Embracing Stewardship and the Transformative Power of Baptism
Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of stewardship, compassion, and the journey of faith, focusing especially on the significance of baptism in the Christian life. We began by acknowledging the responsibility we have to use our resources to bless others, supporting organizations like Open Doors, Compassion, and Ealing Missions. This month, we highlighted the Be Free campaign, which fights modern slavery—a hidden but pervasive evil even in our own communities. The reality that we may unknowingly encounter victims of modern slavery in everyday places like car washes and nail bars challenges us to be more aware and prayerful, supporting efforts that bring freedom and justice.
We also heard about the ongoing persecution of Christians and other minorities in Syria, especially following recent political upheaval. The suffering of our brothers and sisters, such as the tragic loss of Pastor Khalid and his family, calls us to intercede for peace, provision, and protection. Our giving and our prayers are not just acts of charity but are vital expressions of our unity with the global body of Christ.
Turning to the heart of our journey, we explored baptism as the next step in the “normal Christian birth.” Repentance and faith are foundational, but baptism is the God-ordained moment of cleansing and burial. It is not merely a public declaration but a spiritual event where God acts: washing away our sins and burying our old life, raising us to newness in Christ. Through stories and scripture, we saw how baptism brings real transformation—cleansing consciences, breaking the power of sin, and marking the death of the old self.
Baptism is not just a tradition or a rite of passage; it is an essential step in following Jesus. It is for those who have repented and believed, regardless of whether they were christened as infants. The journey of salvation is ongoing, and baptism is a milestone that signifies both a bath and a burial, leading to freedom and new life. As we continue to walk this path, may we remember what God has done for us and respond with gratitude, obedience, and a renewed commitment to follow Him.
Key Takeaways
- Stewardship is a sacred trust, not just about managing money wisely but about using what God has given us to confront injustice and support the vulnerable. Our regular giving to organizations like Ealing Missions and the Be Free campaign is a tangible way to participate in God’s work of liberation and mercy in the world. This calls us to be attentive to hidden suffering around us and to act with both generosity and discernment. [01:25]
- The reality of modern slavery and persecution is closer than we think, often hidden in plain sight. Recognizing this challenges us to move beyond comfort and to intercede for those who suffer, remembering that our prayers and support can reach places we cannot. The suffering of the global church is not distant from us; it is a call to solidarity and action as one body in Christ. [05:26]
- Baptism is not simply a symbolic act or a public statement; it is a moment where God intervenes, cleansing us from sin and giving us a new conscience. The testimonies of transformed lives remind us that God’s forgiveness is not theoretical—it brings real freedom from guilt and shame, enabling us to live honestly and restored in our relationships. [19:04]
- The burial aspect of baptism is a profound spiritual reality: our old life truly dies, and we are raised to new life in Christ. This is not just a metaphor but a decisive break with the past, empowering us to walk in freedom from the bondage of sin. The story of the friend declared “dead” on the day of his baptism illustrates how radically God redefines our identity and destiny. [24:10]
- The journey of salvation is ongoing, and each step—repentance, faith, baptism—is essential. Baptism is not just for tradition’s sake or because of family expectations; it is for those who have personally turned to Christ. If you have not been baptised as a believer, this is an invitation to take that step, embracing the fullness of what God intends for your life and joining the community of those who are “on the way.” [28:09]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - The Reality of Modern Slavery
[02:13] - Be Free Campaign and Everyday Encounters
[03:10] - Global Statistics and Child Exploitation
[05:26] - Persecution in Syria and Ealing Missions’ Response
[06:37] - Prayer for the Persecuted and Mission Updates
[10:03] - Introduction to Baptism in the Christian Journey
[11:12] - Salvation as a Journey, Not a Moment
[12:18] - Repentance, Faith, and the Order of Baptism
[13:30] - John the Baptist and the Meaning of Baptism
[14:22] - The Command of Jesus to Baptise
[16:03] - God’s Work in Baptism: Cleansing and Testimonies
[19:04] - Testimonies of Transformation Through Baptism
[21:00] - Baptism as Burial and New Life
[24:10] - The Death of the Old Self
[25:15] - Baptism and the Ongoing Journey of Salvation
[26:11] - Personal Reflections on Baptism
[28:09] - The Call to Believer’s Baptism
[28:59] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewardship, Compassion, and the Journey of Faith (with a Focus on Baptism)
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### 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.”
Acts 22:14-16 (ESV)
> And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28, what are the specific instructions Jesus gives to his followers regarding baptism?
