Baptism

Our Purpose

1. To love God, and to love others (Matthew 22:37-40).
2. To serve and to minister to others in Christian love (Matthew 25:34-40).
3. To obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). - "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Definition & Biblical Context

1. Bapto - "to dip" / baptizo - "to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk); to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe; to overwhelm"

2. Jewish ceremonial cleansing - cleansing BEFORE worship/service/consecration

3. Ezekiel 36:25-27 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations."

4. John the Baptist - a baptism of confession and repentance - evidence OF a changed heart

Luke 3:3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

5. Jesus, without sin, fulfilling the old, initiating the new

Matthew 3 - John baptizes Jesus

John 3:22-36 - John exalts Jesus

Meaning and Purpose of Baptism

1. Response to God - turning from sin

Acts 2:37-38 Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:36, 38 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?" He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

2. Symbolic cleansing from sin

Titus 3:4-5 But-"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

3. Deliverance from death & judgment (the flood / Egyptian army)

1 Peter 3:21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

4. Unity and identification with the body of Christ, His church

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

Ephesians 4:3-6 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

5. Buried with Christ / raised to new life - uniting with Christ (water represents the grave), united with His body (the church)

Romans 6:1-11 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:12 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.

Galatians 3:26-27 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.

Charge to the Believer

1. Outward expression of inward action - public personal declaration

2. Personal testimony - tangible reminder of assurance of salvation

3. Who may be baptized today? Anyone who has received the Good News of Christ, who repents of their sin, and who publically confesses Jesus Christ as Lord.

We Want to See Jesus

Statistics about Christianity in America:

• 2011 Gallup Poll - 78% "identify with Christianity," 82% "have a religious identity," 92% "say they believe in God."
• 2010 Barna Poll - 43% attend church weekly or "almost weekly," 11% attend about once a month, 25% attend seldom, and 20% never attend.
• 2007 Pew Report - In church attendance by state, NH & VT ranked last, at 24% each.
• What does the data imply?

John 12:20-26 NIV Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

23 - "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified."

• Up to this point in history, God's covenant had been exclusive to Israel. Here, however, Jesus delivered the one of the central elements of the Good News -- that "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)." The New Covenant between God and man, which would soon be sealed by the blood of Christ, extended beyond Jerusalem "to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)."
• The church must not show favoritism.
• Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.
• James 2:1-4, 8-9, 14-17 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? … Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. … So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. … What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
• Galatians 5:6 What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

24 - "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

• Jesus' impending death and subsequent resurrection would produce everlasting life for all who believe and trust in Him.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
• The church must be self-sacrificing.
• Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
• John 15:12-13 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
• Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

25 - "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

• Everything that Jesus said and did was for the sake of the Kingdom of God. "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame (Hebrews 12:2b)."
• The church must be consistent in vision and purpose, driven by eternity, not the world.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
• Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

• The church must be comprised of authentic believers following Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
• Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
• Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
• 1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[k] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
• Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me."
• John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

So, what does the world need from the church?

The world needs to see Jesus. This includes (but is not limited to):

1. No favoritism, but faith expressing itself in love to ALL.
2. Sacrificing self for the benefit and well-being of others.
3. Consistent and unwavering in vision and purpose.
4. Authentic in word and action, representing the Father in word and deed.

Stained Glass Window analogy

Colossians 2:15-20 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

People are waiting to see Jesus. Do they see Him in you?

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References:

1. http://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/Poll-Nearly-80-percent-of-Americans-say-they-are-2444092.php
2. http://www.gallup.com/poll/141044/americans-church-attendance-inches-2010.aspx
3. http://www.religionfacts.com/religion_statistics/church_attendance_by_state.htm

A Little Yeast

I. Biblical Context

Exodus 12:14-20 (Passover instructions)

"This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time. [15] For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. On the first day of the festival, remove every trace of yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast during the seven days of the festival will be cut off from the community of Israel. [16] On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh day, all the people must observe an official day for holy assembly. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food. [17] "Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a permanent law for you; celebrate this day from generation to generation. [18] The bread you eat must be made without yeast from the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day of that month. [19] During those seven days, there must be no trace of yeast in your homes. Anyone who eats anything made with yeast during this week will be cut off from the community of Israel. These regulations apply both to the foreigners living among you and to the native-born Israelites. [20] During those days you must not eat anything made with yeast. Wherever you live, eat only bread made without yeast."

• yeast - a change agent working subtly and gradually, yet permeating throughout entire loaf
• yeast was added to dough; ferments & raises dough; portion reserved for subsequent batches
• in regard to Passover, symbolized the suddenness of Israel's deliverance from Egypt; became symbol of the permeating influence and power of sin

II. New Testament negative context

Matthew 16:4-12

Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah." Then Jesus left them and went away. [5] Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. [6] "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." [7] At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn't brought any bread. [8] Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, "You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? [9] Don't you understand even yet? Don't you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? [10] Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? [11] Why can't you understand that I'm not talking about bread? So again I say, 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'" [12] Then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Luke 12:1

Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees-their hypocrisy.

Galatians 5:7-10

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? [8] It certainly isn't God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. [9] This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! [10] I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you.

• ie - reliance on "Jesus plus" for salvation, justification, righteousness, etc.; esoteric teachings; anything that diminishes Christ

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Your boasting about this is terrible. Don't you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? [7] Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. [8] So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.

• tolerance of sin - we hold each other accountable
• old leaven (wickedness & evil) --> new leaven (sincerity & truth)

III. New Testament positive context

Luke 13:20-21

He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like? [21] It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough."

• Despite the times, the political atmosphere, the ever-changing nature and seasons of the world, the Gospel will never lose its power, but has (and will) spread throughout the entire world until everyone has had a chance to hear

Matthew 24:3-14

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" [4] Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, [5] for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. [6] And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. [7] Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. [8] But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. [9] "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. [10] And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. [11] And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. [12] Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. [13] But the one who endures to the end will be saved. [14] And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Application: Which yeast are you allowing to work through your life?

The Drift

Follow-up from "The Planter and the Harvester" (Matthew 13:1-7; 18-23)

Drifting / Shipwrecked

• Hebrews 2:1-3 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?
• Colossians 1:23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God's servant to proclaim it.
• Psalm 141:3-4 Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don't let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don't let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.
• 1 Timothy 1:19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
• Jude 1:4, 12-13 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord's love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

Anchored

• Hebrews 6:16-20 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
• Psalm 119:61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

Change Your Course

This is the transcript of a radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95.

Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a Collision.

Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States' Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that YOU change your course 15 degrees north, that's one five degrees north, or countermeasures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.

Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

Closing: Avoiding drifting summary

1. Recognize the constant, subtle power of the drift
2. Listen carefully to the truth
3. Continue to believe and stand firm in this truth, and in the assurance of the Good News of Christ
4. Submit to God
5. Cling to your faith
6. Keep your conscience clear
7. Keep following Christ, the Head Shepherd, the Anchor, the Lighthouse

• 2 Peter 1:3-11 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• Jude 1:24-25 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.