Baptism Sunday

Baptism Sunday!

Frosh Week (Illustration)

Today is an initiation day too
1. Much more serious and exciting
2. Still somewhat awkward
3. No dog food involved

It’s a day when men and women who have placed their trust in Jesus declare that before God the world and the devil. This is serious stuff.

In fact, it’s so serious that I’m going to try to talk you out of it

1. Do you really want to admit that you are a sinner?
Origin of baptism/John’s baptism (repentance & forgiveness)
People hate to admit they were wrong
Are you sure?
2. Do you really want to die to self?
Not your typical advertising slogan (Ortiz)
Romans 6:3 (immersion = death imagery)
No longer my life, time, treasure, talent
Are you sure?
3. Do you really want to mark yourself out?
Get soaked in front of everyone? Public speaking?
Tell God you’ll be faithful?
Make yourself accountable to a body of believers?
Let the devil know he’s lost you?

If you’re not up for the fight, not willing to run as if to win, please don’t be baptized today. I’d have much more respect for someone that backed out now than someone who went through with it but didn’t live like there’s a difference.

On the other hand, baptism is so exciting that I want to talk you into it!

1. An opportunity to move from being a sinner to a saint
Is it mandatory? It’s a simple step of obedience
It’s symbolic for the washing you’ve experienced
Are you ready to restore a relationship of obedience?
2. An opportunity for a new life with/in Christ
Romans 6:4
We truly value God’s blessings (Ortiz)
If you don’t die to self, you have to live with self forever
Are you ready for this new life?
3. An opportunity to become part of a new family
It’s not a perfect family
But nothing beats it
Are you ready to join this family?