2. In Acts 22, what does Ananias tell Paul is the purpose of his baptism?
3. From Romans 6, what does Paul say happens to our old life when we are baptized?
4. The sermon mentioned that baptism is both a “bath” and a “burial.” What do these two images mean in the context of the Christian journey? [21:00]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon described baptism as more than a public declaration, but as a moment where God acts to cleanse and bury the old self. Why is it important to see baptism as God’s work and not just our statement? [16:03]
2. The story of the man whose tattoo disappeared after baptism was shared as a testimony of transformation. What does this story suggest about the power of God to change not just our status, but our identity? [19:56]
3. The sermon highlighted that baptism follows repentance and faith, not just tradition or family expectation. Why do you think the order of repentance, faith, and then baptism matters? [12:18]
4. The reality of modern slavery and persecution was described as “hidden in plain sight.” How does this challenge our understanding of stewardship and compassion as followers of Jesus? [01:25]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to be more aware of hidden suffering, like modern slavery, in our communities. What are some practical steps you could take this week to become more attentive and prayerful about these issues? [01:25]
2. Our regular giving to organizations like Ealing Missions and the Be Free campaign was described as a way to participate in God’s work of liberation and mercy. Is there a specific way you feel called to use your resources (time, money, skills) to support the vulnerable? [05:26]
3. The suffering of Christians in Syria and the story of Pastor Khalid’s family was shared. How can you make interceding for the persecuted church a regular part of your prayer life? What might that look like for you personally? [06:37]
4. The sermon said that baptism is not just for tradition’s sake, but for those who have personally repented and believed. If you have not been baptized as a believer, what is holding you back from taking this step? If you have, how can you remember and live out the meaning of your baptism this week? [28:09]
5. The image of baptism as a burial and a new birth was emphasized. Is there an area of your life where you need to experience a “decisive break” with the past? What would it look like to walk in newness of life in that area? [24:10]
6. The sermon described God’s forgiveness as bringing real freedom from guilt and shame. Is there a specific area where you need to receive or accept God’s forgiveness more deeply? How might you take a step toward that this week? [19:04]
7. The journey of salvation was described as ongoing, not just a one-time event. What is one next step you sense God inviting you to take in your journey of following Jesus? [11:12]
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Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as Cleansing—God Washes Away Our Sins
Baptism is not just a symbolic act but a God-ordained moment where He gives us a spiritual bath, washing away our sins and cleansing our conscience. Just as Paul was told to "get up, be baptised and wash away your sins," so too does God offer each believer a fresh start, free from guilt and shame. This cleansing is not something we achieve by our own effort, but a gracious work of God that brings true freedom and peace to our hearts. If you have been baptised, remember that your past is washed away and you are made clean before God. [17:44]
Acts 22:14-16 (ESV)
"And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'"
Reflection: Is there any guilt or shame from your past that you still carry, even though you have been baptised? Ask God to help you truly receive His cleansing and let go of that burden today.
Day 2: Baptism as Burial—Dying to the Old Life
Baptism is a burial of the old self, a decisive break with sin, and a step into new life. Just as Christ was buried and raised, so in baptism we are buried with Him and raised to live a new life, free from the bondage of our past. This act is not merely symbolic; it is a spiritual reality where the old life is put to death and a new life in Christ begins. Embrace the truth that your old self is gone, and you are now alive to God, empowered to walk in freedom. [22:03]
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: What habits or patterns from your old life do you need to leave buried, trusting that God has given you a new beginning?
Day 3: Baptism as a Command—Obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and baptise them, making baptism an essential step of obedience in the Christian journey. It is not an optional ritual but a direct instruction from Christ, following repentance and faith. By being baptised, you are aligning yourself with Jesus’ call and joining the community of believers who have publicly declared their allegiance to Him. If you have not yet taken this step, consider the importance of responding to Jesus’ command as part of your walk with Him. [15:11]
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.'"
Reflection: If you have not been baptised as a believer, what is holding you back from obeying Jesus’ command? If you have, how can you encourage others to take this step?
Day 4: Baptism as a Pledge—A Good Conscience Toward God
Baptism is more than the removal of dirt from the body; it is the pledge of a good conscience toward God, made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their trust in God’s saving work and commit themselves to live with a clear conscience before Him. This act is a powerful testimony of faith, showing that you belong to Christ and are committed to following Him with integrity and sincerity. [25:15]
1 Peter 3:21-22 (ESV)
"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your pledge of a good conscience before God this week, especially in situations where your integrity is tested?
Day 5: The Journey of Salvation—Repentance, Faith, and Baptism
The Christian life is a journey of being saved, not just a one-time event. Repentance, faith, and baptism are all essential steps in this process, marking the beginning of a lifelong walk with God. Each believer is called to turn from sin, trust in Jesus, and be baptised as part of their spiritual birth. This journey is not about religious routine but about transformation and following the way of Christ daily. Embrace your place on this journey, knowing that God is with you every step, shaping you into the person He has called you to be. [28:59]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Where do you see yourself on the journey of salvation—repentance, faith, or baptism—and what is the next step God is inviting you to take today?
Quotes
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