Disciple VS. Believer | Baptism Sunday | Pastor Randy Goldenberg

Today, we gathered to witness a profound moment in the lives of those being baptized, but also to reflect deeply on what baptism truly means. Many of us come with different ideas—some think baptism guarantees heaven, washes away sins, or is a necessary step to join God’s kingdom. Others may see it as a way to please family or break free from guilt or bad habits. Yet, none of these reasons align with what Jesus and the Scriptures actually teach. Baptism is not a magical ritual or a spiritual shortcut; it is a public declaration of an inward reality.

Jesus’ command was clear: make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. The call is not just to believe certain truths about Jesus, but to become His disciple—a learner, a follower, someone who immerses themselves in His teaching and seeks to live and love as He does. This is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of transformation. The early followers of Jesus were known as “followers of the Way” because their lives were so distinct, shaped by the teachings and character of Christ.

Baptism, then, is like a wedding ceremony. The relationship, the trust, and the commitment already exist; the ceremony simply makes it public. When someone is baptized, they are declaring that the Spirit of God has changed their heart and mind, that they are finished with sin, and that they are committing to follow Jesus fully, freely, and forever. It is a visible sign of an invisible change—a death to the old self and a resurrection to new life in Christ.

This new life is not about perfection, but about a new direction. It is a life of repentance, turning from sin because we trust that Jesus knows what is best for us. It is a life of learning, growing, and being transformed into the likeness of Christ. The promise is that God will continue this work in us until it is complete, and one day, all who trust in Christ will be perfected, living in a world filled with His love, peace, and joy.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Baptism is not a superstitious act or a guarantee of salvation; it is a public declaration that one has already become a disciple of Jesus. The act itself does not change the heart—only authentic trust in Christ and a commitment to follow Him does. Baptism is meaningful only when it reflects this inward reality. [03:22]
• 2. To be a disciple is to be more than a believer; it is to be a learner, a follower, and an apprentice of Jesus. This means intentionally immersing oneself in His teachings, submitting to His authority, and seeking to become like Him in character and action. Discipleship is a lifelong process, not a one-time event. [08:34]
• 3. Jesus calls us to both a set of beliefs and a way of life. True faith in Christ is not just intellectual agreement but is demonstrated by a life that seeks to obey His teachings, trusts Him above all else, and is willing to be transformed by His Word and Spirit. Belief and obedience are inseparable in the life of a disciple. [11:22]
• 4. Baptism tells the story of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. It is a declaration of war against sin, a commitment to pursue holiness, and a testimony that Jesus has changed our mind about what is truly good and life-giving. This attitude of repentance and transformation is essential for anyone who enters the waters of baptism. [18:47]
• 5. The ultimate goal of following Jesus is to become like Him—to live as He lives and love as He loves. God promises to complete this work in us, and one day, all who trust in Christ will be perfected in His image. This hope shapes our present journey, calling us to daily surrender, growth, and anticipation of the world to come. [21:24]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:28] - The Mystery and Misconceptions of Baptism
• [01:32] - Common but Incorrect Reasons for Baptism
• [02:56] - Trying to Break Habits or Guilt with Baptism
• [03:38] - What the Bible Actually Says About Baptism
• [04:01] - Who Should Be Baptized?
• [05:00] - Jesus’ Command: Make Disciples and Baptize
• [06:08] - The Neglected Command to Make Disciples
• [07:34] - What Is a Disciple?
• [08:34] - The Meaning of Following Jesus
• [09:30] - The Promise to Disciples: Forgiveness and Life
• [10:02] - Baptism as a Public Declaration
• [11:22] - Belief and a Way of Life
• [13:27] - Following Jesus: Hearing and Obeying
• [14:20] - Early Christians: Followers of the Way
• [16:19] - The Origin of the Term “Christian”
• [17:13] - The Personal Decision to Follow Jesus
• [18:07] - The Story Baptism Tells
• [19:38] - Dying to Sin, Rising to New Life
• [21:04] - The Lifelong Commitment to Follow Jesus
• [22:16] - The Hope of Transformation and a New World
• [23:13] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > 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.”

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.

John 10:27-28 (ESV) — > My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the two main actions Jesus commands his followers to do with new disciples?
2. In Romans 6:3-4, what does Paul say baptism represents in the life of a believer?
3. Based on the sermon, what are some common but incorrect reasons people choose to be baptized? ([01:32])
4. In John 10:27-28, what does Jesus say is true of his sheep, and what does he promise them?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus connect baptism so closely with making disciples, rather than just with believing certain truths? ([05:00])
2. The sermon compares baptism to a wedding ceremony. What does this analogy help us understand about the relationship between inward faith and outward actions? ([10:02])
3. According to Romans 6, what does it mean to be “buried with Christ” in baptism, and how should this affect a person’s daily life? ([19:38])
4. The sermon says that being a disciple is more than just believing the right things about Jesus. What does it look like to actually follow Jesus as a “learner” or “apprentice”? ([08:34])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to examine our own reasons for being baptized or wanting to be baptized. If you have been baptized, what was your motivation at the time? Has your understanding changed since then? ([01:32])
2. Jesus commands his followers to “make disciples” and not just converts. Who in your life could you intentionally invest in to help them grow as a disciple of Jesus? What is one step you could take this week? ([06:08])
3. The sermon says that baptism is a public declaration that you are “finished with sin” and want to follow Jesus fully, freely, and forever. Is there an area of your life where you are still holding back from Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that area to him? ([21:04])
4. The idea of being a disciple means intentionally learning from Jesus and seeking to become like him. What is one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to obey? How can you take a practical step to live it out this week? ([12:27])
5. The sermon describes the Christian life as a journey of transformation, not perfection. How do you respond when you fall short or struggle with sin? What does it look like to keep moving forward in faith and repentance? ([19:11])
6. Baptism is described as a visible sign of an invisible change. If someone asked you how your life is different because of following Jesus, what story would you tell? ([10:26])
7. The hope of the Christian life is that God will one day complete his work in us. How does this promise encourage you in your current struggles or challenges? ([21:24])