God's Preparation: Bold Faith and Transformative Baptism
Summary
Today, we gathered as a community to witness and celebrate the profound work of God in the lives of His people, especially through the act of baptism. From the very beginning, I wanted us to see that what may seem spontaneous or eruptive in our lives is, in fact, the culmination of God’s sovereign preparation. He is the Alpha and Omega, orchestrating every detail long before we are even aware. The stories of Riley and Josiah stepping forward in baptism are not just moments of personal decision, but evidence of God’s patient, loving work beneath the surface, drawing us to Himself and preparing us for public declaration.
We honored mothers today, recognizing both the joy and the pain that Mother’s Day can bring. For some, it is a day of celebration; for others, a day of grief or longing. We acknowledged the deep sacrifices mothers make, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ, and we also held space for those who mourn or struggle with unfulfilled desires. In all these experiences, we are reminded that pain and triumph often coexist, and Christ is present in both.
The heart of our time centered on the story of Joseph of Arimathea. His actions after the crucifixion of Jesus teach us that what appears to be a sudden act of courage is actually the result of years of God’s preparation. Joseph’s influence, prosperity, and position were not accidental; God had been shaping him for a moment when he would need to step forward and claim Christ publicly. This is a pattern for all of us: God is always preparing us, positioning us, and prospering us for moments when we must take a stand for Christ—whether in baptism, in our families, at work, or in our communities.
We explored how baptism is not just a symbol, but a catalyst for transformation. It is a public declaration of what God has already done privately in our hearts. Like Joseph, we are called to move from secret discipleship to public witness, even when it costs us something. The cost is real, but the reward is greater—eternal rest and the joy of being used by God in His redemptive story. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice, every public stand becomes evidence to the world of the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Sovereign Preparation: What feels like a sudden eruption in our lives is actually an arrival—God has been preparing us for these moments long before we recognize them. Our influence, resources, and experiences are not random; they are part of His sovereign plan to position us for decisive acts of faith. Trust that your current season is not wasted, but is God’s groundwork for a future moment of significance. [51:49]
- The Power and Cost of Public Faith: Joseph of Arimathea’s willingness to claim Christ’s body publicly cost him his position, reputation, and participation in sacred traditions. True discipleship often requires us to risk comfort and status for the sake of Christ. The world may see our choices as loss, but in God’s economy, such sacrifices lead to eternal gain and deeper intimacy with Him. [01:16:43]
- The Mystery and Necessity of Baptism: Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a sacrament where God uses the ordinary (water) to accomplish the extraordinary—transformation. While faith alone saves, baptism marks a turning point, empowering us to live out our faith boldly and publicly. If you have not taken this step, consider that God may have been preparing you for this very moment. [44:26]
- The Wisdom of Hidden Faith and the Call to Boldness: There are seasons when God calls us to be “secret saints,” using wisdom to maintain influence until the right moment to go public. But eventually, every disciple faces a moment when private belief must become public allegiance. Discernment is needed to know when to wait and when to step out, but when the moment comes, obedience is non-negotiable. [01:00:02]
- Our Lives as Evidence of Christ’s Reality: Like Joseph, our actions in moments of decision become lasting testimony to the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection. When we embrace the crucified Christ—sacrificing, serving, and standing for Him—our lives become living evidence that compels others to seek and know Him. The ripple effect of our obedience can lead others to faith and transformation. [01:13:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[18:31] - Baptism Testimonies: Riley and Josiah
[19:32] - Invitation to Worship and Guest Welcome
[30:35] - Honoring Mothers and Acknowledging Grief
[33:06] - Embracing Those Who Struggle
[34:12] - The Paradox of Pain and Triumph
[35:06] - Praying for the Offering and Community
[37:26] - Upcoming Events and International Missions
[38:49] - Introduction to Joseph of Arimathea
[41:22] - God’s Orchestration in Spontaneous Moments
[44:26] - Baptism: Catalyst for Transformation
[45:36] - Joseph’s Public Stand and God’s Preparation
[51:49] - The Years of Preparation for a Defining Moment
[53:57] - The Cost and Courage of Claiming Christ
[57:40] - Joseph’s Prosperity and Generosity
[01:00:02] - The Wisdom of Secret Discipleship
[01:03:25] - Refusing to Compromise: Taking a Stand
[01:09:10] - The Details of Jesus’ Burial
[01:13:43] - Our Lives as Testimony
[01:16:43] - The Cost and Reward of Obedience
[01:19:39] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Respond
[01:22:40] - Fellowship and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
- Mark 15:42-47 (Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus)
- John 19:38-42 (Joseph and Nicodemus prepare Jesus’ body)
- Romans 6:3-4 (“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death…”)
---
### Observation Questions
1. What do we learn about Joseph of Arimathea’s background and position from the Gospel accounts? (Mark 15:43, John 19:38)
2. According to the sermon, what risks did Joseph take when he went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body? [53:57]
