1 00:00:30,819 --> 00:00:32,299 Goody, Amen. 2 00:00:32,299 --> 00:00:36,819 If you in your Bibles tonight turn to Matthew 28 to the great Commission, 3 00:00:37,059 --> 00:00:38,899 most of you are familiar with the passage. 4 00:00:40,739 --> 00:00:46,379 At least every other year we take the time to teach and preach 5 00:00:46,379 --> 00:00:47,379 on the subject of baptism. 6 00:00:47,379 --> 00:00:48,499 And I want to do that tonight. 7 00:00:49,379 --> 00:00:51,219 I'm looking forward to baptizing tonight. 8 00:00:52,259 --> 00:00:55,499 I was reminded again in the last couple of weeks questions I 9 00:00:55,499 --> 00:00:59,259 had concerning baptism and meeting some of our visitors and 10 00:00:59,259 --> 00:01:00,859 then talking to them about church membership. 11 00:01:00,859 --> 00:01:04,539 And as you talk to them about church membership, you get into, 12 00:01:04,539 --> 00:01:05,459 are you saved? 13 00:01:05,459 --> 00:01:06,939 Do you know Jesus as your Savior? 14 00:01:06,939 --> 00:01:09,779 It's one of the first questions I ask when I go into a 15 00:01:09,779 --> 00:01:14,339 home and for the first time I want to know, certainly never leave 16 00:01:14,339 --> 00:01:15,539 a home without asking. 17 00:01:16,019 --> 00:01:21,019 And I want to encourage our outreach people, those of you who 18 00:01:21,019 --> 00:01:24,419 do participate in our outreach, that when you are making 19 00:01:24,419 --> 00:01:27,999 a visit, man, just why did you go to the home in the first place? 20 00:01:29,039 --> 00:01:32,839 You know, don't leave without asking if they know Jesus as their 21 00:01:32,839 --> 00:01:35,839 Savior and the most important thing. 22 00:01:36,239 --> 00:01:40,159 And then as we talk to them about church membership and yes, 23 00:01:40,159 --> 00:01:40,799 I'm saved. 24 00:01:40,799 --> 00:01:42,039 Well, are you baptized? 25 00:01:42,039 --> 00:01:43,199 Have you been baptized? 26 00:01:43,919 --> 00:01:47,159 And going into that conversation many times you get into 27 00:01:47,159 --> 00:01:52,239 some weeds, you get into some areas that people have misconceptions 28 00:01:52,899 --> 00:01:55,859 as far as what baptism is or why we're baptized. 29 00:01:55,859 --> 00:02:00,659 And it's always good to be able to walk through the biblical, 30 00:02:02,259 --> 00:02:03,779 what biblical baptism is. 31 00:02:04,339 --> 00:02:07,139 And so it's good to do this and it's a good repeat. 32 00:02:07,139 --> 00:02:10,579 Some of you will say, I've heard this a hundred times, but review 33 00:02:10,579 --> 00:02:11,619 is the best teacher. 34 00:02:11,939 --> 00:02:13,739 And so tonight will be more of a lesson. 35 00:02:13,739 --> 00:02:14,619 I'm jet lagged. 36 00:02:14,619 --> 00:02:15,939 So this is what we're going to do, right? 37 00:02:16,899 --> 00:02:20,819 And it is helpful, it is good, and it's like the subject of eternal 38 00:02:20,819 --> 00:02:21,059 security. 39 00:02:21,969 --> 00:02:25,809 Every other year we pull those messages out and preach on eternity 40 00:02:25,809 --> 00:02:26,089 and security. 41 00:02:26,089 --> 00:02:29,929 It's one of those things that we need to be reminded over and over 42 00:02:29,929 --> 00:02:34,529 again some of these great doctrines and put them on repeat. 43 00:02:35,329 --> 00:02:37,648 And because these great doctrines are the ones that are most 44 00:02:37,648 --> 00:02:42,689 under attack, I mean, it's unbelievable to me, even on your 45 00:02:42,689 --> 00:02:47,539 social media feed, the emphasis placed upon baptism rather 46 00:02:47,539 --> 00:02:48,459 than salvation. 47 00:02:49,659 --> 00:02:57,499 And there are again many denominations, churches that teach 48 00:02:58,459 --> 00:03:02,619 that you have to be baptized in order to go to heaven. 49 00:03:03,098 --> 00:03:06,379 The Bible nowhere teaches that, nowhere. 50 00:03:06,859 --> 00:03:08,459 And so let's look at this tonight. 51 00:03:08,539 --> 00:03:09,979 Let's look at the Great Commission. 52 00:03:10,059 --> 00:03:11,899 I want to point one thing out to you. 53 00:03:12,949 --> 00:03:13,469 Verse 18. 54 00:03:13,469 --> 00:03:16,389 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given 55 00:03:16,389 --> 00:03:18,069 unto me in heaven and in earth. 56 00:03:18,629 --> 00:03:21,509 So here's Jesus giving the commission to the church. 57 00:03:22,149 --> 00:03:27,149 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name 58 00:03:27,149 --> 00:03:30,069 of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Ghost. 59 00:03:30,069 --> 00:03:34,669 So tonight you'll see that as I baptize in the name of the Father, 60 00:03:34,669 --> 00:03:37,029 the Son and the Holy Ghost, buried in the likeness of his death, 61 00:03:37,189 --> 00:03:39,709 raised in the likeness of the resurrection to walk in newness of 62 00:03:39,709 --> 00:03:39,989 life. 63 00:03:40,679 --> 00:03:41,159 Verse 20. 64 00:03:41,159 --> 00:03:43,799 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I've commanded 65 00:03:43,799 --> 00:03:44,119 you. 66 00:03:44,519 --> 00:03:48,759 And lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world. 67 00:03:48,839 --> 00:03:51,359 And we recently talked about laboring together. 68 00:03:51,359 --> 00:03:53,719 And that, lo, I am with you. 69 00:03:53,719 --> 00:03:57,239 I'm so thankful that as I do go into the home and talk to our 70 00:03:57,239 --> 00:04:01,879 visitors and I do present the gospel that he is with me. 71 00:04:02,199 --> 00:04:06,239 We are laborers together with God, that he is laboring with us, 72 00:04:06,239 --> 00:04:07,079 working with us. 73 00:04:07,629 --> 00:04:10,749 And so thankful that I am not alone. 74 00:04:11,229 --> 00:04:12,429 I still get nervous. 75 00:04:13,469 --> 00:04:15,149 Do you, man? 76 00:04:15,149 --> 00:04:18,869 I knock on a door and meet a couple that has visited our church. 77 00:04:18,869 --> 00:04:21,309 And I may not have got to meet them yet. 78 00:04:21,389 --> 00:04:22,509 I'm still nervous. 79 00:04:25,709 --> 00:04:29,229 I'm thankful when I go into that home, I know I am not alone. 80 00:04:30,109 --> 00:04:31,629 And usually my wife's with me. 81 00:04:31,629 --> 00:04:32,949 That's not what I'm talking about, though. 82 00:04:32,949 --> 00:04:33,949 I'm thankful she's there. 83 00:04:35,569 --> 00:04:41,169 Thankful the Lord is with me and he encourages me, strengthens 84 00:04:41,169 --> 00:04:44,249 me, gives me the words I need to say. 85 00:04:44,249 --> 00:04:45,449 And what a blessing that is. 86 00:04:45,449 --> 00:04:45,889 Let's pray. 87 00:04:45,889 --> 00:04:49,489 Heavenly Father, Lord, we do thank you for your love for us. 88 00:04:49,809 --> 00:04:55,009 And Lord, we do pray that you would continue to give us fruit. 89 00:04:56,209 --> 00:05:00,949 Lord, it's been so good to see so many saved recently and see them 90 00:05:00,949 --> 00:05:01,989 follow through in baptism. 91 00:05:01,989 --> 00:05:05,349 And Lord, may we see again the importance of this wonderful doctrine. 