and Baptism
[18:03] - Jennifer's Testimony and Baptism
[20:12] - Melissa's Testimony and Baptism
[23:00] - Prayer for the Baptized
[46:08] - Introduction to the Book of Judges
[50:49] - Faithfulness Enabled by God
[59:55] - The Reality of Sin and Judgment
[01:04:57] - The Facade of Control Over Sin
[01:06:15] - God's Faithfulness to His Word
[01:18:02] - The Power of Communion
[01:28:25] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
[01:34:36] - Prayers for Neighbors and Farewell to Jessie
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:19-25: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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."
2. Matthew 28:19-20: "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."
3. Judges 1:1-2: "After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, 'Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?' The Lord said, 'Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 10:19-25 encourage believers to do in their faith journey?
2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the two main actions Jesus commands His disciples to undertake?
3. In Judges 1:1-2, who did the Lord appoint to lead the fight against the Canaanites, and what assurance did He give them?
4. What symbolic acts are represented in baptism according to the sermon? [13:19]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and commitment to Jesus Christ? [13:19]
2. What does Hebrews 10:19-25 suggest about the importance of community and mutual encouragement in the Christian faith?
3. How does the story of the Israelites in Judges 1:1-2 illustrate the concept of faithfulness enabled by God?
4. What are the implications of Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20 for the church's mission today?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the baptism of someone you know. How did it impact your or their faith journey? [13:19]
2. Hebrews 10:19-25 emphasizes the importance of gathering together. How can you make a more intentional effort to encourage others in your church community?
3. The sermon mentioned the facade of control over sin. Are there areas in your life where you might be deceiving yourself into thinking you have control over sin? How can you surrender these areas to God? [01:04:57]
4. In what ways can you actively participate in making disciples and baptizing them, as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20?
5. The book of Judges highlights both God's mercy and His judgment. How can you balance the understanding of God's forgiveness with the reality of His judgment in your daily life? [59:55]
6. During the Lord's Supper, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can this act of communion deepen your relationship with Christ and remind you of your commitment to live out His teachings? [01:18:02]
7. The sermon discussed the importance of obedience and faithfulness. What steps can you take this week to be more obedient to God's commands and faithful in your walk with Him? [09:46]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Public Declaration of Baptism
Baptism is a profound act that signifies dying to oneself and rising to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Jesus. Witnessing the baptism of individuals who have publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ is a powerful testimony of their commitment to follow Christ and symbolizes their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. This act of obedience encourages us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Jesus and live out our faith boldly.
Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a profound act that signifies dying to oneself and rising to new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Jesus. Witnessing the baptism of individuals who have publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ is a powerful testimony of their commitment to follow Christ and symbolizes their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. This act of obedience encourages us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Jesus and live out our faith boldly. [13:19]
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 moment you decided to follow Jesus. How can you publicly declare your faith in your daily life today?
### Day 2: Drawing Near to God in Faith
Hebrews 10:19-25 reminds us of the importance of drawing near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Gathering together as a church to encourage one another in love and good deeds is crucial. Our obedience to God's commands, such as making disciples and baptizing them, reflects our trust in His faithfulness.
This passage calls us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. It emphasizes the importance of gathering together as a church to encourage one another in love and good deeds. Our obedience to God's commands, such as making disciples and baptizing them, reflects our trust in His faithfulness. As we gather together, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience in our walk with Him. [09:46]
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: How can you encourage someone in your church community today to draw near to God and live out their faith?
### Day 3: The Reality of Sin and Judgment
The book of Judges highlights God's quickness to forgive and His judgment of sin. While God is merciful, He is also just. We must recognize that our faithfulness is enabled by God, and our failures are judged by Him. This serves as a reminder to live in obedience and repentance, continually seeking God's grace and forgiveness.
The book of Judges serves as a powerful reminder of God's quickness to forgive and His judgment of sin. While God is merciful, He is also just. We must recognize that our faithfulness is enabled by God, and our failures are judged by Him. This serves as a reminder to live in obedience and repentance, continually seeking God's grace and forgiveness. As we study the book of Judges, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and being aware of the consequences of sin. [59:55]
Judges 2:18-19 (ESV): "Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's forgiveness. How can you live in obedience and repentance today, acknowledging both His mercy and His justice?
### Day 4: Surrendering Control Over Sin
We often deceive ourselves into thinking we can control sin in our lives. However, God calls us to complete surrender and trust in Him. Allowing sin to remain in our lives can lead to spiritual bondage and hinder our relationship with God. We must be vigilant in rooting out sin and seeking God's help to live a life of holiness.
We often deceive ourselves into thinking we can control sin in our lives. However, God calls us to complete surrender and trust in Him. Allowing sin to remain in our lives can lead to spiritual bondage and hinder our relationship with God. We must be vigilant in rooting out sin and seeking God's help to live a life of holiness. This requires a daily commitment to surrendering our will to God's and trusting Him to guide us in righteousness. [01:04:57]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
### Day 5: The Power of Communion
Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and the new covenant in His blood. It is an act of remembrance and hope, looking forward to His return. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of our unity in Christ and our commitment to live out His teachings in our daily lives.
Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and the new covenant in His blood. It is an act of remembrance and hope, looking forward to His return. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of our unity in Christ and our commitment to live out His teachings in our daily lives. This sacred act calls us to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope we have in His return. [01:18:02]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare to partake in the Lord's Supper, take a moment to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for you. How can you live out His teachings in your daily life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus died, so we die. We die to ourself. We die to ourself being on the throne. We're dying to our own efforts to try to get approval from God. We're dying to our own efforts to get approval of mankind. We're dying. If you left in the water long enough, that's exactly what's going to happen. But we're going to take this symbolic. Coming up out of the water, it's a picture of Jesus coming from the tomb, rising again from the dead. And so too, not only do we identify with the death of Jesus, we identify with the resurrection life of Jesus. So just as Jesus rose again from the dead, we will one day also rise again from the dead. Death is not the final note for us." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In this world you will see some faithful people, but understand that the faithfulness only exists because of God's enabling. Understand, all that you have, the blessings that you have, the things that you've made of yourself, how you've worked to establish who you are, you need to understand that underneath all these things behind it has been a God who has provided for you and enabled you, who wants to show his love to you. Don't ever be confused that you think you got to your position in life because of your great smarts, your great wits, or your great family. All of those things can go in a second. In a second. They've been enabled by God." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We worship a God who is slow to anger and quick to forgive. And so, you know, when you go to Ecuador, people ask me about it and sometimes they ask, well, what did you see in Ecuador? And we saw glorious things. We saw glorious nature. I mean, the mountains of Andes, just take your breath away. They're so different than North Carolina mountains and very different, honestly, from the Colorado mountains and out west. Just everywhere you look, beauty in nature around." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God will judge. But He is so ready to forgive. But He will judge. Rest assured that in our failures, God will judge. And even in this story, you see judgment after judgment after judgment of God. These judges are named after the people God uses, the humans God uses, but it's so much more. It tells us how God judges." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God isn't looking for ethnically family lines. He's looking for anyone who will trust in Him. Anyone who will believe in the promises of God no matter where you come from. He says, I know you're not Jew. It doesn't matter. But you believe me. You believe me. And so you possess the land with the people. And so you see the international aspects of God even in the Old Testament that He was just looking for those who would believe." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In people, we see faithfulness that only God enables. Let's just read the first few verses. After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites to fight against them? The Lord said, Judah shall go up. Behold, I have given the land into his hand. And Judah said to Simeon his brother, come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we might fight against the Canaanites, and I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you. So Simeon went with them. Then Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they defeated 10,000 of them at Bezek." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In God we see the gospel of Christ. We see they appeal to a sacrifice so that when we come to 2nd Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 we see every promise of God that is in Christ is amen so this promise that God says I will not break my word is fulfilled in Jesus Christ this time of worship that they're appealing to God is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and so Jesus Christ comes and he sees people he sees the same thing we see in the word he sees people who are faithful because of God's gift and grace he sees failure that God will judge and he sees among all of humanity this great facade and it breaks his heart oh that they would come to him but they would not so Jesus did what God the Father asked of him to do and he became sin for us he became all that which God would judge in our heart and in Jesus Christ on the cross and this eternal moment intervened into time the judgment of God of all of our sin was laid upon him then he dies put into the tomb raised up again to say I took all your sin and I faced all God's wrath and I still have life to show you I took all of your selfishness and I still have love to give to you in other words he's greater than your sin he's greater than our sin and even more not only that he says I want to give you something all of my righteousness I give to you." (114 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In people, we see faithfulness that God enables. We see failures that God judges. But then, you also see facades. Facades that God allows to be revealed. What do we mean by these facades? Well, we keep on reading. We see in verse 17, Judah continues, well, he's doing what God had told him to do, taking the city. Verse 18, captured Gaza. And then, verse 19, the Lord was with Judah, and He took possession of the hill country, but He could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron. And it's written so absolutely right here. Like, you know, God said that they would, and God was with them, even the same verse. But yet, somehow, I guess God just can't take care of chariots. Huh. It seems like God made everything, but maybe He didn't take into account chariots." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In God we see faithfulness to his word. Faithfulness to his word. He said I will never break my covenant with you. That's why we read God's word. Because it's the only thing we can count on. Guys you don't need my opinion and if a preacher comes up here and gives your opinion shut them down in your heart and mind. You need to otherwise also. The church is not for your opinions. It is for the word of God. It's the only thing God said I'm going to hold true to." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God will be faithful to his word but then we see that in God also see the judgment of our failure. Keep on reading verse 3 he said I told you don't have covenants with the inhabitants of the land I don't care that they can carry your loads and they can carry your waterpots and make your life easier that's not what this is about so now I say I will not drive them out before you but they shall become thorns in your sides and their God shall be a snare to you and as soon as the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the people of Israel the people lifted up their voices and wept see though God will be true to his word and faithful to his word at the same time he will judge our failure." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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