Baptism: Making Easter Our Own

AVONDALE COLLEGE

Introduction

Last week, many of us from this church, me included, went to Phil and Nerolli’s house to witness a magnificent event.  That event involved great food, great friendships, lots of laughter, singing and prayer – a real celebration.  This celebration was so magnificent, so brilliant, that all the angels in heaven and all the heavenly hosts, stopped what they were doing, watched and then joined in with us as we celebrated the baptism of Wyee Church’s newest member, Greg Farraway.

Baptisms may not always be surrounded by perfect conditions, like Greg’s.  Consider Nyangwira’s story:

 “Nyangwira, who lived in Central Africa, did not consider baptism to be merely an option.  For more than a year she had eagerly studied the Bible.  She longed to become a Christian.

One evening she shared with her husband the things she had learned.  Outraged, he shouted, ‘I don’t want this kind of religion in my home, and if you keep on studying, I’ll kill you.’  Although she was crushed, Nyangwira continued studying and soon was ready for baptism.

Before leaving for the baptismal service Nyangwira knelt respectfully before her husband and told him she was to be baptised.  He picked up his large hunting knife and shouted, ‘I have told you that I do not want you to be baptised.  The day you are baptised, I will kill you.’But Nyangwira, determined to follow her Lord, left with her husband’s threats resounding in her ears.

Before entering the water, she confessed her sins and dedicated her life to her Saviour, not knowing whether she would be laying down her life for her Lord that day, too.  Peace filled her heart as she was baptised.

When she returned home, she brought the knife to her husband.

‘Have you been baptised?’ he asked angrily.

‘Yes,’ replied Nyangwira simply. ‘Here is the knife.’

‘Are you ready to be killed?’

‘Yes, I am.’

Amazed at her courage, the husband no longer had a desire to kill her.”[1]

What is it about becoming a Christian?, what is it about being baptised?, that would make someone willing to lay down their life to do it?  [pause] Have you ever stopped to consider why so many people get baptised when they know they will have to give up the so called fun life to become a goody two shoes and be chastised by so many? [pause]

Have you stopped to wonder why the preacher today is preaching about baptism when everyone knows full well that this is meant to be an Easter service?

The fact of the matter is, every time you see or hear of baptism, you are witnessing a person’s public declaration that they believe in the story of Easter.  A public declaration that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose from the grave for them personally – that they may live forever.  And by making the decision to be baptised, the person is personally accepting and joining Jesus in His Easter story.

Link – The first place we join Jesus in His Easter story is in...

1. Jesus’ Death (a brief overview)

a.       Events leading to Jesus’ death

It’s a couple of days before the Passover.  A time for the Jewish community that is usually characterised by great rejoicing.  However, on this particular occasion, the Jewish leaders are concentrating more on how to kill Jesus and less on preparations for the festive period.

Jesus is in the garden with His disciples, knowing that one of His own is about to betray Him and that He is going to die.  He is praying to God, asking Him if there is another way to accomplish the goal – there isn’t.  The guards come and take Him away.  They lead Him to the Jewish leaders who give Him a mock trial.  They in turn take Him to Pilate, who sends Him to Herod, who returns Him to Pilate whose garrison whip, beat, scourge...   

b.      Crucifixion

c.       Death & Burial

Link – Baptism shows our acceptance of the Easter story and that Jesus died for us.

2.       Going into the water

a.       Faith & Repentance have gone before us

                                                   i.      fruits of repentance                                            (Matt 3:8)

b.      We too are crucified with Christ                                     (Gal 2:20)

                                                   i.      We are forgiven because of Faith in Jesus

c.       We die to sin                                                                       (Rom 6:6-8)

d.      We too bury the old life                                                  (2 Cor 5:17)

                                                   i.      Illustration – very short testimony

Link – But Jesus did not just die, praise God, Jesus has risen!

3.       Jesus’ Resurrection                                                                       (Luke 24:1-12)

a.       (Seed Sowing) For Jesus, death was but a peaceful sleep before resurrection.

b.      Death no longer has dominion over Jesus                   (Rom 6:9)

                                                  i.      Christ has the victory

Link – Just as our baptism goes hand in hand with Jesus’ death, so does our baptism with Jesus’ resurrection

4.       Coming out of the water

a.       Death & Sin no longer have dominion over us         (Rom 6:14)

                                                   i.      Because Christ died, we are free!

b.      Through baptism our victory through Christ.                 (1 Cor 15:20-23)

c.        Our baptism becomes our personal Easter story.

Conclusion and Appeal

Regardless of whether or not you have someone threatening to kill you if you chose to be baptised, Baptism is a matter of life and death.  It is also just as much a story of Jesus’ death and resurrection as Easter is and it is the way in which we can publically take a stand and say “Yes! I believe that Christ is my Saviour!”

Whether or not you’ve already been baptised, or are yet to make that decision, if you are here in this church today on this Easter weekend, then the chances are, you believe in the Easter Story.  You’ve come to be a part of our service today because of it.  And if you believe in the Easter Story, then don’t you already believe that Jesus Christ was the victorious son of God who was raised on the third day?

Because of Jesus, through baptism, Christians, every day, are able to die to themselves and their old way of life.  We can live that victorious life that does away with our greed, our hate and our emptiness.  We live, knowing that when Christ returns, death will have no dominion over us, just like it didn’t have over Christ.

Do you remember your baptism?  Do you remember the day you stepped up and made that public declaration that the story of Easter is true and that Jesus Christ is your Saviour?  If so, I would ask that you please raise your hand and renew your commitment to the One who died and was risen for you.  Please keep your hands up.

If you have never been baptised, but would like to make that public declaration that you believe in the Easter story.  If you would like to ask God to forgive you because of what Jesus achieved at the cross and ask Him to change your life, will you too please raise your hand?  We have friends that would like to pray with you.  Let us pray.

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[1] Seventh-day Adventists Believe, (Boise, ID: Pacific Press, 2005), 211-212.