92 00:05:05,349 --> 00:05:07,069 In Jesus name, amen. 93 00:05:07,949 --> 00:05:12,229 So again, most of you know this scripture and it's the Great 94 00:05:12,229 --> 00:05:12,509 Commission. 95 00:05:13,629 --> 00:05:15,749 Jesus gave the church its purpose. 96 00:05:15,749 --> 00:05:17,109 We have a purpose as a church. 97 00:05:17,109 --> 00:05:20,429 And that is again, to evangelize. 98 00:05:20,909 --> 00:05:22,109 To give the gospel. 99 00:05:22,189 --> 00:05:23,469 That is our main purpose. 100 00:05:23,469 --> 00:05:26,839 It is the purpose of every church. 101 00:05:27,719 --> 00:05:29,639 A church that calls themselves a church. 102 00:05:29,639 --> 00:05:31,799 That that is not the main purpose, is not a church. 103 00:05:32,279 --> 00:05:35,079 It's a social club or whatever it is. 104 00:05:35,479 --> 00:05:38,879 And so we're to evangelize, we're to baptize, we're commissioned. 105 00:05:38,879 --> 00:05:42,159 We are commanded to spread the gospel. 106 00:05:42,159 --> 00:05:45,879 And we are commanded to baptize those who accept him as Savior. 107 00:05:45,879 --> 00:05:47,399 Those who receive the gospel. 108 00:05:47,799 --> 00:05:49,279 We are commanded to do so. 109 00:05:49,279 --> 00:05:49,799 It's not. 110 00:05:49,799 --> 00:05:50,599 It's not a. 111 00:05:51,879 --> 00:05:54,919 You know, there's no wiggle room here. 112 00:05:55,719 --> 00:05:57,239 You can't disobey the Lord. 113 00:05:57,559 --> 00:06:02,439 You know, and so the Great Commission to evangelize, baptize, 114 00:06:02,439 --> 00:06:10,039 and then to disciple, to stabilize, to bring them to an understanding 115 00:06:10,439 --> 00:06:13,279 of Jesus Christ, a greater understanding of Jesus Christ, to 116 00:06:13,279 --> 00:06:15,079 bring them to a greater understanding of the Bible. 117 00:06:15,319 --> 00:06:16,359 That is the commission. 118 00:06:16,519 --> 00:06:17,959 It's a threefold commission. 119 00:06:18,999 --> 00:06:23,039 It's not just evangelizing, it's not just baptizing, it's not 120 00:06:23,039 --> 00:06:23,799 just discipling. 121 00:06:23,799 --> 00:06:24,599 It's all three. 122 00:06:28,199 --> 00:06:32,079 And it has been popular in the past, and I think not so much in 123 00:06:32,079 --> 00:06:33,399 the day and age which we live. 124 00:06:34,439 --> 00:06:38,839 There were churches around the country who would preach and would 125 00:06:38,839 --> 00:06:41,559 evangelize and send buses out. 126 00:06:42,199 --> 00:06:45,639 And I remember, I actually do remember one time seeing on a sign, 127 00:06:47,509 --> 00:06:50,669 200, accepting Christ as Savior, and I promise, as they put 128 00:06:50,669 --> 00:06:53,589 this on their billboard, 13 baptized. 129 00:06:55,269 --> 00:06:59,709 I'm thankful some made professions of faith, 200 and then 130 00:06:59,709 --> 00:07:00,869 13 got baptized. 131 00:07:00,869 --> 00:07:04,589 But it should have said 200 accepted Christ as their savior and 132 00:07:04,589 --> 00:07:06,149 200 got baptized. 133 00:07:06,869 --> 00:07:09,429 Because again, I'm thankful those got saved. 134 00:07:09,589 --> 00:07:14,969 But that church did not fulfill the Great Commission to its 135 00:07:14,969 --> 00:07:17,969 entirety because the commission is threefold. 136 00:07:18,609 --> 00:07:21,369 And so when you win somebody to Jesus and somebody gets saved, 137 00:07:21,369 --> 00:07:24,249 and you don't follow through with baptism and you don't follow 138 00:07:24,249 --> 00:07:28,008 up and see them come and stir the waters of the Baptister, you 139 00:07:28,008 --> 00:07:29,649 have not fulfilled the Great Commission. 140 00:07:30,449 --> 00:07:34,689 When you don't encourage them and disciple them, you haven't fulfilled 141 00:07:34,689 --> 00:07:35,169 the Great Commission. 142 00:07:35,409 --> 00:07:39,549 So I want to make that clear, that our church's philosophy of ministry 143 00:07:39,709 --> 00:07:43,229 is a threefold commission. 144 00:07:43,469 --> 00:07:44,589 We believe in all three. 145 00:07:45,309 --> 00:07:48,269 And that is to again, evangelize, baptize and stabilize 146 00:07:48,269 --> 00:07:51,949 baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. 147 00:07:54,669 --> 00:07:57,709 You can't baptize your kid in your tub at home. 148 00:07:59,549 --> 00:08:03,669 This is proven here as Jesus is talking to the church there in 149 00:08:03,669 --> 00:08:04,349 Jerusalem. 150 00:08:05,339 --> 00:08:07,139 The commission was not given to individuals. 151 00:08:07,139 --> 00:08:08,299 It was given to the church. 152 00:08:08,859 --> 00:08:11,899 The ordinance of baptism, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. 153 00:08:12,379 --> 00:08:17,619 You have no right to go into the rest home and take your grape 154 00:08:17,619 --> 00:08:21,539 juice and your unleavened bread and go in and perform the Lord's 155 00:08:21,539 --> 00:08:22,779 Supper in the rest home. 156 00:08:23,099 --> 00:08:27,419 I know that sounds good, and you're being kind to those individuals, 157 00:08:27,419 --> 00:08:29,259 but you don't have the authority to do that. 158 00:08:29,819 --> 00:08:31,739 The church has the authority to baptize. 159 00:08:31,739 --> 00:08:35,739 The church has the authority to disperse the Lord's Supper. 160 00:08:37,049 --> 00:08:39,929 You can't baptize your kid in your tub at home. 161 00:08:40,649 --> 00:08:42,009 It's not a real baptism. 162 00:08:48,329 --> 00:08:52,729 What are necessary requirements, and why is there so 163 00:08:52,729 --> 00:08:54,489 much confusion concerning baptism? 164 00:08:55,049 --> 00:08:58,689 Well, I want to tell you that the devil doesn't like, doesn't like 165 00:08:58,689 --> 00:08:59,369 the gospel. 166 00:09:00,089 --> 00:09:02,249 And so he's in the confusing business. 167 00:09:03,408 --> 00:09:06,208 And so he has added to. 168 00:09:06,928 --> 00:09:11,288 He wants you to believe that you got to be saved and whatever 169 00:09:11,288 --> 00:09:16,368 that and is and you got to do good works and you got to be baptized. 170 00:09:16,768 --> 00:09:22,448 And there are so many churches, so called churches around 171 00:09:23,088 --> 00:09:27,968 the world that teach salvation plus something. 172 00:09:29,609 --> 00:09:33,609 Baptism more than anything teaches and has been the subject 173 00:09:33,609 --> 00:09:35,449 of controversy throughout the ages. 174 00:09:37,609 --> 00:09:40,649 There are three primary changes to take place in baptism 175 00:09:42,089 --> 00:09:43,009 throughout the ages. 176 00:09:43,009 --> 00:09:46,329 Number one was the mode was changed from immersion to sprinkling 177 00:09:46,489 --> 00:09:47,209 or pouring. 178 00:09:47,929 --> 00:09:50,449 And this is found especially in the Catholic Church. 179 00:09:50,449 --> 00:09:54,329 And as the great Reformation took place in the 1500s, many of 180 00:09:54,329 --> 00:09:59,309 those who broke away from the Catholic Church kept the wrong mode 181 00:09:59,309 --> 00:10:04,989 of baptism, whether that's Methodists or Lutherans or whomever. 