Baptism: The Symbol of a Relationship (The Meaning and Method)

Several years ago my wife upgraded my wedding band.

She bought me an expensive wedding band.

It was nice and i really liked it.

One day I was jet sking on a lake in Texas and tip my jet ski

Not only did i lose my balance but I lost my ring.

I didnt lose my relationship but I lost the symbol of my relationship. The item that helps others picture if I am married or not.

Introduction:

Some practices in Christianity are done that deserves an explanation.

We will explain why it's done and how.

Baptism is IMPORTANT and MEANINGFUL

We should not submit to a Church Tradition unless it is a Biblical Tradition.

It not about Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist, or COGIC doctrine. It’s about Bible Doctrine.

I want you not to believe me unless I am saying what God has said with Biblical evidence.

Some may say Baptism is Trivial.

Don’t minimize what God has Maximized.

How did Jesus start his 3 1/2 year ministry? He got Baptized first!

How did Jesu end his 3 1/2 year ministry? He commanded Baptism in the Great Commission.

The Method of Baptism (The Process)

The Bible teaches one method of Baptism.

You might say it doesn't matter how it is done.

You might say I was sprinkled or took a shower.

The Method defines Meaning.

Jesus the Example (Mark 1:9)

Mark 1:9–10 CSB

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Jesus was “in the Jordan”

Jesus “came up out of the water”

Gumbo and the difference between Teaspoon and Tablespoon. I added 2 Tablespoons of Slap Yo Mamma and not Two Teaspoons. The Dish was Hot and Salty.

Jesus was Baptized by IMMERSION

Immersion- putting the whole body underwater.

Why did Jesus travel 15 miles to this area? There was plenty of water there.

If there was another method i.e. sprinkling, they could have baptized anywhere and baptized more.

Baptism is not convenient

Conviction is superior to Convenience.

Masai Tribe- Dug holes and lined them with covering to hold water. They were shaped like graves. This is fitting because Baptism represents burial.

Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:36)

Acts 8:36–39 CSB

As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing.

The Eunuch would have had water on hand if “sprinkling” was an option.

The Eunuch “went down into the water.”

The Eunuch “came up out of the water.”

Baptism is by IMMERSION

Jesus has set the example for the Church for Baptism by IMMERSION.

Baptize (Baptizo)

Baptize is an untranslated word. (Greek word meaning immerse)

Baptizo is a transliterated word. (From Baptizo to Baptize)

In the Greek language epicheō means “to pour,”

rhantizō means “to sprinkle,”

baptizō means “to immerse.”

The Meaning of Baptism

The meaning and the Method are sown together.

You mess with the method you mess with the meaning.

What does Baptism Mean?

Baptism Pictures the saving work of Jesus (Romans 6:4-7)

Any Picture Will Do. Ask to see a picture of my wife.

I pull out a picture of a car.

You reply with “that’s your wife?”

I say “no, but any old picture will do.”

Baptism is a picture of Death, Burial, and resurrection.

What is the Gospel?

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 CSB

For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Christ Baptism was a picture of what would happen.

Baptism pictures our identification with Christ and his work for us.

The Baptistry is a liquid Tomb

Baptism is a funeral service for the old you

If you have your funeral before you die, you are out of order. (Acts 2:41)

Acts 2:41 CSB

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

Celebrates the new You!

It's not just submersion but immersion, meaning you are coming back up.

raised to “walk in newness of life”

Hello to the new man!

There is only one mourner at a Baptism and that is Satan.

What does Baptism symbolize?

Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Baptism pictures Calvary, it pictures Easter, it pictures Pentecost, it pictures the Second Coming