3. What does Romans 6:3-4 say happens to us when we are baptized?
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the difference between something “erupting” and “arriving” in our lives? [41:22]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God have allowed Joseph to remain a “secret disciple” for a season before stepping out publicly? What does this suggest about God’s timing in our lives? [01:00:02]
2. The sermon says Joseph’s influence, prosperity, and position were not accidental. How does this challenge the way we view our own resources and opportunities? [57:40]
3. What does it mean that baptism is a “catalyst for transformation” and not just a symbol? How does this relate to the story of Jesus’ baptism and the start of his public ministry? [44:26]
4. The pastor mentioned that Joseph’s actions became lasting evidence of Christ’s death and resurrection. In what ways can our obedience serve as evidence to others? [01:13:43]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that what feels like a sudden moment in our lives is often the result of God’s long preparation. Can you think of a time when you realized God had been preparing you for a specific moment or decision? How did that change your perspective? [51:49]
2. Joseph risked his reputation, position, and participation in sacred traditions to publicly identify with Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you sense God is asking you to take a public stand for your faith, even if it costs you something? What holds you back? [01:16:43]
3. The pastor said, “Baptism is the catalyst of transformation.” If you have been baptized, how did that experience impact your faith journey? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? [44:26]
4. The sermon talked about the wisdom of “hidden faith” and the call to boldness. Are there places (work, family, friendships) where you feel you are a “secret saint”? How do you discern when it’s time to go public with your faith? [01:00:02]
5. Joseph used his resources (his tomb, his influence) for God’s purposes. What resources, skills, or opportunities has God given you that could be used for His kingdom? Are you willing to let God use them, even if it means sacrifice? [57:40]
6. The pastor mentioned that our lives can become “living evidence” of Christ’s reality. What is one practical way you can make your faith more visible to others this week? [01:13:43]
7. On Mother’s Day, the church acknowledged both the joy and pain that can come with this day. How can you support or encourage someone in your community who may be struggling with grief or unfulfilled desires? [33:06]
---
Devotional
Day 1: God Has Been Preparing You for This Moment
God is always at work beneath the surface of our lives, orchestrating events and shaping our hearts for moments that may seem sudden to us but are, in reality, the culmination of His careful preparation. Just as Joseph of Arimathea appeared to "burst" onto the scene to claim Jesus' body, it was actually the result of years of God positioning him for that very moment. In your own life, what feels like a sudden opportunity or challenge is often the arrival of a moment God has been preparing you for all along. Trust that your experiences, your growth, and even your waiting are not wasted—they are part of God's sovereign plan to use you for His purposes when the time is right. [46:28]
Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God has been preparing you for a step of faith, and how can you respond with trust and readiness today?
