BAPTISM SUNDAY: Identified with Christ, and raised to new life!

“Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith.” -Watchman Nee↠We are to be a people of great celebration! Celebration is key in the Kingdom of God!↠In Scripture, we see the beauty of celebration, celebration of God, what He has done, feasts, banquets, parties, (Ps. 98:4, 145:7). In Matt. 22, Jesus illustrates the Kingdom through a wedding feast. In Luke 15, as the Prodigal returns, the Father says, “Let us CELEBRATE!” Luke 15:7, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”↠Today, we celebrate, rejoice with Heaven as EACH ONE comes out of the water- join us in the celebration! What you celebrate you get more of…↠What is baptism, and why is it important?↠Baptism isn't where you find Jesus; it's what you do once you've found Him. It is an outward, public demonstration of an inward faith.↠Baptism is a step of obedience, response to Jesus’ commands (Matthew 28:19-20)↠Last words are important- The Great Commission given by Jesus instructs us to go, disciple, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit↠Why be baptized? The Father asked us to. Obedience is a mark of a true Christ follower. One yes leads to another yes..the life of obedience following Him↠Baptism expresses/shows union with Christ (Romans 6:1-11)↠Our baptism is a witness to the saving work of Christ - His death, burial, and resurrection- a visual reenactment, and you are united in that with Him!↠Baptism declares to the world, the enemy, and the Father- I identify with Christ, I choose Christ, I follow Christ, I am in relationship with Christ! It declares to the world what has taken place in your life and walk.↠Baptism is a witness, it prophesies to others!↠Your baptism is a memorial stone (Joshua 4), it points to Christ, it testifies!↠Baptism demonstrates to the world the goodness/kindness of God that draws all of us to repentance (Rom. 2:4)↠What He will do for one, He will do for another, He is no respecter of persons. Have you experienced this? Have you been reborn into right relationship with God?↠Baptism is not “just” a “symbol”↠In saying the word “symbol” for so long, we have dulled down the power of it↠When you step out in boldness and obedience and publicly declare you are with Christ, it puts hell on notice and makes a Father in Heaven proud. It sets up an environment of faith, it “stirs the waters.” We are believing that things are being buried in the water today, and we are rising in NEWNESS of LIFE!Comment here