January 12, 2025
Baptism Matters
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 1:9-11
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Jesus was baptized to identify with sinners. Sinners are baptized to identify with Jesus.

Jesus came to die so that we can live!

I. Why should I be baptized?

A. To follow the example set by Jesus.

Mark 1:9
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

B. Because Christ commands it.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

C. It demonstrates that I am a believer.

Acts 18:8
And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

II. What is the meaning of baptism?

A. It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.

B. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

III. Why do we baptize by immersion?

A. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up from the water.

B. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

Acts 8:38-39
…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…

C. The word “baptize” means to dip under water.

Galatians 3:27-28
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

IV. Who should be baptized?

V. When should I be baptized?

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to being baptized. Please contact me to schedule this special day.
• I choose to live out my faith every day in what I do and say.

Deep Dive

1. Share your baptism story. How does baptism identify us with Jesus?
2. Read Galatians 3:27-28. How does baptism help us identify with other believers?
3. Should a person be baptized again if they were sprinkled as a child?

Springboard

1. What is the difference between temptation and sin?
2. Read James 1:13-15 and discuss when temptation becomes sin.
3. What have you found helpful when fighting temptation?