Transformative Power of the Gospel and Baptism
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by sharing a personal story about my first sermon ever, which took place in Mexico at a church called Fuente de Agua Viva. I was around 23 years old and had led a group of young adults to build a church building there. On the grand opening Sunday, I was honored to preach, discussing Noah's faithfulness and equating it to the church's faithfulness in building their new sanctuary. My wife, Kathy, unexpectedly followed with an impromptu message that deeply moved the congregation, outshining my own sermon.
I then transitioned to discuss Peter's first sermon, as recorded in Acts chapter 2, delivered on the day of Pentecost. This was a significant moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 gathered in the upper room, enabling them to speak in foreign languages. Peter addressed the crowd, who mistakenly thought the disciples were drunk, by quoting the prophet Joel and explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, attested by God through miracles, whom they had crucified but God raised from the dead.
The heart of my message focused on the transformative power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of people. I emphasized the importance of repentance and baptism as responses to recognizing our need for salvation. I explained that repentance means turning away from a self-centered life to a God-centered life, and baptism symbolizes dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Christ.
I also spoke about the changed lives of the early believers, who devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their lives were marked by a personal connection with God, a rich community with fellow believers, transformed character, and a valuable cause in sharing the gospel. I urged the congregation to consider whether their lives have been changed by Jesus and to embrace the full life He offers.
Finally, I concluded with a call to action, inviting those who have not yet followed Jesus to repent and be baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and starting a new life in Him. I also celebrated the baptisms of Hector and Laura, members of our life group, who publicly declared their faith and commitment to follow Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. A personal connection with God is foundational to a life changed by Jesus. This connection is only possible after we have been cleansed from our sins through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As we turn towards God, we are seen as perfect before Him, despite our imperfections, because of Jesus' atoning work ([01:01:25]).
2. The early church's rich community life is a model for us today. They shared meals, prayed together, and supported one another. This kind of fellowship is unique to the church and provides a depth of relationship that cannot be found elsewhere. As believers, we are called to engage in and contribute to this spiritual family ([01:05:15]).
3. Our character is transformed as we follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit works within us to make us more like Christ, which is evident in our actions and interactions with others. This transformation is gradual and ongoing, but over time, we should see a marked difference in our character as we become more like Jesus ([01:07:35]).
4. Sharing the gospel is part of the changed life Jesus calls us to. The early believers were committed to spreading the good news daily, and as a result, the Lord added to their number. We too have the privilege and responsibility to share Jesus' love and grace with the world, impacting eternity ([01:09:08]).
5. Baptism is a public declaration of our decision to follow Jesus, symbolizing our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward change and aligns us with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, marking the beginning of our transformed life ([57:34]).
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:14-41
2. Romans 6:3-4
3. Joel 2:28-32
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the crowd when they heard Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost? ([43:30])
2. According to Peter in Acts 2:38, what are the two actions required for the forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit?
3. How did the early believers demonstrate their transformed lives according to Acts 2:42-47? ([59:27])
4. What does Romans 6:3-4 say about the symbolism of baptism?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter's sermon had such a powerful impact on the crowd, leading to their repentance? ([44:41])
2. How does the concept of repentance as a 180-degree turn from a self-centered life to a God-centered life challenge our daily living? ([47:47])
3. In what ways does the early church's community life in Acts 2:42-47 serve as a model for modern Christian communities? ([01:05:15])
4. How does the act of baptism symbolize the death and resurrection of Jesus, and why is this important for believers? ([54:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal connection with God. How can you deepen this relationship through prayer, Bible study, or worship this week? ([01:01:25])
2. The early church devoted themselves to fellowship and breaking bread together. How can you actively contribute to building a rich community within your church? ([01:05:15])
3. Consider a specific area in your life where you need to repent and change direction. What steps can you take this week to turn from a self-centered path to a God-centered one? ([48:47])
4. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step? If you have, how can you live out the commitment you made? ([57:34])
5. The early believers were committed to sharing the gospel daily. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week? ([01:09:08])
6. Reflect on the transformation of your character since following Jesus. What specific changes have you noticed, and what areas still need growth? ([01:07:35])
7. How can you actively participate in the mission of the church to share Jesus' love and grace with the world? What practical steps can you take to impact eternity? ([01:09:35])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Perfect Vision
True connection with God begins with understanding our imperfection and His perfect sacrifice. Recognizing our sins and accepting Jesus' atonement allows us to stand faultless before God. This divine exchange is not just a theological concept but a transformative experience that redefines our identity and purpose. As we turn our lives towards God, we embark on a journey of sanctification, where our imperfections are continuously refined. This process is not about achieving perfection on our own but about growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, allowing His perfection to cover our flaws and empower us for His service. [01:01:25]
"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." - Hebrews 10:14
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as "perfected" through Christ's sacrifice change the way you approach your daily struggles and imperfections?
