Rev. David Holwick L
First Baptist Church (well received - add illustration to beginning)
Ledgewood, New Jersey
April 4, 1993
Acts 16:22-34
|
I. When is a person ready for baptism?
A. For much of world this is a mute question. Babies!
1) Practiced by Catholics and Protestants alike.
2) Shows unity of family in Christ.
3) Expresses his concern for little children.
4) But nowhere mentioned in Bible.
B. Baptism is for believers only.
1) Faith (belief) is ALWAYS associated with baptism.
2) Even "household" baptism stresses faith.
a) The jailor wasn't only one to have faith. Acts 16:34
b) Note that in Acts 10:44-47 all are baptized, but all
also speak in tongues.
II. Baptism is for those who are babies - in a SPIRITUAL sense.
A. We must be born again, and then be baptized.
1) Not a slogan, but the simple words of Jesus.
2) We can know we are saved and going to heaven (passed from
death to life) because Jesus promises it.
B. We are ready for baptism when we commit ourselves to Jesus.
1) Think you are good enough? You're not ready.
2) Are you unwilling to change? You're not ready.
3) Deeply aware of sin and want Jesus to do something about
it? You are ready.
C. Baptism isn't for those who are mature.
1) Some Christians waited till last possible minute.
a) Then they could live the perfect Christian life and die.
2) Common to wait for God to zap us with lightning.
a) You will never be good enough for baptism.
3) Baptism has no age limit, just a faith limit.
III. What baptism doesn't do for you.
A. Bible stresses that the water itself has no magical power.
1) Matthew 3:6-8 - without repentance, it is meaningless.
2) 1 Peter 3:21 - not the water, but the faith.
a) The power is from Jesus, unleashed due to our repentance
(faith) and acceptance of his salvation.
B. It doesn't make you a perfect Christian.
1) We want baptism to mean something, and are often disappointed
when someone is baptized but doesn't act like a Christian.
2) Baptism does not make us a better person.
a) Some feel an emotional high, but not necessarily.
b) Baptism is a public statement of our faith.
3) Any change, has to happen in our hearts.
IV. Baptism is a beginning.
A. Early Christians were baptized just knowing Jesus saves.
1) Happened on road, and at midnight.
B. Baptism signifies the beginning of the Christian life, not
the perfection of it.
1) We are to count ourselves dead to sin.
2) But sin is still there!
C. Baptism incorporates us into the body of Christ, the church.
V. Baptism is not the end of the Christian life.
A. On earth, we are judged by our impact.
1) Manger in Bethlehem covered with a huge church.
2) Sign outside Ledgewood Baptist someday?
B. What impact are you making as a Christian?
1) Too many take the plunge and then dry off, and dry out.
2) Once you have proclaimed your faith, live it!
3) We must become what God intends us to be.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
Created with the Freeware Edition of HelpNDoc: Free help authoring environment