August 27, 2023
Passage:  Matthew 3
Speaker:  Pastor Josh Holland
Main Point:  Baptism demonstrates and celebrates new life in Jesus Christ.

I. What is Baptism and why is it important?
            A. Baptism is the outward sign of an inward spiritual reality.
            B. Jesus set the precedent and the precept to be baptized.
(Matthew 3:13; 28:19)
            C. The early church did not consider baptism optional.
                        1.  Acts 2:38, 41

                        2.  Acts 8:12-13, 36, 38

                        3.  Acts 9:18

                        4.  Acts 10:47-48

                        5.  Acts 16:15, 33

                        6.  Acts 19:5

            D. The New Testament used baptism to teach theological truths.
                         (Romans 6:1-10; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21)

II. What is the meaning of Baptism?
            A. Baptism is a foundational teaching of scripture. (Hebrews 6:1-2)
            B. It is associated with:
                        >  Forgiveness and repentance. (Acts 2:38)
                        >  Dead to sin, alive to God. (Romans 6:1-10)
                        >  Disciple making. (Matthew 29:19)
            C. Baptism is to identify with a person, message, group or event.

III. Who should be baptized and when?
            A. Baptism always follows faith and repentance (salvation). 
                (Matthew 3:2-6; 28:19; Acts 2:37-38; 16:14-15, 34)
            B. One must understand and respond to the Gospel.
            C. A new believer can be baptized immediately.  (Acts 8:36-38)

IV. What is the mode of baptism?
            A. The Greek word “baptizo” means “immersion”.
            B. Paul uses the word-picture to describe our union with Christ. (Romans 6:1-4)
            C. The apostolic and early church practiced and defended immersion.
            D. It is a joyful celebration. (Acts 8:39; cf. Philippians 4:4)