ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
The Believer’s Life After Baptism
Text: Acts 2:41-47 IBCSS April 2, 2006
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
The most significant turning point of a man’s life is certainly his regeneration, and without doubt, the most memorable event in his spiritual life after salvation is his water baptism. In Acts 2:41, it is written, Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (KJV) What a magnificent result of preaching the Good News to sinful men. Truly, the new converts were not only delighted in God’s great salvation, but were also willing to be baptized.
Water baptism is an eye-catching activity to many people, but for those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ, it gives a new height of joy to their lives.
In Acts 8:36-39, it is written, And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (KJV) These verses give us a vivid picture of the believer’s candid expression of excitement and joy before and after water baptism.
Obedience to water baptism after salvation is a touching way of showing one’s profession of faith in Christ. It’s the believer’s significant way of identifying himself with Christ. The believer’s water baptism portrays Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. In Romans 6:4-6, it is written, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV)What a hope-giving passages for us to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian life is a vibrant life filled with love, joy, peace and truth.
Biblical water baptism is a very interesting lesson indeed, as we study the Bible, it should be also our desire to learn more about the believer’s life after baptism so we may live a well-spent life for the Lord.
(I) The Need Of Sound Doctrines
Acts 2:41-42
-The Word of God
Without the Word of God, baptized believers will not grow spiritually as they ought to. The Word of God has a vital role in the believer’s spiritual growth and inattentiveness toward the Word will keep down the believer to spiritual stagnancy.
In Matthew 28:18-20, it is written, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) These passages from the Bible remind us the importance of further learning the Word of God after baptism. Sound doctrine makes a believer a sound witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(II) The Importance Of Fellowship
Acts 2:42
-Fellowship with other Christians
Christ-centered fellowship is yet to be appreciated by many Christians. In Acts 2:42, it is written, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV) Christian fellowship is very beneficial to believers. It gives strength and encouragement to the congregation. It also develops deep friendship among the believers.
(III) The Importance Of Partaking The Lord’s Supper
Acts 2:42
-Its significance
There are many ways of remembering the Lord, but in regards to remembering His death and coming again, the believers’ participation in the Lord’s Supper is the most significant way. In I Corinthians 11:24-26, it is written, And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (KJV) The Lord’s Supper should not be taken lightly, but seriously. Faithful believer should not miss this memorable activity because it has something to do with one’s mindfulness of the Blessed Savior.
(IV) The Importance Of Established Prayer Life
Acts 2:42
-The power of prayer
Every Christian must have a consistent prayer life. Praying and Bible study draw a believer closer to God. Group praying should not be overlooked but be supported by believers. In Acts 4:31-33, it is written, And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (KJV) Prayerful Christians are powerful witnesses of the grace of God.
(V) The Need Of Unquestionable Sense Of Belonging
Acts 2:44-46
-Godly associates
Apparently, many professing believers who are more inclined to worldliness are the same people who have deep friendship with the unsaved. By nature, everyone longs for a sense of belonging, but for Christian one must be particularly careful in choosing his lifetime associates. God-fearing people are the best associates and they are usually found in the Church.
Christ-likeness should be the spiritual goal of every believer, but it takes right association to become like Jesus. In Acts 2:43-46, it is written, And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (KJV)
(VI) The Importance Of Praising God
Acts 2:47
-Praising God with other believers
It’s so sad but true that many baptized believers do not grow spiritually because they overlook the importance of church attendance. They miss the blessings of being together in praising the Living God, and as a result, many are being tossed to and fro by questionable philosophies of life. They miss many essential things that could lead them to spiritual growth and productiveness.
In Acts 2:47, it is written, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV) The amazing results of the early believers’ faith and walk with God are undeniable. May all those who received the Good News with gladness in their hearts and are Biblically baptized follow the footsteps of our forefathers of faith. Keep in mind that the believer’s life after baptism is full of excitement and awesome working of God.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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