Transformative Faith: The Power of Baptism

 

Summary

Brad Wicks delivers a compelling message on the significance of baptism and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. He begins by explaining the church's approach to preaching, which involves expository preaching, a method that breaks down books of the Bible chapter by chapter, verse by verse. This method aims to deepen the understanding of God's word and its relevance in contemporary life. The church had been studying the Book of Genesis but took a break for a holiday series on the fruit of the spirit. This series sought to identify the evidence of being a Christian, contrasting the works of the flesh, which are not representative of Christian faith, with the fruit of the spirit, which should be evident in a Christian's life.

Brad Wicks uses the story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16 to illustrate the journey to baptism and faith. He provides context by describing the Apostle Paul's mission in Philippi, a pagan city without a Jewish synagogue, where Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl with a spirit of divination. After Paul exorcises the spirit, he and Silas are imprisoned following a backlash from the girl's owners. Despite their dire situation, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns, displaying the joy and peace of the fruit of the spirit. An earthquake miraculously opens the prison doors, but instead of escaping, Paul and Silas seize the opportunity to minister to the jailer, who is on the brink of suicide, fearing the prisoners have escaped.

The jailer, shaken by the events and the conduct of Paul and Silas, asks what he must do to be saved. They share the gospel with him, leading to his and his family's conversion and immediate baptism. This story exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the importance of baptism as a public declaration of that faith. Brad Wicks emphasizes that baptism is an act of obedience and a public affirmation of one's commitment to Jesus Christ. He encourages those who have not yet been baptized to take this step as a demonstration of their faith and new life in Christ.

Brad Wicks also addresses three groups within the congregation: long-time believers, non-Christians, and Christians not bearing much fruit. He reminds believers that trials are opportunities to minister to others and to display the love, joy, peace, and hope of Jesus. For non-Christians, he presents Jesus as the answer to life's challenges and emptiness. For Christians not bearing much fruit, he challenges them to repent, turn from sin, and live in a way that allows God to use them.

The message concludes with a call to baptism, inviting individuals to publicly declare their faith. Brad Wicks stresses the importance of spiritual leadership, particularly for men in their families, and the impact of their example on their loved ones. The service ends with a celebration of new life in Christ as individuals come forward to be baptized, affirming their faith and commitment to follow Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- Baptism is not just a symbolic act; it is the first step of obedience for a believer, signifying an inward change and a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It is a powerful testimony to the world of a person's commitment to follow Christ and live according to His teachings. [22:12]

- The fruit of the spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not optional attributes for a Christian but are essential evidence of a life transformed by Christ. These qualities should permeate every aspect of a believer's life, influencing their actions and interactions with others. [02:33]

- Trials and challenges in life are not always about the individual experiencing them; sometimes, they are opportunities God uses to position believers to minister to others in need of the hope and love found in Jesus. Believers are called to respond to adversity with the joy and peace that come from an eternal perspective. [26:36]

- Spiritual leadership within the family, especially by fathers and husbands, has a profound impact on the faith journey of the entire household. Men are encouraged to lead by example, demonstrating their faith through actions such as baptism and daily living, which can lead their families toward a deeper relationship with Christ. [34:33]

- The transformative power of faith in Jesus is not limited to personal salvation but extends to the renewal of entire families and communities. When one person embraces faith in Christ, it can spark a chain reaction, leading others to experience the same joy, peace, and purpose found in a relationship with God. [21:31]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 16:25-34 (ESV)
> "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, 'Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.' And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.' And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God."

2. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
> "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

#### Observation Questions
1. What were Paul and Silas doing in prison that caught the attention of the other prisoners? ([11:16])
2. How did the Philippian jailer react when he thought the prisoners had escaped, and what was Paul’s response? ([10:01])
3. What immediate actions did the jailer take after hearing the gospel from Paul and Silas? ([10:24])
4. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit that should be evident in a Christian's life?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul and Silas chose to sing hymns and pray despite their dire situation in prison? How does this reflect the fruit of the Spirit? ([11:16])
2. What does the jailer’s question, "What must I do to be saved?" reveal about his state of mind and heart at that moment? ([10:24])
3. How does the immediate baptism of the jailer and his family illustrate the importance of baptism as a public declaration of faith? ([10:42])
4. In what ways do the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) serve as evidence of a life transformed by Christ?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how could you have displayed more of the fruit of the Spirit in that situation? ([26:36])
2. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience and public declaration of your faith? ([22:12])
3. Think of a time when you had an opportunity to minister to someone in need. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul and Silas’s example of seizing ministry opportunities even in difficult circumstances? ([15:01])
4. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate this attribute in your interactions with others? ([02:33])
5. For those who are fathers or husbands, how can you lead your family spiritually and set an example of faith through actions such as baptism and daily living? ([34:33])
6. How can you use your current circumstances, whether good or bad, as an opportunity to display the love, joy, peace, and hope of Jesus to those around you? ([26:36])
7. Reflect on the transformative power of faith in Jesus in your own life. How can you share your testimony to encourage others to experience the same joy, peace, and purpose found in a relationship with God? ([21:31])

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience in Baptism Reflects True Faith
Baptism is the outward expression of an inward transformation, a step of obedience that marks the beginning of a believer's journey in faith. It is not merely a tradition or a ritual to be observed; it is a declaration to the world of a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ. This act of faith is a powerful testimony, signifying the death of the old self and the birth of a new creation in Christ. It is a moment of celebration, as the individual publicly aligns with the teachings of Jesus and joins the community of believers in a shared mission to live out the Gospel.

