Bible Verse: Acts 8:29-38
Acts 8:29 (KJV)
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 8:38 (KJV)
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo which means to immerse or submerge. A lot of people believe that they have been baptized considering the fact that they were taken to the church and water was poured on their heads when they were babies. Rather, it is dedication and even Jesus was dedicated in the church – Luke 2:22.
Luke 2:22 (ESV)
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
In Matt: 3:13, Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized in River Jordan at the age of 30. Baptism is done when a person agrees wholly with his heart and believes in Jesus and give your life to Jesus.
The Benefits of Baptism
The benefits of the ministry of baptism are outlined below.
1. You’ll have a new life.
Romans 6:4 (KJV). Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2. Escape the wrath/anger of God.
Matthew 3:6-7 (KJV). And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
3. Enables you to put on Christ like a garment.
Galatians 3:27 (KJV). For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Many people go through water baptism. But there’s also the baptism of the Holy Spirit where you carry the presence of God in your life because you’re full of the Spirit. This is preceded by water baptism.
4. It is an operation of God.
Colossians 2:12 (KJV). Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
5. The answer of a good conscience.
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV). The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
6. You receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 (KJV). Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
John 3:5 (KJV). Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
The baptism of water is for repentance and the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for advancement.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV). For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
You’ll find questions and answers pertaining to the ministry of baptism on the audio. You can download the full sermon or listen to it online here.
Want to make your life work this year? Read and listen to this wonderful and insightful sermon on how to make your life work and how you can apply moderation in life.
Stay blessed and enjoy the benefits that come with the ministry of baptism!
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