182 00:10:05,229 --> 00:10:08,189 The sprinkling and the pouring that the Catholic Church allowed, 183 00:10:08,909 --> 00:10:14,269 which was not biblical, was adopted by many of the Protestants 184 00:10:14,509 --> 00:10:19,869 and is still practiced by most Protestant denominations. 185 00:10:21,129 --> 00:10:24,169 Baptism, they changed the mode. 186 00:10:24,809 --> 00:10:27,649 The design and picture of the death, burial and resurrection was 187 00:10:27,649 --> 00:10:29,209 changed to a means of grace. 188 00:10:29,209 --> 00:10:31,249 In other words, baptismal regeneration. 189 00:10:31,249 --> 00:10:35,249 It was changed to this is a picture of the deathbed and resurrection 190 00:10:35,249 --> 00:10:38,489 to this is a verbiage of grace. 191 00:10:38,489 --> 00:10:40,329 This is a way in which we receive grace. 192 00:10:40,649 --> 00:10:44,129 And whether that's through receiving a wafer by a priest whom 193 00:10:44,129 --> 00:10:47,959 you walk by and you're receiving, you're receiving grace 194 00:10:47,959 --> 00:10:51,039 or you're being sprinkled or pour on and you're receiving grace. 195 00:10:51,279 --> 00:10:52,079 No, no, no, no. 196 00:10:52,079 --> 00:10:54,319 Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection. 197 00:10:56,799 --> 00:11:01,439 In no way do you receive salvation through a piece of bread. 198 00:11:01,999 --> 00:11:05,919 No way do you receive salvation by getting wet in the baptistry. 199 00:11:07,759 --> 00:11:08,319 And then. 200 00:11:08,319 --> 00:11:09,679 But that's very prevalent. 201 00:11:10,159 --> 00:11:12,399 We're sheltered as Baptists, we're sheltered. 202 00:11:13,219 --> 00:11:17,219 But it's very prevalent out there still to this day, which just 203 00:11:17,219 --> 00:11:21,419 boggles my mind again, since the mode and design were changed, 204 00:11:21,419 --> 00:11:25,819 the subject was changed and instead of believers of accountable 205 00:11:25,819 --> 00:11:28,659 age, infants were being baptized. 206 00:11:30,819 --> 00:11:35,579 Infants can't be baptized because they can't accept Christ 207 00:11:35,579 --> 00:11:36,179 as Savior. 208 00:11:36,179 --> 00:11:37,379 They can't make that choice. 209 00:11:39,069 --> 00:11:44,869 Believer's baptism is the only mode, the only subject, the only 210 00:11:44,869 --> 00:11:46,589 design found in the New Testament. 211 00:11:46,589 --> 00:11:49,469 Nowhere in the New Testament can you find anybody being sprinkled. 212 00:11:49,709 --> 00:11:52,789 Nowhere in the New Testament can you find anyone being poured 213 00:11:52,789 --> 00:11:53,149 on. 214 00:11:53,309 --> 00:11:57,589 Nowhere in the New Testament can you find anyone except someone 215 00:11:57,589 --> 00:12:01,469 who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ receiving baptism. 216 00:12:01,949 --> 00:12:03,309 Nowhere in the New Testament. 217 00:12:04,199 --> 00:12:05,959 And yet this has been added onto. 218 00:12:06,199 --> 00:12:08,559 And you would think at some point somebody just read the New 219 00:12:08,559 --> 00:12:10,439 Testament and go, hey, why isn't this found in. 220 00:12:10,759 --> 00:12:12,239 Why is our church practicing this? 221 00:12:12,239 --> 00:12:13,959 But it's not found in the Bible? 222 00:12:14,599 --> 00:12:16,119 But that's not the approach. 223 00:12:17,959 --> 00:12:21,239 They're putting man's word as equal with God's word. 224 00:12:22,039 --> 00:12:22,599 Tradition. 225 00:12:22,599 --> 00:12:23,879 Equal with God's word. 226 00:12:25,319 --> 00:12:27,159 Thankful I'm not saved by tradition. 227 00:12:28,599 --> 00:12:31,589 I'm not saved by silver or gold or the tradition of man, but 228 00:12:31,589 --> 00:12:33,029 by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 229 00:12:33,029 --> 00:12:33,629 Amen. 230 00:12:34,429 --> 00:12:39,309 And so, again, we live in a sheltered environment I have, especially 231 00:12:39,309 --> 00:12:42,109 being grown, having grown up in a Baptist church. 232 00:12:42,749 --> 00:12:47,389 But I'm telling you, I hear this over and over and over again 233 00:12:47,869 --> 00:12:52,429 when I am out there amongst those who have visited us, as well 234 00:12:52,429 --> 00:12:55,469 as amongst others that ask me lots of questions. 235 00:12:57,239 --> 00:12:58,359 Who should be baptized? 236 00:12:59,079 --> 00:13:04,199 Well, a believer, we're not baptized in order to be saved. 237 00:13:04,519 --> 00:13:08,279 I know this is elementary for some of you, but we get baptized 238 00:13:08,279 --> 00:13:09,319 because we are saved. 239 00:13:10,359 --> 00:13:10,999 Amen. 240 00:13:12,439 --> 00:13:16,359 We get baptized in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ because 241 00:13:16,359 --> 00:13:17,799 He told us to be baptized. 242 00:13:18,599 --> 00:13:19,639 Acts 2:41. 243 00:13:19,639 --> 00:13:22,279 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized. 244 00:13:22,739 --> 00:13:24,699 Those who received the message that Peter preached. 245 00:13:24,699 --> 00:13:25,139 I still. 246 00:13:25,139 --> 00:13:26,299 I was talking with. 247 00:13:26,299 --> 00:13:27,339 This is Brother Belkin. 248 00:13:27,339 --> 00:13:29,819 I'm telling you, it still amazes me. 249 00:13:29,819 --> 00:13:30,659 Here is Peter. 250 00:13:30,659 --> 00:13:34,059 Fifty days after he denied Jesus Christ three times in Acts 251 00:13:34,059 --> 00:13:36,499 2:41, stands up and preaches to thousands. 252 00:13:36,819 --> 00:13:38,139 He calls them murderers. 253 00:13:38,139 --> 00:13:39,299 He said, you have killed. 254 00:13:39,299 --> 00:13:40,659 You murdered the Messiah. 255 00:13:40,899 --> 00:13:44,619 He gives them the proof that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, that 256 00:13:44,619 --> 00:13:45,299 he was the. 257 00:13:46,339 --> 00:13:47,219 He was the. 258 00:13:47,299 --> 00:13:49,019 You know the prophecies of Joel. 259 00:13:49,019 --> 00:13:49,539 And he. 260 00:13:50,049 --> 00:13:50,689 He goes through that. 261 00:13:50,689 --> 00:13:56,369 And then it says, after he finished preaching, then they that 262 00:13:56,369 --> 00:14:00,929 gladly received his word, those who received the message, those 263 00:14:01,009 --> 00:14:04,689 who believed the message that Peter preached were baptized. 264 00:14:05,648 --> 00:14:06,929 They had to receive it first. 265 00:14:07,729 --> 00:14:09,089 They had to believe it first. 266 00:14:09,809 --> 00:14:10,769 They had to believe what? 267 00:14:10,769 --> 00:14:13,409 They had to believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. 268 00:14:13,809 --> 00:14:15,009 That he was indeed. 269 00:14:15,819 --> 00:14:18,059 That he lived, died, and rose again for their salvation. 270 00:14:18,699 --> 00:14:22,859 Then they were saved, received the word, and then they were baptized. 271 00:14:23,179 --> 00:14:25,499 And then they were added unto the church. 272 00:14:25,499 --> 00:14:28,139 And again, I know I am a broken record. 