WHY DO WE DO THAT? – BAPTISM” Romans 6:3-4 Helps hearers understand
-the reasons for baptism,
–the requirement for baptism,
-& the readiness for baptism.
Today we will explore the biblical understanding of baptism
– as a symbolic act of death and rebirth,
– a public declaration of faith,
– and an outward sign of inward transformation.
Then, at 1:00 we will baptize four ladies at Elk River Church of the Nazarene.
First, let me tell you a funny story about 3 yr-old girl named Sally. Sally sat with her family during a baptismal service in church. This was a New experience for her and in fact, it was the first baptism that she ever witnessed. She asked her mother, “Why did the pastor push that guy in the water? Why, Daddy, why?” The mother, Joan, tried to explain briefly & quietly in the service, but Sally was still in shock.
Later that night, her parents tried to explain in a way she could understand.
Devon and Joan tried to talk to her about sin & that when people decide to live for Jesus they do good works.
They even gave her examples about people doing good. They explained that baptism occurs when you are saved, and they are being obedient to Jesus.
They further Explained that the water symbolized Jesus washing people from sin;
when they come out “clean”, they are going to try to be “good.”
The parents, Devon and Joan Realized they needed to work a little more on their explanation:
Then Sally immediately responded, “Why didn’t Pastor Jess just spank him?”
Let me reassure you that the pastor is not going to start spanking folks (although there are some of you that probably could use a good whooping!). But do want to make it clear why we baptize people & what baptism is all about.
So, today’s message is titled – “WHY DO WE DO THAT?” –
We are going to look at some important aspects of church that we talk about a lot,
terminology that we regularly use, things that we’ve been doing for a long time,
but we may take for granted that everyone knows what these things are & why they’re a part of our church’s ministry.
Things that some may not necessarily know why we do them. Things that need some clarification & teaching, & specifically, today that thing is baptism.
(Slide 3) EXPLANATION – Romans 6:3-4
[3] Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Baptism is something that churches regularly do. And yet, I wonder sometimes if we truly understand what it’s all about? I don’t hear a lot of preaching on the subject.
Now I have answered three questions regularly!
– Is baptism necessary for salvation?
– What’s the purpose of being baptized?
– Why do we immerse people instead of sprinkling them?
There are several places in NT where baptism is mentioned.
– Jesus’ baptism mentioned in all 4 Gospels
– ( slide 4) Jesus talked about baptism in John 3 – Commanded us to make disciples & baptize them in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).
– Baptism mentioned multiple times in Book of Acts
– Paul talked about baptism in Romans, 1 Cor., Gal., Eph., Col., & Titus
– Peter mentioned it in 1 Peter.
( Slide 6) This passage in Romans is one that helps us understand the beauty of the imagery we see when someone is baptized, as we will see in Vickie’s, Katlyn, Eva’s, and Barbara’s baptism this afternoon.
When a person comes to know Christ, something dramatic happens. You Don’t have to FEEL something dramatic, but you need to KNOW & UNDERSTAND that something dramatic has happened in your life. Listen to these truths!
You were lost & now you are found
– You were dead & now you are alive
– You were spiritually blind & now you can see
– You were an enemy of God & now you are a friend of God
– You were a child of the devil & now you are a child of God
All of us who are Christ-followers have been baptized into Christ Jesus (v. 3).
3] Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Means we have been permanently & eternally immersed into Him & overwhelmed by Him, making us eternally one with Him. When Jesus died, it was as if we died with Him. When He was buried, we were buried with Him. And when He rose from the grave, we rose with Him. And now weare able to walk in “the newness of life” through faith in Him.
(Slide 7) Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ, & I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me & gave Himself for me.”
This incredible transformation is wonderfully pictured in the act of baptism of that person who has placed their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.
– “We may never become martyrs, but we can die to self,
We can die to sin,
We can die to the world,
And we can die to our plans & ambitions.
That is the significance of baptism; we died with Christ and we have risen into a new life.”
– “Baptism does not save a person, but Jesus means for His saved individuals to publicly identify with Him and His people. It’s one piece of how His citizens become official. It’s how they waved the flag.” I believe that if we are Christians then we should openly confess and proclaim it to the world.
– Baptism represents our death to the self-ruled life & our submission to the rule of God, our willing embrace of His mission for us.
APPLICATION – Every Christ-follower should publicly identify with Christ through a believer’s baptism.
(Slide 8) THE REASONS FOR BAPTISM
3 specific reasons for a Christ-follower to be baptized:
TO FOLLOW CHRIST’S EXAMPLE – Mark 1:9 – “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth & was baptized by John in the river.” Jesus certainly didn’t need to be baptized to show repentance of sins that He had committed b/c we know that He never sinned. His baptism was an act of humility & identity. He consented to be counted as if He were a sinner, along w/ all of us. His example of humility is one that we should follow.
WWJD bracelet – He would be baptized, so we should, too.
TO DISPLAY CHRIST’S SALVATION IN OUR LIVES – Acts 18:8 – “…many of the people who hear Him believed & were baptized.” Acts 2:41 – “…those who received His word were baptized.”
We require that those who profess their faith in Christ be baptized.
Most people are immersed in the water because that’s the way Jesus was baptized – Matthew 3:16– “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water” (GNT).
Most people are immersed in the water also because Every baptism in the NT was by immersion, – Acts 8:38-39 – “And he commanded the chariot to stop & they both went down into the water, Philip & the eunuch, & he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water…”
The word “baptize” literally means “to dip under water.” The Greek word simply means “immerse.” This was a common word used in daily conversation. If a piece of fabric was being dyed, it was said to be “immersed” in the dye.
immersion symbolizes a burial & resurrection!
“Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.
THE READINESS FOR BAPTISM
When are you ready for baptism? AS SOON AS YOU ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR & LORD! While baptism is not necessary for salvation, it the most important step of obedience you can take after you are saved.
You should be baptized as soon as possible after you profess your faith in Christ alone for your salvation. Acts 2:41 – “Those who believed [PREREQUISITE]…were baptized & added to the church THAT DAY – about 3000 in all.”
CONCLUSION – So who here today needs to be baptized?
– Have you truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? If not, NOW is the time!
– If you have accepted Christ but have never been baptized, NOW is the time! You’re being disobedient until you are baptized.
