Embracing One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Summary
Ephesians 4:5 declares, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” These six words form the bedrock of Christian identity and unity. In a world filled with countless religious traditions, interpretations, and shifting cultural images of Jesus, it is vital to return to the foundational truth of who Christ is and what it means to follow Him. Throughout history, people have tried to remake Jesus in their own image—whether as a political leader, a cultural icon, or a figure who fits their personal preferences and struggles. Yet, the call remains to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, not as we imagine Him, but as He truly is.
This singular confession—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—is the rock upon which the Church is built. It is not about molding Jesus to fit our desires, but about being transformed into His likeness. The power of “one Lord” is the power of stability, clarity, and abundant life. When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, we are freed from the confusion and chaos of competing images and ideologies.
Equally foundational is the reality of “one faith.” In a pluralistic world, the temptation is strong to believe that all faiths lead to the same place, or that truth is relative. Yet, the testimony of Scripture and the evidence of history point to the uniqueness of faith in Jesus Christ. Unlike other religious founders, Jesus is the resurrected Lord, and the Bible stands alone in its historical and archaeological credibility. Salvation is found in Christ alone—there is no other name by which we must be saved.
“One baptism” is the outward sign of this inward reality. Water baptism is not a mere ritual, but a profound act of identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is an affirmation of our commitment, a confession of our faith, and an act of obedience. Baptism does not save, but it powerfully symbolizes the transformation that has taken place within. It is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus, that we have put off the old self, and that we are raised to new life in Him.
Today, the invitation is to respond—to embrace the power of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. This is not about religious tradition or family expectation, but about a personal decision to follow Jesus, to be made new, and to walk in obedience.
Key Takeaways
- The temptation to remake Jesus in our own image is as old as the Church itself. Whether through cultural trends, personal struggles, or religious traditions, we often try to shape Christ to fit our preferences. True discipleship, however, means surrendering our images and allowing ourselves to be transformed into His likeness, confessing with Peter, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [13:32]
- The confession of “one Lord” is the foundation of a stable and abundant life. When we recognize Jesus as Lord—not just a good teacher, prophet, or cultural icon—we find clarity and purpose. This singular focus frees us from the chaos of competing ideologies and grounds us in the unchanging truth of Christ’s identity. [14:51]
- “One faith” stands in contrast to the pluralism and universalism of our age. While many faiths and religious systems exist, the Christian faith is unique in its object—Jesus Christ, the resurrected Son of God. The historical and spiritual credibility of the Bible and the person of Jesus set Christianity apart, calling us to a faith that is both exclusive and inclusive in its invitation to all. [22:58]
- Water baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a profound identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Entering the water signifies crucifying the flesh, immersion represents burial, and rising from the water proclaims resurrection life. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation, a public declaration of our allegiance to Christ. [27:41]
- Obedience in baptism is not optional for the follower of Jesus. While baptism does not save, it is the first step of obedience and a powerful testimony to the world. Delaying baptism for any reason—fear, tradition, or waiting for others—misses the opportunity to publicly declare our faith and to walk in the fullness of what Christ has called us to. [36:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Greeting Online Community
[01:12] - Ephesians 4: The Foundation of the Church
[02:39] - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
[04:02] - Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
[05:20] - Cultural Images of Jesus Through History
[08:06] - Creating Jesus in Our Own Image
[09:22] - Religious Traditions and Many Lords
[12:11] - Our Mission: Living as a House of Mercy
[12:49] - Peter’s Confession: The Christ, Son of the Living God
[14:10] - The Rock of Revelation
[15:32] - The Challenge of Many Faiths
[16:54] - Christianity vs. Other Faiths
[18:55] - The Uniqueness of the Bible
[20:17] - Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Nature of Christ
[22:18] - Islam and the Question of One Faith
[24:18] - The Power of One Baptism
[25:44] - The Meaning and Symbolism of Baptism
[28:58] - Baptism: Outward Expression of Inward Commitment
[30:22] - Why We Baptize Believers, Not Infants
[31:04] - Baptism as the First Step of Obedience
[33:03] - Baptism by Immersion in Scripture
[34:51] - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
[36:03] - When Should I Be Baptized?
[38:08] - Responding to the Call: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
[40:52] - Invitation to Make a Personal Decision
[42:48] - Closing Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism"
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
> There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV)
> He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
> And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Ephesians 4:5, what three things does Paul say unite all believers?
2. According to Matthew 16:16, what is Peter’s confession about Jesus, and why is it significant?
3. What does Acts 2:38 say is the response to the message of Jesus, and what is promised as a result?
4. The sermon described different ways people have tried to remake Jesus in their own image throughout history. What are some of the examples given? [[05:20]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the confession “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” serve as the foundation for the Church, rather than any personal or cultural image of Jesus? [[13:32]]
2. The sermon contrasts “one faith” with the idea that all religions lead to the same place. What makes faith in Jesus unique, according to the message? [[22:58]]
3. How does water baptism serve as more than just a ritual, according to the sermon? What does it symbolize about a believer’s relationship with Jesus? [[27:41]]
4. Why is obedience in baptism described as the “first step” for a follower of Jesus, and what are some reasons people might delay it? [[36:03]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about the temptation to remake Jesus in our own image. Are there ways you have tried to shape Jesus to fit your preferences, struggles, or background? What would it look like to surrender those images and let Jesus shape you instead? [[08:06]]
2. When you think about the confession “one Lord,” do you see Jesus as the ultimate authority in your life, or are there other “lords” (influences, priorities, or ideologies) competing for that place? How can you take a step toward giving Jesus that central place this week? [[14:51]]
3. The message emphasized that “one faith” is both exclusive (only Jesus saves) and inclusive (open to all). How do you respond to the idea that salvation is found in Christ alone? Does this challenge any beliefs or assumptions you’ve held? [[22:58]]
4. Baptism was described as a public declaration of an inward transformation. If you have been baptized, what did that experience mean to you? If you haven’t, what is holding you back? [[27:41]]
5. The sermon said that delaying baptism for reasons like fear, tradition, or waiting for others means missing out on obedience and testimony. Is there a step of obedience—baptism or otherwise—that you have been putting off? What would it take to move forward? [[36:03]]
6. The message challenged us to make a personal decision to follow Jesus, not just rely on family tradition or expectation. Have you made that personal decision? If not, what questions or hesitations do you have? [[40:52]]
7. The sermon described baptism as “putting off the old self and putting on the new.” Is there an area of your life where you need to “put off” something old and “put on” something new in Christ? What practical step can you take this week? [[34:51]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to surrender personal images of Jesus, to walk in obedience, and to experience the unity and transformation that comes from “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
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