273 00:14:28,379 --> 00:14:30,899 The church did not begin in Acts 2. 274 00:14:30,899 --> 00:14:32,459 It began in the Gospels. 275 00:14:32,459 --> 00:14:34,859 Jesus Christ founded the church. 276 00:14:35,499 --> 00:14:37,699 And the gates of hell shall not prevail upon this rock. 277 00:14:37,699 --> 00:14:39,019 He said, I will build my church. 278 00:14:39,419 --> 00:14:42,869 And the church was not founded by Peter. 279 00:14:42,949 --> 00:14:44,469 It was founded by Jesus Christ. 280 00:14:44,549 --> 00:14:48,309 And here we see the First Baptist Church of Jerusalem. 281 00:14:48,629 --> 00:14:50,789 He said, was it called that? 282 00:14:51,429 --> 00:14:55,189 No, but I'm just going to go ahead and say it was. 283 00:14:56,869 --> 00:15:01,389 But the church that Jesus Christ started, that 3,000 members 284 00:15:01,389 --> 00:15:01,909 were added. 285 00:15:02,309 --> 00:15:07,189 3,000 people were added to the membership after they were saved 286 00:15:07,749 --> 00:15:11,189 and after they were baptized, then they were added to the church. 287 00:15:11,989 --> 00:15:15,109 And so they received the message. 288 00:15:16,709 --> 00:15:19,909 In Acts, chapter eight, we have the story of the Ethiopian eunuch. 289 00:15:21,029 --> 00:15:22,629 And we won't turn there tonight. 290 00:15:22,629 --> 00:15:23,669 Most of you know the story. 291 00:15:23,669 --> 00:15:24,429 You can go read it. 292 00:15:24,429 --> 00:15:26,629 Acts 8, 29, 40. 293 00:15:27,669 --> 00:15:31,349 The Ethiopian Eunuch had come up to Jerusalem. 294 00:15:31,989 --> 00:15:35,069 And I heard a message recently on this by brother Tyler Gillet, 295 00:15:35,069 --> 00:15:36,389 the pastor of Worth Baptist Church. 296 00:15:36,819 --> 00:15:38,659 If you can go online and find the message. 297 00:15:38,659 --> 00:15:43,979 It is tremendous being reminded that he came to Jerusalem 298 00:15:43,979 --> 00:15:44,579 to worship. 299 00:15:45,219 --> 00:15:48,899 And a eunuch, being a eunuch, he wouldn't have been allowed in 300 00:15:48,899 --> 00:15:49,459 the temple. 301 00:15:50,099 --> 00:15:55,499 I have no doubt as he walked away, that the information he wanted, 302 00:15:55,499 --> 00:15:56,259 he did not get. 303 00:15:57,059 --> 00:15:59,379 The teachings he was wanting, he did not get. 304 00:15:59,939 --> 00:16:03,789 And as he's returning to Ethiopia, God sends. 305 00:16:06,429 --> 00:16:07,789 God sends a messenger. 306 00:16:09,229 --> 00:16:10,669 God sends a soul winner. 307 00:16:12,669 --> 00:16:14,749 Maybe you'll be that person that God sends. 308 00:16:16,189 --> 00:16:17,309 And God sent him. 309 00:16:21,789 --> 00:16:24,269 He was in a chariot reading Isaiah 53. 310 00:16:25,629 --> 00:16:26,909 I'm going to turn over there. 311 00:16:27,469 --> 00:16:28,509 Acts, chapter 8. 312 00:16:35,149 --> 00:16:42,629 Somewhere in the New Testament, it's Philip. 313 00:16:42,629 --> 00:16:46,749 And it says there in verse 29, I'll give you a second here, or let's 314 00:16:46,749 --> 00:16:47,709 look at verse 28. 315 00:16:48,029 --> 00:16:51,149 So Acts, chapter 8, verse 28. 316 00:16:54,999 --> 00:16:57,079 He was returning and sitting in his chariot. 317 00:16:57,159 --> 00:17:00,239 He was reading Isaiah, the Prophet, verse 29 says. 318 00:17:00,239 --> 00:17:02,919 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, go near and join thyself 319 00:17:02,919 --> 00:17:03,359 to the. 320 00:17:03,359 --> 00:17:04,039 To his chariot. 321 00:17:04,039 --> 00:17:05,799 I'm not going to do what brother Tyler Gillet did. 322 00:17:05,879 --> 00:17:06,599 He ran. 323 00:17:06,679 --> 00:17:10,999 Tyler Gillet at this point in his message runs for like 10 minutes 324 00:17:11,479 --> 00:17:12,119 in place. 325 00:17:16,279 --> 00:17:20,999 The message overrides the funniness of brother Gillett and 326 00:17:20,999 --> 00:17:21,479 what he did. 327 00:17:22,489 --> 00:17:24,489 But anyway, you got to see it. 328 00:17:26,169 --> 00:17:28,409 Philip ran to the chariot. 329 00:17:30,009 --> 00:17:32,889 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, go near and join thyself 330 00:17:32,889 --> 00:17:33,529 to this chariot. 331 00:17:33,529 --> 00:17:37,049 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah 332 00:17:37,049 --> 00:17:39,649 and said, understandest thou what thou readest? 333 00:17:39,649 --> 00:17:42,889 And he said, how can I except some man should guide me? 334 00:17:43,209 --> 00:17:46,489 And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 335 00:17:46,969 --> 00:17:48,409 He runs after the chariot. 336 00:17:49,969 --> 00:17:51,889 The place of the scripture which he read was this. 337 00:17:52,209 --> 00:17:53,729 This is Isaiah 53. 338 00:17:54,369 --> 00:17:57,809 He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before 339 00:17:57,809 --> 00:17:58,489 his shearers. 340 00:17:58,489 --> 00:18:00,449 So he opened he not his mouth. 341 00:18:00,769 --> 00:18:04,049 In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. 342 00:18:04,049 --> 00:18:07,369 And who shall declare his generation for his life is taken 343 00:18:07,369 --> 00:18:08,129 from the earth? 344 00:18:08,289 --> 00:18:13,849 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh 345 00:18:13,849 --> 00:18:14,689 the prophet this? 346 00:18:14,689 --> 00:18:17,999 Of himself or of some other man? 347 00:18:18,559 --> 00:18:22,279 Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the Same scripture and 348 00:18:22,279 --> 00:18:23,039 preached unto him. 349 00:18:23,039 --> 00:18:23,359 Who? 350 00:18:24,479 --> 00:18:25,119 Jesus. 351 00:18:25,999 --> 00:18:29,439 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water. 352 00:18:30,239 --> 00:18:32,278 And the eunuch said, see, here is water. 353 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:33,839 And what doth hinder me to be baptized? 354 00:18:33,839 --> 00:18:36,559 And Philip said, if thou want to get saved. 355 00:18:36,559 --> 00:18:38,159 No, it said, if thou believest. 356 00:18:38,959 --> 00:18:42,639 Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. 357 00:18:42,959 --> 00:18:46,799 And he answered and said, listen, I believe that Jesus Christ 358 00:18:47,759 --> 00:18:48,959 is the Son of God. 359 00:18:49,599 --> 00:18:53,719 By the way, then when he used the title Christ, that means Messiah. 360 00:18:53,719 --> 00:18:58,998 I believe Jesus, that means Savior is the Savior, who is the 361 00:18:58,998 --> 00:19:01,679 Messiah and is the Son of God. 362 00:19:03,439 --> 00:19:05,199 And he commanded the chariot to stand still. 363 00:19:05,199 --> 00:19:06,079 And they went down. 364 00:19:06,239 --> 00:19:06,639 What? 365 00:19:07,679 --> 00:19:09,879 Both into the water. 366 00:19:10,039 --> 00:19:11,799 Both Philip and the eunuch. 367 00:19:11,959 --> 00:19:16,919 And he baptized him both into the water. 368 00:19:17,239 --> 00:19:18,999 There was no sprinkling or pouring. 