Follow Along with the Message

Now's the Time to Take the Plunge

Pastor Tom Lundeen

Today I want us to see that a huge part of multiplying Jesus' mission in our personal lives and as a church family is that every professing follower of Jesus follow Jesus'  command to take the plunge of water baptism. 

1. What the New Testament  Us About Water Baptism

A. Meaning of baptism = "Baptizo" = "to ...to immerse"

• I would have those who are to be baptized to be  immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies. (Martin Luther)
• The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the  church. (John Calvin)
• Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the  of the first church. (John Wesley)

B. John the Baptist - his ministry shows us that baptism was not a new idea  by Christians, or even by John the Baptist.

• Baptism =  always a symbolic .
• John the "Baptizer" practiced a baptism that symbolized  (note Matthew 3:7-11a).

C. Baptism of Jesus - His baptism :

• It was to " all righteousness" (note Matthew 3:15)
• Fulfilled the mission of John the Baptist and marked the start of Jesus'  ministry.
• Jesus identified Himself with the  condition of humanity which He had come to save.
• It is an  to all His followers. 

D. Other New Testament Examples - baptism practiced very soon  commitment to Jesus Christ, so much so that often baptism and salvation closely tied together:

• Acts 2, Pentecost
• Acts 8, Samarian converts and Ethiopian government official
• Acts 9, Saul of Tarsus
• Acts 16, Lydia of Thyatira and Philippian jailer and his household
• Acts 18, believers in Corinth
• Acts 19, Ephesian disciples

Every example of baptism in the New Testament is believer's baptism (no examples of  baptism).

Note Matthew 28:18-20. 

Baptism is an outward  and symbol of what has happened inwardly/personally/and spiritually to a person when they say 'YES!' to Jesus as Lord. The  of baptism does not make anyone a Jesus follower...

Paul - we can see that God used baptism to:

2. Make His Faith  

For Saul/Paul to be baptized challenged his religious heritage and education, as well as his . Note Acts 9:18.

3. Connect with God's  (note Acts 9:19b)

Baptism was his  to also connect with Jesus' followers in Jerusalem (note Acts 9:26-28).

Spiritual growth happens in relationships, not . 

4. Share Your  (note Acts 9:20)

Baptism is both a public declaration of our faith and a  without words (Romans 6:4-5).

Baptism sets us on a course to be both  (come and sit with me) and witnesses (here's what Jesus did for me).

5. Keep Taking Next Steps

Note Acts 9:21, 22. Baptism sets us on a course of taking next steps and growing  in our walk with Jesus. Note Matthew 28:19. 

What does it mean for Riverside to MULTIPLY?:

• Baptism isn't an  extra for Jesus followers.

Here are the 3 qualifications to engage in baptism:

1. You need to be a follower of Jesus. 
2. You need to have not been baptized as an adult believer in Christ already.
3. You need to be at least 12 years old.

(We do baptize children younger than 12 if they have parental support and have talked it through with our Riverside Kids leaders. Riverside Kids also has a discipleship class called No Limits for children under 12; they are given a chance to engage in baptism after completing this course; details at MYRC.CHURCH/NOLIMITS.)

Don't get baptized:

• If you're not sure about following Jesus.
• If you're trying to impress others.

Take this important step and be baptized at our summer baptism next Sunday, Aug 6! Baptism coaches are available at the end of the service to help you.

Tell someone about the next step you took today in your spiritual journey! Let us know, too - fill out a digital connect card.