New Beginnings: The Joy of Water Baptism
Summary
In the sermon titled "New Year, New Life - Water Baptism New Years Eve 2023," the pastor celebrates the spiritual growth and commitment of individuals within the congregation. He shares his joy in witnessing their hunger for a new life in Christ, exemplified by Devon's involvement in the sound booth and the voluntary contributions of Leon, Adrien, and Courtney. The pastor's pleasure is evident as he observes their desire to grow in their faith and become rooted in the church.
During the baptismal service, the pastor humorously addresses practical aspects such as the order of baptism and the temperature of the water, creating a light-hearted atmosphere. He expresses gratitude for the congregation's presence on this special day, recognizing it as a new beginning for those being baptized. The pastor emphasizes the importance of supporting these individuals in finding and growing in their purpose, concluding with a prayer for guidance.
The pastor explains the significance of water baptism, addressing common questions and providing biblical answers. He shares his personal journey of finding joy in serving Jesus and cites 2 Corinthians to illustrate the transformation that occurs when one becomes a new creature in Christ. The pastor also references Jesus' baptism as an example for believers to follow.
Water baptism is further described as an act of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and a symbol of the transition from spiritual death to life. The pastor compares baptism to wearing a wedding ring, signifying a commitment to live for Christ. He stresses that while baptism is an outward symbol, the true transformation occurs within, through the renewal of the mind by God's word.
The pastor performs baptisms, asking each candidate to affirm their decision to serve Jesus Christ before being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He clarifies that baptism is not what saves a person but is a sign of their faith and identifies them with the Triune God and the body of Christ. The pastor concludes by emphasizing that baptism represents a new life as a Christian, akin to a wedding ring, and is a declaration of love, trust, and hope in Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor highlights the transformative power of a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, as seen in the lives of new believers who actively seek to grow in their faith and serve within the church community. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of sanctification and deeper fellowship with God and fellow believers. [24:42]
- Baptism serves as a significant milestone in a believer's life, symbolizing the new life they have in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience that follows Jesus' own example. The pastor's approach to baptism combines reverence for its spiritual significance with a sense of joy and celebration, reflecting the Christian belief that following Jesus is not only a solemn commitment but also a source of profound joy. [03:05]
- The pastor emphasizes that true transformation in Christ affects the inner spirit rather than external attributes. This internal change is brought about by the renewing of the mind through the word of God, as stated in Romans 12. The outward act of baptism symbolizes this inward renewal and the believer's dedication to living out their faith. [14:54
- Baptism is not merely a ritual but a powerful testimony to the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It signifies the believer's deliverance from the power of darkness and entrance into the kingdom of God. The pastor underscores that baptism is an essential step for every believer, as it connects them to the larger body of Christ and the fellowship of believers. [17:58]
- The pastor draws an analogy between baptism and a wedding ring, both of which are outward symbols of an inward commitment. He stresses that baptism alone does not make one a true believer; rather, it is the ongoing process of living out one's faith and hope in Jesus Christ that demonstrates genuine belief. This insight challenges believers to not only celebrate their baptism but also to continually strive to embody the principles and love of Christ in their daily lives. [20:08]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about the transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ? How does this relate to the concept of baptism discussed in the sermon? [04:24
2. According to Romans 12:2, what is the process of transformation for a believer? How did the pastor describe this transformation in the sermon? [15:34
3. What command does Jesus give in Matthew 28:19-20 regarding baptism? How did the pastor explain the importance of this command? [07:10
4. How did the pastor use the analogy of a wedding ring to explain the significance of baptism? [11:34
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 manifest in the lives of new believers, according to the pastor's observations? [24:42
2. In what ways does the renewing of the mind, as mentioned in Romans 12:2, contribute to a believer's spiritual growth and commitment? [15:34
3. Why is it significant that Jesus Himself was baptized, and how does this serve as an example for believers today? [05:08
4. How does the pastor's analogy of a wedding ring help clarify the difference between the outward act of baptism and the inward transformation of faith? [11:34
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How have you experienced the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Can you share a specific example? [04:24
2. Romans 12:2 talks about the renewing of the mind. What are some practical ways you can renew your mind daily through God's word? [15:34
3. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and baptize them. How can you personally participate in this mission within your community or church? [07:10
4. The pastor mentioned that baptism is like a wedding ring, an outward symbol of an inward commitment. How can you live out your faith in a way that visibly demonstrates your commitment to Christ? [11:34
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of supporting new believers in their journey. How can you support someone in your church who is new to the faith? What specific actions can you take this week? [24:42
6. Think about a time when you felt a significant change in your spiritual life. What triggered that change, and how did it affect your relationship with God and others? [04:24
7. The pastor shared his joy in seeing new believers grow and serve in the church. How can you contribute to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for new believers in your church? [24:42
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Christ's Commitment
True transformation is a journey of continuous growth and deeper fellowship with God, marked by a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. This commitment is evident in the lives of those who actively seek to serve and grow within the church community, demonstrating that the path of sanctification is walked daily, not just at the moment of conversion. [24:42]
Colossians 3:9-10 - "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your spiritual growth today, and what steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with God and your church community?
