"Water Baptism"

Romans 6:4

Romans 6:4 KJV

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Water baptism is both sacred and significant in the life of the believer . What does water baptism mean? And why is it such a profound experience?

A. It signifies a believers identification with Christ redemptive work. A LOT OF SHAMING GOING ON to get you to close your mouth. If a stud can identify as a man, and a man can identify as a woman, why can’t you identify yourself as a Christian. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matt 10:33

Identification-a person's sense of identity with someone or something.

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

I. The significance of water baptism

~ Water baptism is a powerful symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Dead no life in it. It’s buried~ Lazurus it’s not getting up. Are you sure you buried that thing? Don’t bury it with the handle sticking up.

When something is buried, you don’t desire it anymore, you are done with it.

He died on the cross, they buried Him in a borrowed tomb, borrowed because He would not stay there, just when all hope was lost, On third day He rose from the grave.

Our experience is the same Something has to die, flesh is being crucified.

Galatians 5:24-25 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

God has a place for our flesh, with all its passions and desires. He wants us to nail it to His cross, so that it may be under control and under the sentence of death.

Crucified is an important word. Paul could have simply chosen the word “killed,” but he used the word crucified because it speaks of many things:

It reminds us of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

It reminds us that we are called to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

It reminds us that the death of the flesh is often painful.

It reminds us that our flesh must be dealt with decisively.

It signifies a believers identification with Christ redemptive work.

It is not merely a ritual but a testimony of one's faith and a public declaration of a new life in Christ.

II. The meaning of water baptism

a. Death to the old self:

When a person is immersed in water, it's symbolizes dying to the old self, with it sins and sinful nature.

It signifies a willingness to leave behind old way of life. You are not saved until you are leaving behind your old way of life.

Burial:

Submersion under the water represents being buried, just as Jesus was buried in the tomb after his crucifixion. It's a burial of the old, sinful nature.

Resurrection To New Life:

Rising up from the water signifies being raised to a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in obedience to God's will.

III. The Command Of Jesus

Matthew 28:19 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: commision was fulfilled, John saw every nation under heaven in glory.

Water baptism is not an option of choice for believers but a command given by Jesus. It is an act of obedience to Christ teaching.

Did you through baptism new believers are initiated enter the Fellowship of the body of Christ, the church.

IV. The Transformation in water Baptism: Watch This!!

Forgiveness of sins:

Water baptism is a means of receiving God's forgiveness cleansing from sins. It is a step towards reconciliation with God.

New Identity:

It Marks a new identity as a child of God, adopted into God's family, and co-heirs with Christ. Everything Christ recieves we are Joint with Him. People can count you out, but they can keep watching.

Empowerment Of The Holy Spirit:

Water baptism is close a link to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, symbolize indwelling and empowering work of the spirit in the believers life.

V. The Continuation Of Faith:

Water baptism is not the end the beginning of a journey of faith. Is signifies the start of a transformed life in Christ.

The life of a believer should continue flag the commitment and transformation witnessed in baptism.

Baptism: water baptism it's quite profile let us remember that it is more than just a religious ceremony. It is a divine encounter with the living God, and expression of faith, and a public testimony of a new life in Christ. It is a beautiful symbol of death to sin, burial of the old self, and resurrection to a new life Filled with God's grace and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

may we embrace the transformative power of water baptism with joy, humility, and gratitude. As we witness and participate in the sacred act, let us be reminded of the incredible love and grace of our Lord, who invites us to be part of his redemptive story. In the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, we celebrate the transformative power of water baptism.