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Sermons and Lessons for 2012 |
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Lesson |
Bobby Stafford |
Objections to Baptism
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Baptism |
March 11, 2012 |
Sunday AM Sermon |
Objections to Baptism
Introduction:
Responding
to people of different religious faiths is a necessary part of the
Christian’s life. Listen to
I Peter
3:15.
Always be prepared to give a reason for your beliefs. For members
of the Lord’s church, one area to be prepared for is that of
baptism. Many do not believe that baptism is essential to salvation
and have given objections through the years. It is to these we now
turn our attention.
Body:
I. Jesus
Never Baptized Anyone, So It Can’t Be Important
-
John 4:1-3
Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John. He allowed
the apostles to do the physical act of baptizing. These were
baptized according to the instruction given by Christ (an
immersion) and by His authority. In
Matthew 29:18-20
He emphasizes the importance and necessity of water baptism.
II.
Jesus’ Baptism Was of the Holy Spirit, Not of Water
-
Matthew 3:11-12
The only two groups that the New Testament informs us were
baptized with the Holy Spirit were the apostles in
Acts 2:1-4
and the household of Cornelius in
Acts 10:44-48.
The baptism of fire in our text refers to the final punishment
of the wicked.
Matthew 3:10
Note the use of “lake of fire” in Revelation
20:15.
III.
Baptism Is a Work and the Bible Says We Are Not Saved by Works
-
Ephesians 2:8-9
Boastful works, works of merit, have no ability to save. No
amount of good works can save someone.
-
Yet note
what
Hebrews 5:8-9
says. Only a faith that obeys (works) can save.
James 2:17
-
James 2:24
teaches that a person is justified by works and not by faith
alone.
-
So when
a person is baptized according to
Mark 16:16,
he is not trusting in his own power; but in the power of God.
IV.
Paul Was Saved on the Road to Damascus Before He Was
Baptized
-
Acts 9
describes what happened to Saul. Then Paul tells of this in
Acts 22:6-16.
His sins were not washed away until he was baptized in Damascus.
V. John
3:16 Doesn’t Mention Baptism, So It Can’t Be Necessary
-
That
particular verse doesn’t mention the need to repent or confess.
Are they not necessary either?
-
Acts 2:38
doesn’t mention the need to have faith. So is faith not
necessary for salvation?
-
One
verse alone isn’t sufficient!
Invitation:
What is
hindering you from being baptized right how?
Bobby
Stafford
March 11,
2012
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