Baptism: God’s Command

Baptism: God’s Command

December 28, 2008 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Jesus commands His followers to be baptized.

Focus Passage: Romans 6:1-7

Supplemental Passage:

Introduction: The story is told about the baptism of King Aengus by St. Patrick in the middle of the fifth century. Sometime during the rite, St. Patrick leaned on his sharp-pointed staff and inadvertently stabbed the king’s foot. After the baptism was over, St. Patrick looked down at all the blood, realized what he had done, and begged the king’s forgiveness. Why did you suffer this pain in silence, the Saint wanted to know. The king replied, "I thought it was part of the ritual."

I. Submission

a. The only requirements for baptism are the requirements for salvation found in Romans 10:9-10.

1. Heart belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

2. Confession that He is Lord and Savior.

II. Obedience

a. 1. The Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:26-39

2. The apostle Paul. Acts 9:18

3. The Philippian jailer and his house Acts 16:25-33. All were baptized immediately after salvation.

III. Identification

a. Baptism is like the wedding band; it identifies those who are believers.

b. Just because you wear a wedding band, doesn’t mean you are married.

Invitation: Never baptized? Received an “un-Scriptural” baptism? The baptistery will be used again next week. Let’s make it a double!