Baptism: Going Public for Jesus

March 30, 2025

Introduction

• How many of you identify with a sports team, a brand, or a place?

• But do you publicly identify with Jesus?

Key Scripture:

Matthew 10:32-33
"So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."

We are called to go public for Jesus.

• Do you know Jesus?

• Have you gone public with Him, or are you ashamed?

I. Baptism is Following Jesus

Jesus' Example in Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"

Jesus did not need to be baptized for salvation. His baptism symbolized His mission to fulfill all righteousness and set an example for us to follow.

Following Jesus Requires Sacrifice

Luke 9:23-26
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.'"

Baptism is a public declaration that we follow Christ, no matter the cost.

Why Baptism?

• Water is a universal symbol of cleansing.

• Baptism represents the washing away of sin. 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

• Jesus’ baptism foreshadowed His death, burial, and resurrection.

• It signifies receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5 – "For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

II. Baptism is Obeying Jesus

Jesus Commands Baptism

Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Baptism is the first act of obedience for a disciple.

• Who should be baptized? Those who have believed in Jesus.

• Can you be a true disciple if you refuse to obey His commands?

Baptism in the Early Church

Acts 2:38
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Every believer in the New Testament was baptized as an act of obedience.

Berean Church’s Doctrinal Statement on Baptism

"We believe that Christian baptism is a worshipful act of obedience marked by the immersion of a believer in water; this immersion symbolically identifies a believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection to newness of life."

John 14:15
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Baptism is not optional—it is a command from Jesus.

III. Baptism is Identifying with Jesus

Baptism is a Public Declaration

Our culture is obsessed with identity. As followers of Jesus, our identity must be in Him.

Baptism is an Outward Symbol of an Inner Reality

Romans 6:3-4
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Baptism is like a wedding ring—it does not create the relationship, but it declares it to the world.

Baptism is Not What Saves Us

Mark 16:16
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Belief is what saves, not baptism.

Acts 10:47
"Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

These believers already had the Holy Spirit—baptism was their public response.

Baptism is Received, Not Performed Alone

Baptism is something done to you, symbolizing that salvation is a work of God, not of human effort.

• The thief on the cross was never baptized, yet Jesus told him in Luke 23:43, "Today you will be with me in paradise."

• Baptism is identification with Jesus, but salvation comes only through faith in Him.

Conclusion

• Have you gone public with your faith?

• Are you following Jesus?

• Are you obeying His command to be baptized?

• Are you identifying with Christ?

Next Steps

1. If you are not yet a believer: Repent and receive Jesus as your Savior.

2. If you have not been baptized: Sign up today at the Connection Center or online.

3. If you have been baptized but are hiding your faith: It is time to go public again.

Final Challenge

In Iran, Christians face prison sentences for being baptized.

• Would you be willing to stand for Christ, no matter the cost?

• Will you go public for Jesus?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." – Romans 1:16