369 00:19:19,799 --> 00:19:21,479 But he said, that thou believest. 370 00:19:21,799 --> 00:19:28,319 Believing, receiving the message of the death, burial and 371 00:19:28,319 --> 00:19:32,519 resurrection is how we get saved. 372 00:19:34,289 --> 00:19:42,049 Baptism happens after Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, persecuted 373 00:19:42,049 --> 00:19:44,289 the church and God met him there. 374 00:19:45,409 --> 00:19:48,529 Why Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 375 00:19:51,009 --> 00:19:53,569 And Saul was gloriously saved. 376 00:19:54,449 --> 00:19:55,769 If you go read it again. 377 00:19:55,769 --> 00:19:57,009 I'm not going to do that tonight. 378 00:19:57,009 --> 00:20:00,839 Acts 9, 18, he goes to Ananias house and there's. 379 00:20:01,869 --> 00:20:02,589 He gets saved. 380 00:20:03,069 --> 00:20:10,749 And there he gets baptized after salvation and again over and 381 00:20:10,749 --> 00:20:11,829 over in the New Testament. 382 00:20:11,829 --> 00:20:14,589 I know I'm preaching to the choir tonight, but it's good to be 383 00:20:14,589 --> 00:20:17,149 reminded of this believers baptism. 384 00:20:17,389 --> 00:20:19,469 Only believers should be baptized. 385 00:20:20,509 --> 00:20:24,109 By the way, we preached just here a few months ago that only believers 386 00:20:24,109 --> 00:20:24,909 should join the church. 387 00:20:25,869 --> 00:20:29,629 We believe in a believer church membership. 388 00:20:32,989 --> 00:20:36,109 Every instance of the New Testament, only believers were baptized. 389 00:20:38,109 --> 00:20:40,429 Infants have no need to be baptized because they can't make 390 00:20:40,429 --> 00:20:40,869 the choice. 391 00:20:40,869 --> 00:20:45,149 Though I will remind you, they can't be saved, but they are safe. 392 00:20:45,309 --> 00:20:48,669 You say, how do I know that that baby is going to see. 393 00:20:48,669 --> 00:20:52,029 I'm going to see my baby in heaven that I lost, that died. 394 00:20:52,029 --> 00:20:55,929 I said, well, the Bible tells you King David, who committed adultery 395 00:20:55,929 --> 00:21:00,369 with Bathsheba, the baby that was born of that adulterous relationship 396 00:21:01,009 --> 00:21:05,809 and died, David said he would see the baby in heaven. 397 00:21:08,129 --> 00:21:10,289 That's good enough for me. 398 00:21:10,929 --> 00:21:11,569 Amen. 399 00:21:11,969 --> 00:21:13,289 And there's other places, too. 400 00:21:13,289 --> 00:21:16,249 We believe in the age of accountability, which means the Bible 401 00:21:16,249 --> 00:21:20,729 teaches through principle that a child is safe until the time in 402 00:21:20,729 --> 00:21:27,829 which they can understand what sin is right and wrong and have the 403 00:21:27,829 --> 00:21:31,349 ability to intellectually reason that out. 404 00:21:31,989 --> 00:21:33,109 If that makes sense. 405 00:21:33,189 --> 00:21:34,229 The age of accountability. 406 00:21:34,229 --> 00:21:36,069 Say, what age is that? 407 00:21:36,389 --> 00:21:37,109 I don't know. 408 00:21:38,228 --> 00:21:44,069 Is it 4, 5, 6, 7, sometimes 8, sometimes 9? 409 00:21:44,069 --> 00:21:48,349 What about those who are mentally handicapped, if they can't 410 00:21:48,349 --> 00:21:52,549 reason out, then we're going to see all of them in heaven. 411 00:21:53,749 --> 00:21:55,829 I'm thankful for the grace and mercy of God, aren't you? 412 00:21:56,709 --> 00:21:57,349 Amen. 413 00:21:58,469 --> 00:21:59,109 Amen. 414 00:22:03,669 --> 00:22:06,669 To baptize an unbeliever, it just means they got wet. 415 00:22:06,669 --> 00:22:07,749 They didn't get baptized. 416 00:22:09,189 --> 00:22:14,229 Nowhere in the Bible do you find nonbelievers being baptized. 417 00:22:15,039 --> 00:22:16,359 Are infants being baptized. 418 00:22:16,359 --> 00:22:17,279 You guys are quiet. 419 00:22:17,439 --> 00:22:17,799 I know. 420 00:22:17,799 --> 00:22:19,119 This is more like a Sunday school lesson. 421 00:22:19,119 --> 00:22:19,519 Number two. 422 00:22:19,519 --> 00:22:23,959 The mode of baptism immersion, again, sprinkling and pouring is 423 00:22:23,959 --> 00:22:25,999 not found in the New Testament anywhere. 424 00:22:26,079 --> 00:22:30,439 And the word baptism means to plunge or bury or cover up. 425 00:22:30,439 --> 00:22:31,839 I mean, the word itself. 426 00:22:34,479 --> 00:22:35,639 Our examples are found. 427 00:22:35,639 --> 00:22:36,679 I already read one of them. 428 00:22:36,679 --> 00:22:41,079 The Ethiopian eunuch, Jesus Christ himself was baptized and they 429 00:22:41,079 --> 00:22:41,919 went straight way. 430 00:22:41,919 --> 00:22:46,619 The Bible says they came straight way out of the water again, 431 00:22:47,179 --> 00:22:49,499 all the baptisms of the New Testament by immersion. 432 00:22:50,299 --> 00:22:51,419 I will stop there. 433 00:22:51,499 --> 00:22:53,659 Number three, the meaning of baptism. 434 00:22:53,979 --> 00:22:56,939 The meaning of baptism is paramount. 435 00:22:57,659 --> 00:22:59,539 If you get baptized, you don't know the meaning. 436 00:22:59,539 --> 00:23:03,499 All you did was a ritual, a meaningless ritual to you because 437 00:23:03,499 --> 00:23:05,419 you didn't know even why you were doing it. 438 00:23:06,059 --> 00:23:08,019 Now, the why is, of course, in obedience. 439 00:23:08,019 --> 00:23:09,659 But the picture is the most important thing. 440 00:23:11,129 --> 00:23:13,689 As someone enters the Baptist, they're entering into a grave. 441 00:23:15,129 --> 00:23:17,729 The picture is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus 442 00:23:17,729 --> 00:23:18,089 Christ. 443 00:23:19,609 --> 00:23:21,929 The picture is not washing away sins. 444 00:23:21,929 --> 00:23:26,889 And that's something that was inferred as even to myself growing 445 00:23:26,889 --> 00:23:27,129 up. 446 00:23:27,289 --> 00:23:30,129 And that is something not found in the New Testament. 447 00:23:30,129 --> 00:23:33,289 Nowhere in the New Testament does it say that the picture is. 448 00:23:34,089 --> 00:23:36,049 That baptism pictures are washing away of sins. 449 00:23:36,049 --> 00:23:36,649 It's not there. 450 00:23:38,259 --> 00:23:41,779 It's not a reconfiguration of some Old Testament washing, though. 451 00:23:41,779 --> 00:23:47,339 I reminded our baptismal candidate tonight that the Old Testament 452 00:23:47,339 --> 00:23:51,019 priest, yes, he came to the outside the court of the tabernacle, 453 00:23:51,019 --> 00:23:54,179 and he came to the brazen laver, and he was told to wash himself. 454 00:23:54,259 --> 00:23:57,939 And if he went into the temple without washing the dirt off himself, 455 00:23:57,939 --> 00:23:59,459 the Bible says God would kill him. 456 00:23:59,939 --> 00:24:03,229 I think I would really pay attention to make sure I was good 457 00:24:03,229 --> 00:24:03,789 and clean. 458 00:24:04,589 --> 00:24:07,149 But that's nowhere in the New Testament. 459 00:24:07,149 --> 00:24:10,189 It tells us that that is some kind of reconfiguration of that Old 460 00:24:10,189 --> 00:24:10,949 Testament washing. 