Day 2: Publicly Claiming What You Believe Privately
There comes a time when what you have believed in your heart must be declared openly, even if it costs you something. Joseph of Arimathea had followed Jesus in secret, but the moment arrived when he had to step forward and publicly identify with Christ, risking his reputation, influence, and comfort. In the same way, God calls each of us to move from private faith to public declaration—whether through baptism, sharing our testimony, or standing for Christ in our daily lives. These moments are not just about us; they are about bearing witness to the reality of Jesus for others to see. [46:28]
Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV)
"So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to move from private belief to public declaration of your faith in Jesus?
Day 3: The Cost and Reward of Taking a Stand for Christ
Taking a stand for Jesus often comes with a cost—social, professional, or personal. Joseph of Arimathea risked his position on the Sanhedrin, his wealth, and his ability to participate in the Sabbath by caring for Jesus’ body. Yet, in losing these things, he gained something far greater: the privilege of being part of God’s redemptive story and the assurance of eternal rest. When you choose Christ over comfort, you may lose some privileges of your past life, but you gain the joy and peace of walking in God’s purpose and the hope of resurrection life. [01:16:43]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What comfort, habit, or relationship might God be asking you to surrender in order to take a bold stand for Him today?
Day 4: God Uses Your Position, Influence, and Resources for His Glory
Joseph’s education, influence, and prosperity were not accidents—they were gifts from God, given for a purpose. When the moment came, Joseph used his access to Pilate and his own tomb to serve Jesus in a way no one else could. Likewise, God has uniquely positioned you with relationships, resources, and experiences that He wants to use for His kingdom. The question is not whether you have enough, but whether you are willing to let Jesus use what you have, trusting that He will multiply your sacrifice for His glory and the good of others. [01:10:22]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What resource, skill, or relationship has God given you that you can offer to Him in service to others this week?
Day 5: Your Obedience Becomes Evidence for Others
When you step out in obedience—whether through baptism, generosity, or public witness—your actions become a testimony to others of the reality and power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Joseph’s act of burying Jesus was not just a private devotion; it became public evidence that Jesus truly died and was buried, paving the way for the resurrection to be seen and believed. In the same way, your obedience can inspire faith in others, prompting them to ask questions and seek the Savior for themselves. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of your faithfulness; God uses it to draw others to Himself. [01:13:43]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life might be watching your actions, and how can your obedience to Christ today point them toward Him?
Quotes
Faith alone is the catalyst of salvation. But baptism is the catalyst of transformation. When Christ got baptized and got out of that water, heaven's open, and God was heard to say, that is my son. With him I am well pleased. And his public ministry started. An entirely new phase of his life began. Just like will with you. It will change the trajectory of your life forever. Can't save you. But I promise you, it can change you. [00:44:39] (32 seconds)
You got to have the courage to boldly claim the body and death of Jesus Christ. You got to be willing to boldly say, I've been crucified with Christ, yet I live. You got to be willing to boldly get in those waters and say, I've been buried with Christ through baptism, raised to walk in the newness of life. [00:57:03] (18 seconds)
The world might think you're very unclean because you have something to do with the crucified Christ. Because you're so engaged in who he is and what he did and what he longs to do. You don't get to participate in the normal ways of life anymore. That your past life is your past life. Good. Because the new life that awaits you, mind-blowing. [01:17:27] (28 seconds)
Baptism will empower you to do so. It will literally, it's a sacrament. It's a mystery, just like communion. God does something with the most ordinary substance on the surface of the earth that cannot and will not be done with any other practice, moment, or material. [00:47:19] (18 seconds)
While some are suffering deeply, others are being, are able to celebrate wonderfully. And Christ died painfully so that you and I could live triumphantly. And it just, those two seem to be in such contrast, contrast, dissonance with one another. [00:34:12] (20 seconds)
You willing to let the crucified Christ use what you have in your life? In other words, are you willing to really bury him within yourself with what you have? And the good news is when we give like this to God, you know Jesus only borrowed that tomb. Joe's going to get it back on Sunday. [01:11:23] (24 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 11, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?