Believe Then Be Baptized

The sermon examines the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 to clarify the theological relationship between faith and baptism. It argues that baptism is an act of obedience that follows salvation, rather than a work that confers it, emphasizing that salvation is solely by grace through faith in Christ's finished work. The preacher contrasts this biblical order with cultural misconceptions that view religious deeds as necessary for salvation, citing Ephesians 2 and Titus 3 to affirm that human righteousness is insufficient. By highlighting the eunuch's confession of belief prior to his immersion, the message underscores that baptism serves as a public declaration of identification with Christ's death and resurrection. The tone is instructional and corrective, urging listeners to distinguish between the internal work of the Spirit and the external witness of obedience.