Embracing New Life: The Power of Baptism
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the transformative power of baptism, witnessing five individuals publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes leaving behind the old life of sin and embracing a new life of grace, as described in Romans 6. Each person shared their unique journey of faith, highlighting how Jesus has brought healing, purpose, and a sense of belonging into their lives. This act of obedience is a powerful testament to the redemptive work of Christ and serves as an invitation for others to experience the same transformation.
We explored the profound mystery of Christ as revealed in Ephesians 3. This mystery, once hidden, is now made known to us through the gospel. It is a sacred truth that invites us to know, understand, and treasure our identity in Christ. As believers, we are called to live as prisoners of Christ, heirs of God, and the least deserving, yet privileged to share the good news. This identity challenges us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, embracing our role as a display of God's wisdom to the world.
The message emphasized the importance of stepping into our new nature in Christ, which involves a continual process of dying to the old self and embracing the new. This journey requires us to ask, "What's the next hard thing?" and to respond with obedience and surrender. Whether it's sharing our faith, praying for others, or taking the step of baptism, we are encouraged to live boldly and unapologetically for Christ.
As a church, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, hope, growth, and becoming. We invite everyone to be part of this family, to experience the hope of Jesus, and to grow in their faith. Through small groups, serve teams, and various events, we aim to create a community where individuals can be discipled and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a powerful symbol of leaving behind the old life of sin and embracing a new life in Christ. It is an act of obedience that publicly declares one's faith and invites others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. [11:08]
- The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed to us through the gospel. This sacred truth invites us to know, understand, and treasure our identity in Christ, challenging us to live as prisoners of Christ, heirs of God, and the least deserving, yet privileged to share the good news. [50:55]
- Our new nature in Christ involves a continual process of dying to the old self and embracing the new. This journey requires us to ask, "What's the next hard thing?" and to respond with obedience and surrender, living boldly and unapologetically for Christ. [01:00:50]
- As heirs of God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit for daily life and service. This power is available to us, and we are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting God with the outcome as we walk in the authority given to us through Christ. [01:06:37]
- The church is a display of God's wisdom, a beautiful tapestry of diverse individuals united in Christ. Our lives, transformed by the gospel, serve as a testament to the world of God's grace and love, inviting others to experience the same transformation. [01:14:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:08] - Baptism and New Life
[12:53] - Carrie's Testimony
[14:23] - Scarlet's Journey
[16:19] - Spencer and Tiffany's Story
[19:30] - Shelby's Transformation
[38:41] - Celebrating Changed Lives
[40:13] - Evolve Church's Mission
[41:18] - Belong, Hope, Grow, Become
[44:43] - Community and Service
[46:39] - New Nature in Christ
[50:55] - The Mystery of Christ
[53:30] - Knowing, Understanding, Treasuring
[55:04] - Identity in Christ
[58:43] - Prisoners of Christ
[01:06:37] - Heirs of God
[01:14:46] - Display of God's Wisdom
[01:18:01] - Embracing Our Calling
[01:22:00] - Next Steps in Faith
[01:28:39] - Invitation to Baptism
[01:33:33] - University Outreach
[01:38:22] - Generosity and Revival
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 6:2-4
2. Ephesians 3:3-6
3. Ephesians 3:10-11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 6, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? How is this symbolism reflected in the testimonies shared during the sermon? [11:08]
2. In Ephesians 3, Paul talks about a mystery that has been revealed. What is this mystery, and how does it relate to both Jews and Gentiles? [50:55]
3. How did the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when someone embraces their new identity in Christ? What are some examples given of this transformation? [16:19]
4. What role does the church play in displaying God's wisdom according to Ephesians 3:10-11, and how was this illustrated in the sermon? [01:14:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, and why is it considered an act of obedience? Reflect on the testimonies shared during the sermon. [12:53]
2. What does it mean to be a "prisoner of Christ" as described in Ephesians 3, and how does this concept challenge our understanding of freedom and surrender? [58:43]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of asking, "What's the next hard thing?" in our spiritual journey. How does this question relate to the process of dying to the old self and embracing the new? [01:00:50]
4. In what ways does the church act as a "display of God's wisdom," and how can this understanding impact the way we live out our faith in community? [01:14:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the decision to be baptized. How did or would this act symbolize a transformation in your life? What old life are you leaving behind, and what new life are you embracing? [11:08]
2. Consider the idea of being a "prisoner of Christ." What areas of your life are you still holding onto, and how can you surrender them to Jesus? What might be the next hard thing God is asking you to do? [58:43]
3. The sermon emphasized living boldly and unapologetically for Christ. Identify one area in your life where you can step out in faith this week. How can you trust God with the outcome? [01:06:37]
4. How can you actively participate in your church community to help display God's wisdom to the world? What specific role or service can you commit to in order to contribute to this mission? [01:14:46]
5. Reflect on the concept of being "heirs of God" and having access to the power of the Holy Spirit. How can you tap into this power in your daily life and service? What practical steps can you take to walk in this authority? [01:06:37]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of community and belonging. How can you foster a sense of belonging and growth within your small group or church community? What actions can you take to support others in their faith journey? [44:43]
7. Think about someone in your life who might be curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, and what steps can you take to invite them into the community of believers? [01:22:00]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the instructions given. Here it is:
Day 1: Embracing New Life Through Baptism
Baptism is a profound symbol of transformation, representing the transition from an old life of sin to a new life in Christ. It is an act of obedience that publicly declares one's faith and invites others to witness the transformative power of Jesus. This sacred ritual is not just a personal milestone but a communal celebration of faith, as seen in the lives of those who have been baptized. Each individual's journey to this point is unique, marked by personal stories of healing, purpose, and belonging through Christ. Baptism serves as a powerful testament to the redemptive work of Christ and an invitation for others to experience the same transformation. [11:08]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "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: Consider your own journey of faith. How can you publicly declare your commitment to Christ in your daily life, even if you have already been baptized?
