FHBC Sermon Notes

Paul says that for a Christian, that for us to live as we used to is unthinkable. After Jesus died for us not just as individuals but as the church as a whole. To illustrate this Paul uses the picture of baptism.

As Baptists perhaps in a desire to not say too much, we say to little on this. In talking of it as a symbol, or just as a rite alone, we rob it of the power it has in our lives. As a command from our Lord its power is life changing. It indicates and demonstrates a change that is stronger than any in our lives. We are new. We are changed.

As an illustration Doug is sharing with us episode of the Twilight Zone where a character Rocky is sent to a place where he can have anything you want. At first he thinks he is in heaven, but in time realizes that that was actually in hell.

In detail in this passage Paul talks about the relationship that is the very purpose why we live.

1. Baptism is a continual reminder of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

The bible is not just a book to tell us how to live, instead it is a book that is intended to lead us to Jesus. In Galatians Paul refers to the law as a tutor, that's intent was to show us Jesus, and to show us how there is no salvation outside of him, either in our resolve, the resolve of others, the wisdom of the world or anything. The Holy Spirit convicts us of the truth of this, and we are lead to receive the truth of this and live by it.

Consider this of not just our own baptism, but also the baptism of others. It is a public reminder of each of our commitments with our Lord. We are raised together in him.

2. Baptism is a reminder of why Jesus had to die on the cross.

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Romans 5:6 (ESV)

We realize that we unable, incapable of raising ourselves out of this situation. In life we are weak and dying and in death we are condemned.  Where does that leave us. Bodily dead and spiritually dead. What is to come of us?  But.... there is hope. 

"...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8 (ESV)

We so often ask, "When was I saved?"  But the answer is simple and known, we were saved on a Roman cross a mile or so outside Jerusalem, 2000 years ago.  Let us not forget that.

3. Baptism is a reminder of what we were saved from.

We so often want to remove God from this situation.  We are saved from the wrath of God. Paul makes this clear in Romans 1.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them."
Romans 1:18-19 (ESV)

The chapter goes further into detail about this.

4. Baptism reminds us that the death of Jesus was unique.

This is not a death that was surprising.  It was not plan and purposeful, but voluntary.  Jesus laid down his life himself. (See John 10:18).  It is not bragging if it is true. Jesus backed this up.  It is much more than just miracles and signs. When he came out of that grave it sort of settled the issue. It is an issue a declaration that we have not choice but to contend with. 

5. Baptism is a strong and meaningful symbol of our identification with Jesus.

Our very life, our strength, any authority comes from our identity with Jesus.

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Romans 6:4 (ESV)

What is this newness of life? Is it not something completely different that what we were before.  Are we fully living this already? No. The Spirit of God is working on us continually. Let us strip of what we were before, to take on the garment of life that comes from Christ.

6. Baptism is a public demonstration of our identity with Christ.

Baptism identifies us as God's, not gods, but God's possession. We are His, no longer our own. Historically, many of the baptisms were done publically.  This is what we see in the NT as well. We are baptized into the body of Christ.  To often we try to make our walk with God as a individual things. We cannot live on our own. We have not been told to do so.  We are commanded to gather, to edify, to love.

How is it that we say that we are the body, but when those in our midst are absent, that we do not have any care of it. Or when we are absent ourselves, we say, "It doesn't matter.  I'm accountable to just myself."   NO! We are bound together, we abide together in Jesus.  How can we claim to be alone.

As such we must be concerned also about the sanctification of the body, both ourselves and those around us.  We must say no to certain things. But it is so much more that saying no.  It is saying yes to that with is worth so much more.  The truth and the love of God.

7. Baptism is reminder of the hope of God that is to come.

The cry of the church, "Come, Lord Jesus!"  We are all dying still.  It is happening.  But.... the hope that we have! We have a hope everyday:  when we here that diagnosis of cancer, when we stand by the grave of loved ones.  What a gospel!  What great and glorious news. Let us rejoice in it, let us remember corporately, individually, and daily for what Christ has done for us.  Amen!