(A)Baptism 2 – The Real Issue; NV 5/16/99 AM

Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22

OS: Series, “Meeting With God in Baptism” – “Hold your nose”

(B) In our first lesson we simply considered what God had to say about the subject. We discovered that Baptism is the place where we meet with God face to face. It is essential for salvation, it is the new birth into God’s family, and it is connected with the cross – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

(C) This morning we ask the question; “What is the real issue about Baptism?” What is it about baptism that makes God treat it with such importance in His word?

WATER? ADMINISTRATOR? WORDS SPOKEN

We will answer this question with three Biblical Accounts. These events have no mention of NT Baptism, and have been chosen due to the nature of the Real Issue.

I.                  (D) Joshua 6 – The Fall of Jericho

NOT JOHNNY'S FAULT The new preacher dropped in on the first grade Sunday School Class.  "Tell me, he said, who was responsible for the walls of Jericho falling?"  After a minute of silence one boy said "I don't know, but it wasn't my fault!"  The preacher turned to the teacher who explained, "I know Johnny and his parents, and if he said he didn't have anything to do with it, he didn't!"  The thoroughly frustrated preacher brought the matter up at his first men’s meeting.  There was an uneasy silence and finally the treasurer said, "Look Preacher, the boy and his parents are all good people.  Let's just pay for the wall and charge it off to miscellaneous expense."

A.   (E) Look at the text – Joshua 6

B.    The absurdity. It just doesn’t make sense. It took some faith.

C.   (F) Where was the power found?

1.     Marching, stomping of feet?

2.     Blowing of the trumpets? (Sound’s effect – Illu Boom boxes Searcy)

3.     Shouting people?

TS] It happened.

II. (G) 2 Kings 5 – Naaman (Set up Account)

A.   (H) Look at verses 9 - 12 Read then (I)

B.    The absurdity. It just didn’t make sense to Naaman. It took some faith

C.   (J) Where was the power found?

1.     Water?

2.     Repetitive dipping?

TS] It happened.

III. (K) The Blind Man – John 9

A.   (L) Look at verses 6 - 7

B.    The absurdity. How many times had he washed there before? It took some faith.

C.   (M) Where was the power found?

1.     Water?

2.     Mixture of Saliva and Water?

TS] It happened.

IV. (N) The People of Pentecost. (Tell it)

A.   (O) Look at verses 36-38 and then (Click)  vs. 41 & 47

B.    The Absurdity. They had just killed the Son of God! It took some faith.

C.   (P) Where was the power found?

1.     Water?

2.     Faith in the water?

Here is the Point = (Q) The real issue is Obedience. The power is found in the obedience to the command of God! That is why Peter says, “it is an act of a good conscience towards God”

GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT, THAT SETTLES IT.

“But Still?”

“How could being immersed in water take away my sin?”

If you believe Jesus shed His blood to forgive the sins of mankind then you have to believe baptism cleanses sin.

(R) Consider a comparison of Acts 2:38 & Matthew 26:28

 “Repent and be baptized, … for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28

(S) The real issue is obedience!

·        The walls of Jericho fell because Joshua obeyed the command of God to march.

·        Naaman was cured of Leprosy because he obeyed the command of God given through the Prophet.

·        The Blind man was healed because he obeyed the instructions of Jesus to wash in the pool.

·        3000 people were forgiven of their sin on the day of Pentecost because they obeyed the command of God spoken through Peter.

Don’t be like Naaman.

It just doesn’t make sense. Are there not some other things I could do that would be harder? I’ve done some awful things in my life.

Let’s close with Saul.

(T) Saul could have done the same: And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’

Acts 22:16

Sins? I’m a Pharisee of Pharisees! Well schooled. Surely God wouldn’t expect me to be baptized!

Being dipped in water may not seem like such a big deal, but obedience to God is, and that’s the real issue behind baptism!

GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT, AND THAT SETTLES IT!