461 00:24:10,949 --> 00:24:13,909 And there were other washings in the Old Testament, but nothing 462 00:24:13,909 --> 00:24:15,149 to do with New Testament baptism. 463 00:24:15,149 --> 00:24:17,869 In fact, John the Baptist was asked why he baptized. 464 00:24:17,869 --> 00:24:19,149 And he said it came from the Father. 465 00:24:19,949 --> 00:24:24,989 He didn't say it came from the Old Testament, came from the Lord. 466 00:24:26,989 --> 00:24:31,149 Many denominations teach baptism is necessary for salvation. 467 00:24:31,869 --> 00:24:32,749 The Catholics. 468 00:24:33,869 --> 00:24:35,149 The Catholics teach that. 469 00:24:37,069 --> 00:24:38,469 So we say this a lot. 470 00:24:38,469 --> 00:24:39,789 In fact, I just said it the other day. 471 00:24:40,189 --> 00:24:42,669 I believe when we get to heaven there's not just going to 472 00:24:42,669 --> 00:24:49,549 be Baptists there, but there is a reason why we as Baptists sometimes 473 00:24:49,549 --> 00:24:52,989 we kind of get in that mood that we're the only ones going to 474 00:24:52,989 --> 00:24:53,309 be there. 475 00:24:53,629 --> 00:24:56,469 And there is a sect of Baptists called Baptist Brighters 476 00:24:56,469 --> 00:24:57,619 who believe there's. 477 00:24:57,619 --> 00:24:58,819 Anyway, we won't go through it. 478 00:24:59,539 --> 00:25:03,579 But the reason why we believe that is because there's so many false 479 00:25:03,579 --> 00:25:04,419 teachings out there. 480 00:25:04,739 --> 00:25:08,419 And so many of these other denominations, because they're not 481 00:25:08,419 --> 00:25:12,019 preaching the gospel and because they're not preaching the 482 00:25:12,019 --> 00:25:14,659 gospel, their congregation doesn't have the truth. 483 00:25:16,499 --> 00:25:21,459 They believe most of teachings that baptism saves you. 484 00:25:22,099 --> 00:25:23,459 There is the Church of Christ. 485 00:25:23,779 --> 00:25:27,339 The Church of Christ for years and they backed off of this. 486 00:25:27,339 --> 00:25:31,209 Some of the bigger Church of Christ now no longer sing a cappella. 487 00:25:31,209 --> 00:25:34,289 They got instruments and they also do not teach this. 488 00:25:34,289 --> 00:25:37,729 But when I was a kid growing up, I still have in my office the 489 00:25:37,969 --> 00:25:41,569 pamphlet that I received in the mail that says if you are not 490 00:25:41,569 --> 00:25:46,849 baptized in a church of Christ Church, you're not going to heaven. 491 00:25:48,369 --> 00:25:50,209 You have to be baptized in their church. 492 00:25:51,729 --> 00:25:55,669 And again, a lot of them don't practice that as much anymore. 493 00:25:57,269 --> 00:26:00,069 Catholics, you got to be baptized in the Catholic Church to 494 00:26:00,069 --> 00:26:03,829 go to heaven or some kind of in between state. 495 00:26:06,789 --> 00:26:07,149 Right. 496 00:26:07,149 --> 00:26:11,029 I'm just being honest tonight and just say it like it is. 497 00:26:11,589 --> 00:26:17,149 But you say, well then if most other churches teach works for salvation, 498 00:26:17,149 --> 00:26:20,629 then I guess we could justify saying that Baptist is the only one's 499 00:26:20,629 --> 00:26:20,949 going to be there. 500 00:26:20,949 --> 00:26:21,669 That's not the case. 501 00:26:22,599 --> 00:26:23,199 I'm thankful. 502 00:26:23,199 --> 00:26:28,359 I have met many others who though their priests may teach otherwise, 503 00:26:28,679 --> 00:26:31,319 they believe Jesus Christ was indeed the son of God. 504 00:26:31,719 --> 00:26:33,719 They believe like the Ethiopian eunuch. 505 00:26:34,119 --> 00:26:36,919 I remember Dr. Barber telling me years ago that he had a doctor 506 00:26:36,919 --> 00:26:37,239 friend. 507 00:26:38,199 --> 00:26:41,279 And the doctor, actually it was one of his doctors. 508 00:26:41,279 --> 00:26:43,799 And he said he was staunch Catholic. 509 00:26:44,439 --> 00:26:49,449 But as he talked to him, this doctor believed in salvation by grace 510 00:26:49,449 --> 00:26:50,049 through faith. 511 00:26:50,769 --> 00:26:54,449 And Dr. Barber said, I believe I'm going to see my doctor in heaven. 512 00:26:54,769 --> 00:27:00,969 And though he's still a practicing Catholic, listen, salvation's 513 00:27:00,969 --> 00:27:01,409 simple. 514 00:27:03,648 --> 00:27:05,329 Do you believe in Jesus Christ? 515 00:27:05,889 --> 00:27:08,369 Do you believe he lived, died and rose again? 516 00:27:09,009 --> 00:27:10,249 Do you believe you're a sinner? 517 00:27:10,249 --> 00:27:11,569 Have you repented of your sins? 518 00:27:11,889 --> 00:27:16,289 Do you realize that my sin, our sins put Jesus on the cross? 519 00:27:16,289 --> 00:27:19,859 And those who do repent, and those who do believe, and those who 520 00:27:19,859 --> 00:27:22,819 do, put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, his life, his 521 00:27:22,819 --> 00:27:25,899 death and his resurrection, the Bible says they're saved, they've 522 00:27:25,899 --> 00:27:26,619 been rescued. 523 00:27:28,379 --> 00:27:29,019 Amen. 524 00:27:29,419 --> 00:27:31,299 Doesn't matter whether it's sitting in the Catholic church or 525 00:27:31,299 --> 00:27:32,139 a Baptist church. 526 00:27:33,819 --> 00:27:38,459 I think they should reason it out and you know, get right and join 527 00:27:38,459 --> 00:27:39,739 a church of preaching the gospel. 528 00:27:42,309 --> 00:27:42,789 Amen. 529 00:27:43,669 --> 00:27:44,269 Amen. 530 00:27:44,269 --> 00:27:44,789 All right. 531 00:27:48,149 --> 00:27:51,629 Baptism is an act of obedience, but not essential to the 532 00:27:51,629 --> 00:27:53,669 gospel, not essential to salvation. 533 00:27:54,629 --> 00:27:56,789 It's a picture of the death, burial and resurrection. 534 00:27:57,429 --> 00:27:58,428 Romans, chapter 6. 535 00:27:58,428 --> 00:28:02,869 Most of you know the verses and my dad made me memorize this 536 00:28:02,869 --> 00:28:03,909 chapter when I was a kid. 537 00:28:04,069 --> 00:28:05,989 I just like to point that out every once in a while. 538 00:28:06,229 --> 00:28:07,589 My dad was cruel. 539 00:28:10,349 --> 00:28:11,589 Oh, he's in here tonight. 540 00:28:11,589 --> 00:28:12,189 I'm sorry. 541 00:28:13,149 --> 00:28:14,829 Look at if you want to turn there. 542 00:28:15,229 --> 00:28:18,789 Romans chapter 6, verse 1 says, what shall we say then? 543 00:28:18,789 --> 00:28:20,589 Shall we continue in sin that grace should abound? 544 00:28:20,989 --> 00:28:21,869 God forbid. 545 00:28:22,029 --> 00:28:24,589 How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein. 546 00:28:24,589 --> 00:28:27,389 That's two verses that we could spend some time on. 547 00:28:28,589 --> 00:28:31,469 Being saved by grace through faith does not give you a license 548 00:28:31,469 --> 00:28:32,909 to live however you want to live. 549 00:28:35,239 --> 00:28:35,839 I don't want to. 550 00:28:35,839 --> 00:28:36,279 Yeah. 551 00:28:37,319 --> 00:28:37,999 Verse 3. 