simple Baptism
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
Had you heard of the Church Reformation before Sunday? Where did you learn about it?
Unpack the Message:
Baptism has been a controversial topic in the church dating back to the Church Reformation in the 16th century when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther took a stand against the Catholic Church as he saw that their actions did not reflect the Bible's teachings, namely their practice of selling indulgences and the practice of infant baptism. His ideas spread like wildfire throughout Europe and caused some even to be martyred for their stance on baptism by immersion.
This new ideology of the Reformation comes from men like Luther reading the New Testament and not seeing babies being baptized or baptism as the way to heaven. The Catholic Church was treating baptism the same as salvation, and the Bible does not teach that. The Bible teaches that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
In Acts 19:3-5, Paul approaches a group of disciples and asks what type of baptism they received. Paul wanted it to be clear to them what baptism is. After sharing with these disciples, they were all baptized in the name of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 is the Great Commission given to believers by Jesus. Baptism is in the Great Commission. In English, this passage has four commands. Go, make disciples, baptize them, teach them. In Greek, this passage has only one command - "Make disciples" So what is making disciples?
Our church mission is "We exist so that people far from God will experience faith in Christ." The mission is to make disciples. We exist to make disciples by going into our communities, preaching the gospel, baptizing believers, teaching them.
What does making disciples look like? It looks like going. We need to go. Get out of our comfort zone, go beyond our four walls, share the gospel, and baptize. Jesus commanded us to make disciples, and one way we do that is through baptism. Jesus clearly teaches this in Matthew 28:19.
Who should get baptized? Disciples. People who are following Jesus. Once you are saved and begin following Jesus, it is essential to be baptized.
In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains what is happening as we get baptized. He's telling us here that when we are immersed and are placing ourselves into Jesus and his salvation, we are baptized into his death. As Christ died, the person we once were dies, and Christ was resurrected, so we are resurrected to new life. As it says in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Baptism is about identity.
Water baptism is so important for us to do because in doing so, you demonstrate your identity in Christ. As a football player on a team, when he puts on his uniform, he shows his loyalty, who's team he plays for. In the same sense, when you get baptized, you are proclaiming what team you're on; you are proclaiming Jesus as your Savior and your new life in Him.
Baptism is about unity.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)
The shared experience of baptism unifies us. As Christians, we are all serving one Lord, with the same faith in Him, and are showing that we have experienced the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ by receiving the believer's baptism.
Baptism is about discipleship.
It is one of the three factors Jesus says makes disciples. Baptism is done as a step of obedience to Him and following him.
Baptism is about the gospel.
In my imperfections, Christ died for me so that I can die in Christ and be risen with Christ. Baptism proclaims this truth.
Reflect:
Have you ever been baptized? If not, what's holding you back?
Does the act of baptism have the power to save a soul from damnation?
Did you grow up in church or with some kind of faith background? Were you taught something other than baptism by immersion for those who professed Christ as Savior?
Max Lucado refers to a believer’s baptism as a “Demonstration of Devotion.” What does he mean?
Is a person saved if they refuse to be baptized? Does refusing to be baptized impact your growth as a believer?
Make a Move:
Baptism is a public display of our faith. If you haven't been baptized yet, pray about committing to being baptized on Baptism Sunday, April 25. If you have been baptized, think about what your next step is. It may be committing to spending time in God's Word daily or praying more often through your day, or perhaps it's accepting Christ as your Savior. You can grow in your faith through Expectation Church as well. You can attend the 101 Class and become a member, showing your commitment and support of your church. You can also begin volunteering on a Sunday, joining an eGroup, or even leading an eGroup! Go to ecnow for more information and links to those next steps.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and setting the example for us to be baptized. I pray that you show me ways to grow in my faith and convict me to pursue my next steps. Allow me to see where my preferences and comfortability are. I desire to draw near to you so that you will draw near to me. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Worship Set:
O Come to the Altar/ Nothing But the Blood