2024-06-23 - Baptism Sunday 2024

Baptism Sunday 2024

Introduction:

Driving through Grand Rapids MI one year for our 5-Day Clubs, Jack Chandler followed me so he could take photos of the club. Thick traffic. When we got there, Jack said, good thing I had a sports car so I didnt loose you. He was driving a small sporty looking 4 cylindar Chevy Cavalier.

Following is not always easy. We get our own agenda or plans at times. But there is really good reasons to follow someone.

Like in Jacks case, it can help you from getting lost.

It also can keep you out of trouble, especially when it’s something new or you know little to nothing about. Last year about this time, my family and I explored “Wonderland Caves” in the Black Hills.

Link:

(Wonderland Cave Photo)

If you went into some of these caves, you must follow the directions of the guide, or you could get lost, hurt, etc.

We must follow God’s ordinances, His commands or we will get into trouble.

These are not options, they are commands.

Why? B/C we are in a battle the Bible tells us.

Were not on a cruise ship once were saved, were on a battle cruiser.

Baptism shows whose side were on. It identifies us with Christ

Why should all true believes be baptized?

B/C God Commands it.

Mark 16:15–16 (NKJV)

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Baptism isn’t part of what makes someone saved. If we study the Bible, we see that condemnation comes to those who don’t believe, not to those who are unbaptized.

The Moody Bible Commentary C. The Commission of the Servant (16:15–18)

Believing and being baptized, linked by a single Greek article, demonstrate an inward act in the heart followed by a public profession of that faith. New Testament writers assumed under normal circumstances believers in Jesus would be baptized. That baptism is not a requirement for salvation is demonstrated by the second half of the verse, which declares the one who disbelieves is condemned.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twelve: The Servant Finishes His Work (Mark 15:21–16:20)

A superficial reading of Mark 16:15–16 would suggest that sinners must be baptized to be saved, but this misinterpretation disappears when you note that the emphasis is on believing. If a person does not believe, he is condemned, even if he has been baptized (see John 3:16–18, 36). It was expected in the early church that believers would be baptized (Acts 2:41; 10:44–48).

So why should a believer be baptized? B/c it is a command from God!

Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for (because of - See J Mac. Note Below) the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary B. The Founding of the Church (2:1–47)

This might better be translated “because of the remission of sins.” Baptism does not produce forgiveness and cleansing from sin.

Matthew 3:6 (NLT)

6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

(NLT) (Matthew 3:11“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. NLT)

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a symbolic picture of the gospel (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). It is the means by which believers publicly confess faith in and consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ, showing symbolically how God has saved us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as our Substitute. By this means, we publicly identify ourselves with Christ, his gospel, and his people.

- Don Fortner, Basic Bible Doctrine (Danville, KY: Don Fortner, 2007), 524.

How is Baptism to be performed?

Baptism or Baptized comes from the Greek word Baptizo, meaning to immerse, submerge; to make fully wet. It’s also used only of ceremonial ritual of the ordinance of Christian Baptism.

Matthew 3:13–17 (NKJV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

14 And John tried to prevent (Talk Him out of it) Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

Jesus was identifying with the unsaved here, showing them that he was going to take on their sins soon, at the cross.

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.

17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Challenge: If Jesus who didn't need salvation was baptized, showing His obedience to connect with us in that He would take our sins upon Him, Should we not also be hungry to follow God’s command to be baptized, to show outwardly and publically what Christ did in and for us by forgiving us of our sins?

Saved: I’d like to encourage you, challenge you to go out and to do as God has commanded us to do in Mark 16:15-16 “15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Unsaved: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."

Closing Song: Paul