Baptism Is A Big Deal
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Series: Acts of Worship
DescriptionActs of Worship #3 “Baptism is a Big Deal” Matt. 28:20Intro: On Feb. 19, 1812, Adoniram & Ann Judson, newlyweds, Said tearful good byes to family and boarded the Caravan, A three-mast ship sailing out of Salem Harbor. -- Godly Congregationalist….Convinced God’s calling to India as Missionaries. -- Devoted themselves to prayer and Bible study on four month voyage in preparation for meeting William Carey, Famous Baptist. -- Judson studied Greek NT at Andover, -- Convinced themselves that Bible taught Believers Baptism by Immersion…. Contact Carey and asked Him to Baptize them! **First Baptist Missionaries from America! t/s – Many today would say, “Why such a fuss?” Not a Big Deal! --- Sprinkle, pour, immerse; Infant or Believer! Baptism Is a Big Deal. Properly understood and Practiced, Baptism speaks to the very essence of the Gospel, Christian Discipleship and the Church. Next Week… Romans 6… Immersion; Sin; Newness of Life Matthew 28: 16-20 ILL – College Working at Camp…. 11 year old about Baptism… “Where do I find it in the Bible?” READ Baptism Is a Step of Radical Obedience to Jesus Exp – This entire paragraph focuses on the rightful Authority of Jesus: Galilee; “All Authority”; Commission; “Teach to Observe” • Baptism is a Big Deal because it is a Command of Christ! • Ordinance ILL – I remember the first two people I baptized, Curtis Strange & Billy Knudtson, 14 year old boys saved at LCBC. • “This is Freezing!” We try to make Baptism dignified. In truth, it is Awkward, Embarrassing, Humiliating…. OFTEN….Dangerous! App – A Radical Step of Obedience to Jesus! (Lord) Baptism Is a Personal Identification with Jesus Exp – “Disciples” of Jesus…. His Disciples/Learners/Followers! Baptism is a very Personal Identification with…Claim of Connection to Jesus • Following Him who was Baptized • Claiming Connection to His Work of Salvation Death, Burial and Resurrection. All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus… Romans 6: 3-4 ILL – My letter from Brother Weimer…Ordinance of Baptism • Adjectives….Beautiful, Impressive, Meaningful. App – What Jesus Did…He did For Me…I Claim Connection! Died He for me, who caused Him pain? For me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love, How can it be; that Thou my God should die For Me! Baptism Is a Personal Identification with the Church Exp – Jesus Calls Individuals and Creates Communities of Disciples • He calls people to Himself…and thus, to Each other! • Baptism is a Declaration of Our Fellowship…Common Life. One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism… • Ecclesiology… What Is the Church? --- Local Body of Believers (not Club for all) How Do Believers Identify themselves? --- Baptism! Clarify the word, “Personal” • Personal does not mean Private (Matt. 10) • Personal does not mean Individual….Bodylife! Baptized and Added to their Number! ILL – Recent Gallop Poll concluded 90% believe in God. Only about ½ half connected to any Church. Americans are more religious than ever. They just don’t Care much for church…They are believers, but not Joiners. App – The Bible knows nothing of a Solitary Religion! • “I am following Jesus with this community of Disciples!” • Authenticity, Specificity, Acountability…REAL! Conclusion Baptism is a Big Deal! (Believers’ by Immersion) • Gospel = Jesus’ Death Burial Resurrection • Christian Life = Personal Identification with Jesus • Church = A Local Body of Believers… …Following Jesus Together! |