Back to the Basics - Life After Baptism

Thesis: To stress the necessity of living for God after becoming His child.

Introduction:

(1)    Although we don’t teach once saved always saved with our words, our actions often indicate that we hold to such a view.

(2)    The church is guilty of leaving our newborn babes without guidance.

(3)    After baptism, then what?

Discussion:

I.                   Burn Your Bridges Behind You

A.    The old man/woman of sin is to be crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).

1.      This takes place in the watery grave of baptism (Rom. 6:3-5).

2.      We rise up a “new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17).

B.     We must forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead (Phil. 3:13).

II.                Grow in the Knowledge of God

A.    We must grow in the grace and knowledge of God (2 Pet. 3:18).

B.     We grow as babes through spiritual milk (1 Pet. 2:2).

C.     At some point, we must go grow into a mature Christian (Heb. 5:12ff.).

III.             Keep the Communication Line Open

A.    We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).

B.     This blessing is now available to us (1 Pet. 3:12).

IV.             Share the Fellowship of the Saints

A.    We are to come together often to exhort one another (Heb. 10:24-25).

B.     The early church did this daily (Acts 2:42ff.).

C.     We must contribute to the body (1 Cor. 12).

V.                Win Others to Christ

A.    Jesus’ mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

B.     This is also the mission that He gave to us (Matt. 28:19-20).

Conclusion:

            There is life after baptism!  Are you living for Christ?