Baptism

23/11/2025 42 min

Episode Synopsis

Sermon on the meaning and importance of Christian baptism, grounded in Romans 6:1–14, the gospel narrative, and examples from Scripture. Emphasis: salvation by grace through faith; baptism as an outward sign of inward grace and new life- Primary text: Romans 6:1–14 read and expounded.- Great Commission referenced: Matthew 28:18–20.- New birth discussed: John 3:1–8 (Jesus and Nicodemus).- Creation and fall recounted: Genesis 1–3.- Example of obedient faith: Naaman and the Jordan (Elisha’s instruction)The Gospel: Creation, Fall, Redemption- God created a perfect world; repeatedly declared “it is good,” aligned with His holiness.- Humanity’s fall: Adam and Eve disobeyed; shame, guilt, fear entered; attempted self-covering.- Universal sin: all are descendants of Adam and Eve; everyday examples reveal sin nature.- Justice and mercy: wages of sin is death; God is just, merciful, and must satisfy justice.- Christ’s work: sinless life, substitutionary death, burial, bodily resurrection with many witnesses.- Result: forgiveness and freedom; justification means God accepted Christ’s sacrifice.Obedience Illustrated- Naaman’s healing: not the water but faith expressed through obedience.- Application: baptism is a work that demonstrates living faith; faith without works is dead.Baptism: Key Passages SummaryRomans 6:1–14- Believers died to sin; united with Christ’s death and resurrection | Immersion symbolizes death, burial, and rising to new life |Matthew 28:18–20-Great Commission to make disciples and baptize | Baptism commanded as part of discipleship |John 3:1–8- Necessity of being born again by water and Spirit | Baptism symbolizes cleansing and spiritual birth |Genesis 1–3-Creation good; fall introduces sin, shame, death | Need for redemption symbolized in baptism’s cleansing |2 Kings 5 (Naaman)- Healing through obedient faith | Baptism expresses obedient faith, not saving water |Practical Implications for Believers- Baptism follows genuine faith; it does not replace faith.- Confession, repentance, and obedience evidence new birth.- Live as those under grace, not law; resist sin’s reign.- Offer every part of yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness.Key Terms & Definitions- Baptism: Immersion in water signifying union with Christ and cleansing from sin.- Justification: God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, declaring believers righteous.- Regeneration: The Spirit’s act of making a person spiritually alive (new birth).- Sanctification: Ongoing growth in holiness by God’s truth and Spirit.- Grace: God’s unmerited favor saving and enabling believers.- Sin: Rebellion against God’s law; incurs death as its wage.Action Items / Next Steps- Examine faith: ensure repentance and trust in Christ alone for salvation.- Obey Christ: pursue baptism as the first step of discipleship.- Live the new life: refuse sin’s reign; present yourself to God for righteousness.- Seek understanding: study the cited Scriptures and pray for the Spirit’s guidance.- Pastoral follow-up: speak with the pastor if you have not accepted Christ or desire baptism.