Day 2: Cultivating Spiritual Community
The early church exemplified a profound sense of community, marked by shared meals, prayers, and mutual support. This model of fellowship is not merely a historical account but a blueprint for today's church. It invites believers to engage in deep, authentic relationships that reflect the unity and love of Christ. Such fellowship is not found in the world but is a unique aspect of life within the body of Christ. By contributing to and investing in this spiritual family, individuals find a place of belonging, growth, and mutual edification. [01:05:15]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your involvement in the spiritual community of your local church?
Day 3: Transformation Through Christ
The transformative work of the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of a life surrendered to Jesus. This transformation is not instantaneous but a gradual process that molds believers into the likeness of Christ. As one follows Jesus, the Spirit works within to change character, influencing actions and interactions with others. This ongoing sanctification is a journey filled with challenges and victories, but over time, a noticeable difference in character should emerge, reflecting the love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. [01:07:35]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18
Reflection: What is one aspect of your character that you feel the Holy Spirit is currently working on, and how can you cooperate with His transformative work?
Day 4: The Call to Share the Gospel
Living a life changed by Jesus inherently includes the call to share the gospel. The early believers were not content with keeping the good news to themselves; they actively spread the message of Jesus' love and grace. This commitment to evangelism is not just a historical mandate but a present-day responsibility for all who follow Christ. By sharing the gospel, believers participate in God's redemptive plan for the world and have the opportunity to impact eternity. [01:09:08]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with this week, and what practical step will you take to initiate that conversation?
Day 5: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a powerful declaration of faith, symbolizing the believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation and aligns the believer with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism marks the beginning of a transformed life, a life committed to following Jesus and walking in His ways. It is a step of obedience that publicly affirms one's allegiance to Christ and the gospel. [57:34]
"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." - Romans 6:4
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on that moment and how it symbolized the start of your new life in Christ. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith?
Quotes
1) "And for some of you here today, you might say, yeah, I've repented. Like I did that U-turn. And you think, so I'm good now. Well, no, that's the beginning of the story. That's the beginning of the journey. Now we're supposed to follow Jesus... we're supposed to keep following Jesus. And sometimes, even though we've programmed Jesus into our spiritual GPS, we start going the way we think we should go." [01:13:35]
2) "Because our generation is every bit as crooked as that first century generation. Maybe more. It's time to save yourself from this crooked generation. It's time to change directions and follow Jesus. He'll change your life. And here's the reality. If your life has not been changed at all by Jesus, then you're not yet following him." [01:14:41]
3) "Someone who's changed by Jesus will see their character become more and more like Jesus over time. It doesn't happen all at once... But over time, you should see your character changing to be more and more like Jesus. Because that's what the Holy Spirit is trying to do." [01:08:09]
4) "There is no other place where you get to do something that impacts eternity. But when you share your faith and you help someone come to know Jesus, you have just impacted eternity. Nothing else you're going to do in this life is There is no greater cause than the cause of Jesus Christ." [01:09:35]
5) "Someone changed by Jesus will participate in the community of the church and will pursue relationship with God. Relationship with other followers of Jesus. Because that's part of what he changes in us." [01:06:22]
6) "When you read these verses in 42 to 47, isn't this just a picture portrayed that's filled with hope and joy and peace and power and purpose? Fullness? That's a full life. That is a blessed way of living." [01:11:19]
7) "When we change directions and we follow Jesus, we become who he wants us to be. We become who he's created us to be. We become the very best version of ourselves when we follow Jesus." [56:35]
8) "The gospel is powerful. When the gospel is proclaimed, the Holy Spirit does powerful things in the hearts of people. Like miraculous things. Things that blow our minds. The gospel is powerful." [45:52]
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