Day 2: Unveiling the Mystery of Christ
The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed to us through the gospel. This sacred truth invites believers to know, understand, and treasure their identity in Christ. As heirs of God, we are called to live as prisoners of Christ, recognizing our privilege to share the good news despite feeling undeserving. This identity challenges us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, embracing our role as a display of God's wisdom to the world. Understanding this mystery is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative journey that shapes how we live and interact with others. [50:55]
Ephesians 3:9-10 (ESV): "And to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you approach your daily interactions and responsibilities?
Day 3: Dying to the Old Self
Our new nature in Christ involves a continual process of dying to the old self and embracing the new. This journey requires us to ask, "What's the next hard thing?" and to respond with obedience and surrender. Living boldly and unapologetically for Christ means stepping out of our comfort zones, whether it's sharing our faith, praying for others, or taking the step of baptism. This process is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. [01:00:50]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you need to let go of the old self. What practical steps can you take today to embrace your new nature in Christ?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
As heirs of God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit for daily life and service. This power is available to us, encouraging us to step out in faith and trust God with the outcome. Walking in the authority given to us through Christ means living with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are equipped for the tasks and challenges we face. This empowerment is not just for personal benefit but for the service of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:06:37]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life and service to others?
Day 5: The Church as a Display of God's Wisdom
The church is a display of God's wisdom, a beautiful tapestry of diverse individuals united in Christ. Our lives, transformed by the gospel, serve as a testament to the world of God's grace and love. This unity in diversity is a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same transformation. As a church, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, hope, growth, and becoming, creating a community where individuals can be discipled and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. [01:14:46]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and diversity of your church community, helping it to be a true display of God's wisdom to the world?
Quotes
When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind. Mind, everybody say bye-bye. When we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace, a new life in a new land. Buried with Christ by baptism. This, this tub of water represents someone's willingness to die. Someone's willingness to take what used to be and place it at the foot of the cross. [00:10:25] (59 seconds)
Scarlet wrote, finding Jesus at 31 meant I was very familiar with life without him. Before Christ, Scarlet thought she had it all figured out until a difficult period came. And in that darkness, I started searching for something more. This search led me to an undeniable encounter with the Holy Spirit, and that changed everything. [00:14:14] (25 seconds)
Warren Wiersbe says, in the New Testament, a mystery is not something eerie or inscrutable, but rather a truth that was hidden by God in times past, and is now revealed to those who are in his family. A mystery is a sacred, secret that is unknown to unbelievers, but understood and treasured by the people of God. [00:53:47] (24 seconds)
Paul brings out into the open four pieces of identity for us to grow in, to be revealed to us, to take the old mask off as a part of our new nature in Christ. Four identifiers for us to know, understand, and treasure as disciples of Jesus. And the first one is this. We are prisoners of Christ Jesus. [00:55:35] (21 seconds)
Though I am undeserving, I stepped out in the mission that he gave me. Though I am the least deserving, I stepped out in the mission that he gave me. Though I am the least undeserving, I didn't allow fear to hold me back from boldly proclaiming the good news of the gospel. Of course, we don't deserve the grace of God. [01:10:10] (16 seconds)
What a mystery revealed that because of the grace given to us by the Father through Jesus Christ, we're the least deserving. And so, we're the least deserving. We have a new nature. The old us is dead. We live captive to Jesus. All that we are and all that we have is his to use for his good pleasure. [01:13:31] (18 seconds)
From the beginning of time, it was God's best plan that you would recognize, know, understand, and be captivated by the truth of the gospel of Christ. That because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence. Paul closes this section, verse 13, so please don't lose heart. [01:15:56] (28 seconds)
What a joy, what an honor that we would be included as a part of the church that Jesus is building in our lifetime, the display of the Father's wisdom as we learn to live captive, least deserving as heirs. What's the next hard thing? Close your eyes. And if you can, just even hold your hands out in front of you and just ask the Lord, what's the next hard thing for me, God? [01:21:06] (36 seconds)
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