Sermon Outline April 27, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: Into What Were You Baptized?  

Text:        Acts 19:1-12          

Introduction

I.        Why were you baptized?

II.       Of course, the right answer is two-fold:

A.       To have my sins washed away (Acts 22:16).

B.       Because the Lord commands it (Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 3:21).

III.      For Bible-baptism to take place three conditions need to be met.

A.       So, let’s again ask, “Why were you baptized?”

B.       Let’s compare our answer to the answer given in the Bible.

Text

I.        Bible-baptism requires the right action.

A.       When people speak of baptism they might refer to one of three things.

1.       Immersion in water.

2.       Pouring of water on the head.

3.       Sprinkling water (usually only on the head).

B.       When the Bible speaks of baptism it only refers to immersion (Romans 6:3-6).

C.      The Bible does not authorize any action other than immersion.

II.       Bible-baptism requires the right subject (person).

A.       The Bible teaches that a person needs to do certain things in order to be saved.

1.       Believe that Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24; Acts 8:37).

2.       He must repent of sin in his or her life (Acts 2:38; 17:30).

3.       Confess Christ before men (Luke 12:8-9; Romans 10:9-10).

4.       Be baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Peter 3:21).

5.       Remain faithful until death (Matthew 10:22b; Revelation 2:10b).

B.       Faith, repentance, and confession have to precede the baptism.

C.      To be properly baptized one must have:

1.       Been properly taught.

2.       Accepted by faith the things they’ve been taught.

3.       Acknowledged their faith before others.

4.       Determined to turn away from sin (repented).

III.      Bible-baptism requires the right purpose.

A.       People are baptized for different reasons and understandings.

B.       Forgiveness of sin is the only right purpose for baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).

1.       Apollos had been baptized, but it was not for the right purpose (Acts 18:24-26).

2.       Interestingly, when Apollos was traveling with Paul they encountered others who had been baptized, but not for the right purpose (Acts 19:1-5).

3.       Notice that improper baptism, while it was by immersion, was not acceptable.

Conclusion

I.        Salvation is a serious matter that must be taken seriously.

II.       Baptism is a vital part of God’s plan of salvation.

III.      Ask yourself, “Into what was I baptized?”