THE PRIVILEGE OF BAPTISM

Introduction:

A. The Pathway Of Salvation

1. Must hear the Word of God.

2. Must believe that it is the truth.

3. Must repent of past sins and sinfulness.

4. Must confess Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.

B. The Final Step Of The Merger - Baptism

Body: Mark 16: 15, 16

I. Acts 2: 37 - 38

A. The people wanted to know what to do about their sin.

B. Peter told them REMISSION OF SINS comes from baptism.

II. Acts 22: 14 - 16

A. When Paul was converted, Ananias commanded him concerning what to do.

B. Ananias told Paul to WASH AWAY HIS SINS by being baptized.

III. Romans 6: 3 - 5

A. It is the way INTO CHRIST.

B. It is the way we DIE to the old self, BURY the old self, then RESURRECT to a new life.

C. Baptism UNITES us with Christ.

IV. 1 Peter 3: 21 - 22

A. Noah and his family were saved by the same water which destroyed the rest of the sinful world.

B. We are now SAVED by water through the act of baptism.

C. Baptism is the ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE.

Conclusion:

A. What Hinders You From Being Baptized?

1. The excuse of Naaman [Why]? (2 Kings 5)

2. The excuse of Felix [not the right time]? (Acts 24: 25)

3. Paul's problem [having not seen the light]? (Acts 9)

B. Be Baptized!

1. It is a command from Jesus.

2. It is a privilege which has been given to us by God.

a. It is a special gift from God.
b. We do not deserve to be freed from our slavery to sin.