552 00:28:37,999 --> 00:28:40,759 Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ 553 00:28:40,759 --> 00:28:42,119 were baptized in his death. 554 00:28:42,199 --> 00:28:43,639 Can you literally do that? 555 00:28:44,119 --> 00:28:46,519 No, he's giving you the picture here. 556 00:28:46,759 --> 00:28:49,959 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like 557 00:28:49,959 --> 00:28:50,679 as Christ. 558 00:28:51,159 --> 00:28:55,959 If I have an HCA student that I'm baptizing, I always like to ask 559 00:28:55,959 --> 00:28:57,879 him, did you learn similes in English? 560 00:28:59,169 --> 00:29:05,169 And most I don't know anyway that like as Christ comparison was 561 00:29:05,169 --> 00:29:07,489 raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father. 562 00:29:07,489 --> 00:29:09,169 Even so we also should walk in newness of life. 563 00:29:09,169 --> 00:29:11,449 For if we've been planted together in the likeness of death, 564 00:29:11,449 --> 00:29:16,449 we shall also be found be also in the likeness of his resurrection 565 00:29:16,849 --> 00:29:17,729 and on and on. 566 00:29:17,809 --> 00:29:22,609 But again verse four, the comparison, the death, burial and 567 00:29:22,609 --> 00:29:23,049 resurrection. 568 00:29:23,049 --> 00:29:24,689 That's what we're picturing tonight. 569 00:29:26,019 --> 00:29:27,219 That's what we're going to see tonight. 570 00:29:27,619 --> 00:29:29,219 The death, burial and resurrection. 571 00:29:30,259 --> 00:29:31,939 The gospel displayed. 572 00:29:33,059 --> 00:29:37,299 The gospel reenacted if you would for all to see. 573 00:29:38,179 --> 00:29:40,259 Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again. 574 00:29:42,419 --> 00:29:46,819 The gospel being realized first. 575 00:29:46,819 --> 00:29:50,819 Peter says that being baptized as a Christian, as a born again believer 576 00:29:50,819 --> 00:29:52,659 is an answer of a good conscience towards God. 577 00:29:53,079 --> 00:29:54,439 I've seen this too over the years. 578 00:29:54,439 --> 00:29:57,839 I've seen, I've had one individual especially one time came 579 00:29:57,839 --> 00:29:59,799 to me and said preacher, I've been saved for 15 years, haven't 580 00:29:59,799 --> 00:30:03,079 been baptized and it's bothered me for 15 years. 581 00:30:07,879 --> 00:30:11,439 God just the Holy Spirit just kept knocking at his door, kept knocking 582 00:30:11,439 --> 00:30:16,359 on his heart, felt the conviction answer of a good conscience 583 00:30:16,359 --> 00:30:17,159 towards God. 584 00:30:17,879 --> 00:30:19,479 Again, the water pictures a grave. 585 00:30:20,289 --> 00:30:22,129 The water pictures the wrath of God upon sin. 586 00:30:22,129 --> 00:30:23,409 Just as in Noah's flood. 587 00:30:23,569 --> 00:30:28,689 Peter gives that same analogy and the same picture of baptism and 588 00:30:28,769 --> 00:30:29,489 the flood. 589 00:30:29,889 --> 00:30:31,089 Again, the comparison. 590 00:30:31,329 --> 00:30:36,009 When God sent the rain and the flood, what was that? 591 00:30:36,009 --> 00:30:37,809 That was God's judgment upon sin. 592 00:30:39,249 --> 00:30:40,689 God's judgment upon sin. 593 00:30:42,609 --> 00:30:45,249 When you walk down into the baptister, you're walking down into 594 00:30:45,249 --> 00:30:46,369 the judgment of God. 595 00:30:47,449 --> 00:30:49,529 The waters picture the judgment of God. 596 00:30:50,729 --> 00:30:53,529 When the candidate is placed into the water, it's placing him 597 00:30:53,529 --> 00:30:56,769 going into the judgment of God or her going into the judgment of 598 00:30:56,769 --> 00:30:57,129 God. 599 00:30:57,209 --> 00:31:01,569 But because you're saved, you escape the judgment of God, escape 600 00:31:01,569 --> 00:31:01,929 death. 601 00:31:03,289 --> 00:31:04,169 Hallelujah. 602 00:31:04,569 --> 00:31:05,769 I'm glad I know I'm saved. 603 00:31:05,769 --> 00:31:06,329 Aren't you? 604 00:31:06,729 --> 00:31:08,409 I'm glad I don't have to fear death. 605 00:31:09,129 --> 00:31:10,569 I don't fear dying. 606 00:31:11,209 --> 00:31:12,649 I fear how I'm going to die. 607 00:31:13,299 --> 00:31:14,339 But I don't fear dying. 608 00:31:14,739 --> 00:31:15,219 I don't. 609 00:31:15,219 --> 00:31:17,219 Not at all, said preacher. 610 00:31:17,219 --> 00:31:18,259 I wish I had that kind of peace. 611 00:31:18,339 --> 00:31:21,739 Well, pray as a believer, I truly have that. 612 00:31:21,739 --> 00:31:23,539 I do not fear death. 613 00:31:24,259 --> 00:31:25,299 I know where I'm going. 614 00:31:25,859 --> 00:31:28,779 I know when I close my eyes in death, I will be in the presence 615 00:31:28,779 --> 00:31:29,459 of Jesus. 616 00:31:29,699 --> 00:31:33,699 I just know that I believe it without a shadow of a doubt. 617 00:31:34,499 --> 00:31:35,139 I'm thankful. 618 00:31:35,139 --> 00:31:38,259 I know I'll see Charlene again someday. 619 00:31:38,579 --> 00:31:39,779 I'm so thankful for that hope. 620 00:31:39,779 --> 00:31:41,769 Aren't you so thankful? 621 00:31:44,169 --> 00:31:47,929 By the way, no one else is allowed to die in our church this 622 00:31:47,929 --> 00:31:48,249 year. 623 00:31:48,409 --> 00:31:50,249 No one this year or next year. 624 00:31:51,369 --> 00:31:53,929 As I get older, I'm finding myself a little more. 625 00:31:54,809 --> 00:31:56,969 Yeah, it affects me a little more. 626 00:31:57,449 --> 00:31:59,249 Is it because I'm getting older, Brother Jerry? 627 00:31:59,249 --> 00:32:10,059 Or is it, yeah, guys are going to kill me, but I'm so thankful. 628 00:32:10,059 --> 00:32:12,179 I know I'm so thankful. 629 00:32:14,819 --> 00:32:16,499 There are three primary verses. 630 00:32:17,139 --> 00:32:18,739 There's actually five that they use. 631 00:32:19,059 --> 00:32:21,459 Some of them are just so silly, I don't want to cover them. 632 00:32:21,539 --> 00:32:26,899 For instance, they'll use the one where Jesus is with the woman 633 00:32:26,899 --> 00:32:30,739 at the well, and he says to her, you must be born again. 634 00:32:32,189 --> 00:32:34,349 You must be born of the water and the spirit. 635 00:32:34,349 --> 00:32:36,109 And they'll say that water's baptism. 636 00:32:39,069 --> 00:32:40,909 That is ridiculous. 637 00:32:42,589 --> 00:32:45,829 There's nothing in that scripture that even closely says 638 00:32:45,829 --> 00:32:46,189 that. 639 00:32:46,269 --> 00:32:48,989 And yet a mainline denomination teaches that. 640 00:32:50,269 --> 00:32:51,469 It's ridiculous. 641 00:32:52,269 --> 00:32:54,589 It's not even close to what it's saying. 642 00:32:55,229 --> 00:32:55,909 I'm sorry. 643 00:32:55,909 --> 00:33:01,159 I'm feel the blood rushing to my head because it doesn't even make 644 00:33:01,159 --> 00:33:01,559 sense. 645 00:33:02,519 --> 00:33:07,879 He's comparing being born of the spirit to a water birth. 646 00:33:08,439 --> 00:33:09,719 That's the comparison. 647 00:33:09,799 --> 00:33:13,959 It's 100% plain and simple. 