We continue our sermon series entitled “Theology from the ocean”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Terri Whiston. This service includes believers’ baptisms.

Notes

This morning we celebrate and thank God for Candice, Lewis, Tony, Martin, and Paul who have responded to the good news of Jesus Christ and desire to follow in the footsteps of the Messiah. Believers’ baptism portrays a special message of love and hope as a public declaration of faith is made. If you would like to know more about believers’ baptism, please speak to our minister or one of the deacons as we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Excerpt from a baptism poem by B Gotti

As we go forth preaching salvation, we make disciples in every nation, 
Baptizing then in the Name of Christ, from whom they received new life. 
Also in the Father, Son and Spirit, when believing Truth as they hear it, 
Baptized after they have believed, and God’s Spirit they have received. 

Baptism is an ordinance of our Lord, and by men should not be ignored, 
It is a part of the Great Commission and a part of the Christian mission. 
When people in God’s Truth believe, God’s Holy Spirit they then receive, 
To help them turn from their old life, and live anew through Jesus Christ. 

You are immersed in Jesus Christ, to emerge from the water in new life, 
You have buried your old nature to sin, and you then begin to live in Him. 
To the world, we’re not to be conformed, but in The Spirit be transformed, 
Baptized into Jesus, who paid the price, so we could be a living sacrifice. 

Matthew 28:19-20

 ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1 Peter 3:21

and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Acts 2:41

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:34-38

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

³⁶ As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” ^{[37]   38} And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.