Speaking the Truth in Love
What Must I Do To Be Saved? (Go Forward From Baptism)
During our last program in our series, “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” we talked about the need for all people to be baptized in God's baptism. The reason for this is we want to be saved by being washed from ours sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16) and we want to be saved for eternity (1 Timothy 4:16, Revelation 2:10). For the Christian baptism is the start of his/her spiritual journey to Heaven. Let's study God's Word to find out about the Christian after baptism.
I. EXAMPLES OF OBEDIENT PEOPLE AFTER BAPTISM IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
A. Three Thousand practiced their Christianity and continued to teach at Jerusalem (Acts 2:42), which fulfills John 16:7-15. Teaching others is what a Christian does (Acts 4:4, 5:14, 6:1-7, 9:42-43).
B. Samaritans via Philip's teaching were baptized and churches established throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. Samaria continued to be edified (Acts 9:31).
C. Simon was converted, fell, and repented (Acts 8:13-24). The Christian's life does not end at baptism. He must continue to battle against sin (1 John 1:8-10).
D. Ethiopian was converted on his way home. He took his new found Christianity back with him - possibly taught others. He rejoiced (Acts 8:39)! Rejoicing is a motivator and part of living as a Christian after baptism (Ps. 118:24, Phil. 1:18, 4:4, 1 Thes. 5:16-18, 1 Peter 1:3-9).
E. Saul/Paul - vessel of God/Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16, 22:21). Wrote Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Notice Galatians 1:11-2:10.
F. Lydia was converted with her household (Acts 16:14-15). In Acts 16:40 notice that she was there to help fellow Christians with hospitality. Hospitality is part of living as a Christian (Galatians 6:6).
G. Disciples at Ephesus – These found out they had only been baptized according to John's teaching (Acts 19:1-7). This brought about action on their part. Notice Ephesians 1:13-14 andRevelation 2:1-7.
II. BAPTISM IS THE BEGINNING (John 3:1-7)
A. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of Action! (James 2:14-26, especially 20-26)
B. Action includes teaching others (Hebrews 5:12-14, James 5:19-20)
C. Christians are to be LIVELY STONES! (I Peter 2:4-17). Notice the actions:
1. Offer up spiritual sacrifices (verse 5)
2. Proclaim praises (verse 9)
3. Abstain from fleshly lusts (verse 11)
4. Submit to man's laws (verse 13)
5. Do good (verse 15)
6. Honor, love, and fear (verse 17)
III. AFTER BAPTISM
A. Things To Remember
1. You are a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4)
2. You are babe in Christ (1 Peter 2:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
3. This is a critical period of temptation (Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Corinthians 10:11-13)
4. There is a possibility of falling away (Acts 8:17-24, Hebrews 3:12-14, Galatians 5:4)
5. You are a representative of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Timothy 4:12)
6. Christ is your example (Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Peter 2:21)
B. God Wants You To:
1. Love Him first (Matthew 10:37, 22:37)
2. Study (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Pray (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Timothy 2:8)
4. Build up one another (Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:23-25)
5. Give (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, 9:6-7)
6. Help save others (Mark 16:15-16, James 5;19-20)
How about you tonight? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?Have you started the life of a Christian that we have talked about tonight? If not, we encourage you to have faith in Jesus, confess that He is the Son of God, repent of your sins, and then be baptized to wash away those sins. Then you can start your walk as a Christian on the road to Heaven for eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). We hope to see you next time on “Speaking The Truth In Love” when we hope to continue our series “What Must I Do To Be Saved” with a study on “Calling On The Name Of The Lord”.