648 00:33:14,599 --> 00:33:18,079 Until you try to take a doctrine that's not found in the 649 00:33:18,079 --> 00:33:19,719 Bible and make it fit. 650 00:33:20,359 --> 00:33:21,559 And then you have to. 651 00:33:22,199 --> 00:33:26,889 You have to twist scripture in order to make what you believe fit 652 00:33:26,889 --> 00:33:27,569 the Scripture. 653 00:33:27,889 --> 00:33:33,809 That's what they do to the point of nonsense. 654 00:33:35,089 --> 00:33:35,369 Good. 655 00:33:35,369 --> 00:33:35,889 I feel better. 656 00:33:35,889 --> 00:33:36,529 I'll move on. 657 00:33:37,569 --> 00:33:41,009 But there are some verses, in fact, the Bible says this. 658 00:33:41,089 --> 00:33:43,249 There are some verses that are hard to be understood. 659 00:33:43,969 --> 00:33:45,889 And we gotta take those into consideration. 660 00:33:46,049 --> 00:33:48,449 One of those is found in Mark 16:16. 661 00:33:48,769 --> 00:33:51,619 And again, we're not gonna turn there, but I just wanna briefly 662 00:33:51,619 --> 00:33:53,939 say the emphasis is on belief, not baptism. 663 00:33:55,299 --> 00:33:56,579 Acts 2:38. 664 00:33:57,379 --> 00:33:59,299 It says for the remission of sins. 665 00:33:59,379 --> 00:34:05,339 If you look up the word for in any dictionary, the very first word 666 00:34:05,339 --> 00:34:12,499 or synonym or defining deal will be because of or representative 667 00:34:12,499 --> 00:34:12,899 of. 668 00:34:14,179 --> 00:34:15,059 So just be careful. 669 00:34:15,059 --> 00:34:17,899 Some of these verses that are hard to be understood, some of them 670 00:34:17,899 --> 00:34:18,059 is. 671 00:34:18,059 --> 00:34:19,979 Just look it up in a dictionary. 672 00:34:20,139 --> 00:34:21,339 It'll sure help you. 673 00:34:23,259 --> 00:34:27,579 And then in Acts 22, verse 16, again, we have this issue with Paul 674 00:34:27,579 --> 00:34:28,779 on the road to Damascus. 675 00:34:28,859 --> 00:34:29,579 And when he's. 676 00:34:29,819 --> 00:34:30,299 I'm just. 677 00:34:30,299 --> 00:34:31,339 I'm looking at one person. 678 00:34:31,979 --> 00:34:36,699 And in Acts 22, the emphasis again is on the belief, not the baptism. 679 00:34:39,099 --> 00:34:40,219 And then I'll just. 680 00:34:40,219 --> 00:34:41,579 I'll just say this and we're done. 681 00:34:42,299 --> 00:34:47,669 If you're going to take three or four or five verses and twist 682 00:34:47,669 --> 00:34:51,189 them to make them fit what you believe. 683 00:34:53,189 --> 00:34:59,029 5 verses out of 100 that teach salvation by grace through faith, 684 00:35:01,989 --> 00:35:03,429 it doesn't make sense to me. 685 00:35:06,229 --> 00:35:10,389 I'm going to put my trust and my faith in the hundred. 686 00:35:10,789 --> 00:35:11,989 And I'm not exaggerating. 687 00:35:12,509 --> 00:35:19,269 Over 100 verses, over 100 examples that we could give of salvation 688 00:35:19,269 --> 00:35:23,469 by grace through faith plus nothing, minus nothing. 689 00:35:24,349 --> 00:35:28,669 It's believing, trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, his life, 690 00:35:28,669 --> 00:35:30,029 his death, and his resurrection. 691 00:35:30,669 --> 00:35:32,509 Getting wet doesn't get you to heaven. 692 00:35:34,269 --> 00:35:36,989 Getting wet just because a priest did it doesn't get you to 693 00:35:36,989 --> 00:35:37,389 heaven. 694 00:35:39,079 --> 00:35:40,999 I think the Bible says we're all priests. 695 00:35:42,679 --> 00:35:45,159 We're all to be ministers of the grace of God. 696 00:35:45,959 --> 00:35:47,239 In fact, get technical. 697 00:35:47,239 --> 00:35:51,239 We're all supposed to be preachers preaching the gospel, teaching 698 00:35:51,239 --> 00:35:51,799 the gospel. 699 00:35:56,199 --> 00:35:58,679 In order to be baptized, a person must be a believer. 700 00:35:59,399 --> 00:36:02,199 In order to be scripturally baptized, one must be immersed. 701 00:36:04,769 --> 00:36:09,609 Again, in order for one to be baptized, one must understand the 702 00:36:09,609 --> 00:36:10,649 reason they're being baptized. 703 00:36:10,649 --> 00:36:13,649 In other words, don't we got to be careful? 704 00:36:13,809 --> 00:36:18,409 This has happened in the past too, where baptism was nothing more 705 00:36:18,409 --> 00:36:19,209 than just a ritual. 706 00:36:19,209 --> 00:36:20,849 Just rush people through the Baptistry. 707 00:36:20,849 --> 00:36:22,369 Get them wet and go on. 708 00:36:22,369 --> 00:36:24,209 No, you should know what you believe and why. 709 00:36:24,929 --> 00:36:29,369 And baptism only really becomes real to you if you know why 710 00:36:29,369 --> 00:36:32,199 you're being baptized and it should be real to you. 711 00:36:32,919 --> 00:36:34,999 You should understand why you're being baptized. 712 00:36:35,719 --> 00:36:36,999 And it's so very important. 713 00:36:39,319 --> 00:36:42,359 And then a reminder that the scriptural authority to be baptized 714 00:36:42,359 --> 00:36:46,838 is found in the churches and not in individuals. 715 00:36:47,319 --> 00:36:50,479 You can baptize your kid in the bathtub all you want, but you 716 00:36:50,479 --> 00:36:52,039 don't have the authority to baptize. 717 00:36:53,959 --> 00:36:56,849 And let me clarify, too, and I've said this over the years, many 718 00:36:56,849 --> 00:36:57,169 times. 719 00:36:58,289 --> 00:37:00,049 I don't have the authority to baptize. 720 00:37:01,729 --> 00:37:02,529 I don't. 721 00:37:03,169 --> 00:37:06,849 I can't go home and baptize my kid in the bathtub either. 722 00:37:07,889 --> 00:37:09,969 No, the church has the authority to baptize. 723 00:37:11,329 --> 00:37:12,368 We could vote. 724 00:37:12,369 --> 00:37:17,409 And because I've been the pastor of the church here and ordained 725 00:37:17,409 --> 00:37:19,529 and all those things, of course I have the authority with 726 00:37:19,529 --> 00:37:21,569 this church to baptize here. 727 00:37:23,409 --> 00:37:26,769 I don't have the authority to baptize at Antioch Baptist Church 728 00:37:26,769 --> 00:37:27,249 in Rome. 729 00:37:28,609 --> 00:37:31,089 That church would have to vote for me to baptize there. 730 00:37:32,129 --> 00:37:36,689 By the way, we could vote for any man to baptize here if we wanted 731 00:37:36,689 --> 00:37:36,809 to. 732 00:37:36,809 --> 00:37:39,409 And we've done that a couple of times years ago. 733 00:37:40,929 --> 00:37:42,369 Those are exceptions, by the way. 734 00:37:42,769 --> 00:37:44,929 I'm not going to vote anybody to baptize. 735 00:37:46,209 --> 00:37:47,809 But, yeah, you as a church. 736 00:37:47,809 --> 00:37:49,649 We as a church have the authority to baptize. 737 00:37:50,699 --> 00:37:51,499 Isn't that amazing? 738 00:37:52,539 --> 00:37:54,059 Aren't you glad God put it that way? 739 00:37:56,539 --> 00:37:58,779 Anybody and their brother could be out there baptizing. 740 00:37:59,419 --> 00:37:59,979 No, it's. 741 00:37:59,979 --> 00:38:01,499 The church has the authority to do so. 742 00:38:01,499 --> 00:38:04,339 All right, let's all stand, have a verse invitation. 743 00:38:04,339 --> 00:38:04,959 I know it's more.