Life-changing Messages

Water Baptism

Text: Acts 8:36-40   IBCSS   May 16, 2004

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

    Water baptism is a Biblical teaching and a sacred practice of true Christians. Its importance is strongly illustrated through immersion. The death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ are always portrayed through this God-pleasing activity.

    A true Christian who truly understands the teaching of baptism will surely look forward to the day he will be baptized and it will be a memorable day for him. As he ponders his baptism he will be led to respect, love and guard his beliefs and practices. His love for the Savior will be significantly manifested through his separated life in Christ.

    On the other side, a professing believer who ignores and avoid Biblical baptism will hinder his spiritual advancement. Worst of all, he could be a person with questionable faith and unbiblical principles of life.

    In Acts 8:36, the Ethiopian eunuch was really excited to be baptized and he really meant it when he said to Philip, “See here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

(I) Greatly Desire By True Believers

     Acts 8:36

    -Godly desires excite a believer

    -Godly desires lead a believer to the right path

   He who by faith received the Lord Jesus will never question Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but will have the desire to proclaim the message of the Gospel through water baptism. People who have struggles when it comes to water baptism are certainly those who don’t even mind to ponder on the importance of baptism.

    Professing believers who are not interested in obeying the call of baptism are also those who are not excited about the Word of God. The Ethiopian eunuch was so interested in the Scriptures that he got saved through the preaching of Philip. His newly found faith in Christ stirred his heart and intensely led him to desire water baptism. Truly, a man who knows the preciousness of his faith in Jesus knows also the great significance of water baptism.

(II) Believer's Step Of Faith And Obedience

      Acts 8:37-38    Matthew 28:18-20

     -Crucial step

     -God-pleasing step

   Apparently, many people profess they are saved, but they refuse to be baptized. Undecided people usually leave their heart and mind hanging in the air, tossed to and fro by the winds of unsound doctrine.

    True believers know whom they follow. They hear the voice of their Master and follow Him without reservations. Their crucial steps are being ordered by the Lord and their obedience to His Word gives honor and glory to God.

(III) Believer's Identification With The Savior

       Acts 8:37      Romans 6:1-9

      -Spiritual identity

      -Profession of faith

   As we live in the midst of disoriented world, man’s spiritual identity is an important matter not to be taken lightly, but seriously. Genuine Christians must have the courage to stand on the Lord’s side.

    Biblical water baptism sharpens the clarity of one’s faith in Christ and should not be neglected, but be emphasized publicly. A professing believer who is ashamed to obey the call of water baptism is a questionable believer.

   We must bear in mind that our blessed association with the Lord Jesus Christ is something to be proud of. 

(IV) Brings forth Rejoicing

       Acts 8:39-40     Acts 16:33-34

       -Gives delight to the soul

   Obedience to the Word of God brings forth rejoicing and blessings, but disobedience to the principles of Truth leads a man to grief and guilt. In many cases, people are avoiding the blessings of Truth through their indifferent attitude toward the doctrines of the Bible.

    This simple lesson on baptism, if deeply studied and understood, will surely bear good fruits for the glory of God. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ will always be remembered and appreciated in the hearts of men. Keeping this Biblical knowledge and practice in our lives will undoubtedly separate and guard us from the threatening presence of false teachers and doctrines.

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