Day 2: Joyful Obedience in Baptism
Baptism is a joyful milestone that symbolizes new life in Christ, combining the reverence of spiritual obedience with the celebration of faith. It is a public declaration that follows the example set by Jesus, inviting believers to experience the profound joy that comes from walking in His footsteps. [03:05]
1 Peter 3:21 - "And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you publicly express your faith and joy in Christ, just as baptism symbolizes a new beginning?
Day 3: Inner Renewal, Outward Symbolism
The true transformation in Christ is an inward renewal of the spirit, achieved through the word of God. While baptism is an outward symbol of this change, the real work happens within, as believers commit to renewing their minds and dedicating their lives to living out their faith. [14:54
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience inner renewal, and how can you actively seek this transformation through God's word?
Day 4: Baptism as a Testimony of Faith
Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a powerful testimony of a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It signifies a transition from darkness to light and connects the believer to the body of Christ and the fellowship of believers. [17:58]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: How does your life reflect the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and in what ways can you strengthen your connection to the body of Christ?
Day 5: Living Out the Baptismal Declaration
Baptism is akin to a wedding ring, an outward symbol of an inward commitment to Christ. It challenges believers to not only celebrate their baptism but also to continually live out their faith and hope in Jesus, demonstrating genuine belief through their daily actions. [20:08]
James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: What are some tangible ways you can live out your baptismal declaration of faith and hope in Jesus in your everyday life?
Quotes
"It does a pastor's heart wonderful things when not only they get saved but they want to plug in and they want to grow with Jesus and allow not only myself but the leadership and the family of this church to help raise them up in the things of God." [24:42
"What I want you to see today is witnessing four folks who have a commitment to Jesus Christ and setting root in abundant Heart Church and growing in the things of God and I can't be more pleased as a pastor and as a just a man than to see folks that want to get plugged in and grow in the things of God." [26:07
"In the same way if I have trusted Jesus to be my Lord and Savior then I want everyone to know it amen so baptism is a statement it's a statement to everyone who sees it that you have trusted Jesus as for your salvation as your lord and savior amen and you're also committed to live for him." [14:54
"Your human Spirit has been completely not rebuilt not restored it's been replaced with a brand new spirit and then we start the path of sanctification to allow the inward work that we have done through Jesus Christ to become an outward work amen." [16:19
"New year, new life, not just for the four individuals that were baptized but for each and every one of you. It's a fantastic time for their life as they are beginning their Journey with Jesus." [33:22
"We here one of our missions is to help people find their purpose but not just their purpose but to grow and develop in their purpose so that they can be all that God has called them to be." [33:59
"Baptism doesn't make you a Believer; it's only a sign, it's only a symbol. It only is to show witnesses that you are a Believer. Baptism does not save you; only your faith in Christ saves you." [17:04
"In baptism, there's a real sense of being joined together with other believers, hence a family. We do not build an island amongst ourselves; we stay in fellowship with those of like faith and like beliefs." [18:44
"Every person who's made the decision to make Jesus Christ their lord and savior should be baptized. It's a significant step in the journey of faith, symbolizing a public declaration of a private decision." [20:51
"Baptism is like a wedding ring; it's the outward symbol of a commitment made in the heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out the rest of your days." [11:34
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