Against the Grain – Water Baptism: Why It Still Matters

AGAINST THE GRAIN – WATER BAPTISM: WHY IT STILL MATTERS

“Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, “I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you! But Jesus insisted. “Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” So John did it. The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”

Matthew 3:13-17 (MSG)

BIG IDEA: Baptism doesn’t but it does show the world you’ve been .

WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE GET BAPTIZED?

• People misunderstand .
• People don’t want to be .
• People have never been directed.
• People get nervous about the of baptism.
• People are confused about .

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Baptism is a of obedience, not a .

What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized…

Acts 22:16

There is  in the New Testament of…

• A believer intentionally baptism.
• Baptism being treated as
• A waiting period after salvation.

         2. Baptism is an sign of an inward .

One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized…

Acts 16:14-15

The water doesn’t change you—JESUS ALREADY DID THAT.

• Going under the water = your is buried.
• Coming out of the water = you’re
• It’s a visible of what Jesus has already done inside you.

         3. Baptism is a not a .

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Colossians 2:12

You don’t get baptized because you’re , you get baptized because you’re .

         4. Baptism connects you to the .

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 2:41

         5. Baptism strengthens .

Baptism isn’t just personal—it’s .

• It encourages the .
• It faith in others.
• It reminds everyone: .

Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

Acts 16:30-34