Baptism is a sacred moment that embodies the essence of the Christian faith—dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. It is a profound demonstration of belief, a physical manifestation of spiritual rebirth. As believers emerge from the waters of baptism, they signal their intention to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to seek His will, and to grow in His likeness. This step is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, discipleship, and transformation.

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." - Acts 2:41 (ESV)

Reflection: Have you taken the step of baptism as a public declaration of your faith? If not, what is holding you back, and how can you prepare your heart for this act of obedience? [22:12]

Day 2: Fruitful Living as Evidence of Transformation
The fruit of the spirit is the natural byproduct of a life that is rooted in Christ. These attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not optional extras but the essential hallmarks of a transformed life. They are the evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work within us, shaping our character and guiding our actions. As believers, we are called to cultivate these qualities, allowing them to permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our relationships, decisions, and the way we respond to the world around us.

Living a life that bears the fruit of the spirit is a daily commitment to aligning one's actions with the character of Christ. It requires intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to be pruned and shaped by God. As these qualities grow and mature within us, they become a powerful witness to others of the transformative power of faith in Jesus. They are the tangible proof that we are walking in step with the Spirit, and they serve as a beacon of hope and love in a world that is often marked by selfishness and strife.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Reflection: Which aspect of the fruit of the spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life? How can you intentionally cultivate that quality this week? [02:33]

Day 3: Embracing Trials as Opportunities for Ministry
Trials and challenges are an inevitable part of life, but for believers, they hold a deeper purpose. They are not merely obstacles to be endured but opportunities for ministry and witness. When faced with adversity, Christians are called to respond not with despair but with the joy and peace that come from an eternal perspective. These moments are a chance to demonstrate the hope that is found in Jesus, to offer comfort to those who are struggling, and to be a living testimony to the power of faith.

The way a believer navigates trials can have a profound impact on those around them. It is in the darkest moments that the light of Christ can shine the brightest. By choosing to trust in God's sovereignty and to lean on the strength that comes from Him, believers can turn their trials into platforms for ministry. They can use their experiences to connect with others, to share the Gospel, and to display the love and grace of Jesus in practical and meaningful ways.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3 (ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a recent trial that you can now see as an opportunity to minister to others? How can you use that experience to demonstrate the hope and love of Jesus to someone in need? [26:36]

Day 4: Spiritual Leadership's Impact on Family Faith
Spiritual leadership within the family is a critical component of nurturing faith and guiding loved ones toward a deeper relationship with Christ. Especially for fathers and husbands, the responsibility to lead by example is paramount. The actions, decisions, and priorities set by the head of the household have a ripple effect, influencing the spiritual climate of the home. By demonstrating a commitment to faith through practices like baptism and daily devotion, spiritual leaders can inspire their families to pursue a genuine and vibrant relationship with God.

The role of a spiritual leader is not one of authority or control but of humble service and example. It is about living out the teachings of Jesus in such a way that it becomes attractive and compelling to those within the sphere of influence. When a leader embodies the values of the Gospel, it sets a powerful precedent for the entire family, encouraging each member to seek God, to grow in their faith, and to live out their own calling as followers of Christ.

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)

Reflection: As a spiritual leader in your family, what is one action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith and encourage your loved ones in their spiritual journey? [34:33]

Day 5: Faith's Chain Reaction in Families and Communities
The transformative power of faith in Jesus is not confined to individual salvation; it extends to the renewal of families and communities. When one person embraces faith in Christ, it can ignite a chain reaction, leading others to experience the same joy, peace, and purpose found in a relationship with God. This domino effect can transform entire households, as the witness of one believer's changed life compels others to seek the same transformation.

The impact of a single act of faith can be far-reaching, influencing not just the immediate family but also friends, neighbors, and even strangers. As individuals come to faith and grow in their relationship with Christ, they become agents of change, carrying the message of the Gospel into their spheres of influence. This ripple effect can lead to a community-wide revival, as more and more people are drawn to the love and truth of Jesus, resulting in a collective shift towards godly values and a culture of faith.

"And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" - Acts 16:31 (ESV)

Reflection: Can you think of someone in your family or community whose life might be transformed by the Gospel? How can you be a catalyst for that change through your own faith and actions? [21:31]

Quotes

1) "The reason Paul and Silas are singing and praising God is because their hope isn't in the temporal circumstance but in the Eternal Promises of God." [12:20] (Download)

2) "Baptism represents our public declaration that you've made Jesus Lord of your life... it's you coming out of the closet about Jesus." [22:12] (Download)

3) "The first thing Jesus asks us to do in following him is to be baptized, the First Act of obedience." [21:31] (Download)

4) "Sometimes the trials and challenges we are facing have nothing to do with you and everything to do with someone else who needs Jesus." [26:36] (Download)

5) "In order to minister to somebody, you're going to have to give something up... so you can display the love of Christ and minister to that person." [28:40] (Download)

6) "Spiritual leadership within the family, especially by fathers and husbands, has a profound impact on the faith journey of the entire household." [34:33] (Download)

7) "The transformative power of faith in Jesus is not limited to personal salvation but extends to the renewal of entire families and communities." [21:31] (Download)

8) "The trials and challenges you're facing right now... God is positioning you and he's preparing you... there's somebody that needs help." [27:09] (Download)

9) "The love of Christ is a sacrificial love... it's the same love he showed for us, he sacrificed himself so you could have life." [17:11] (Download)

10) "The story of the Philippian jailer... illustrates a person's journey to Faith from the initial willingness to repent to the baptism to the spiritual renewal." [24:09] (Download)

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Transcript
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