Are Water Baptism and Communion Really That Important? | Scotty Gibbons - Audio

Are Water Baptism and Communion Really That Important?

1. WATER BAPTISM

Why is water baptism so important?

1. God’s Word highlights the importance of water baptism.

A. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was baptized.

Matthew 3:13-15 – 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him. NLT

B. Scripture teaches us that it honors God.

Matthew 3:16-17 – 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” NLT

C. Scripture teaches us that the early church preached and practiced water baptism.

Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NLT

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. NLT

2. It’s a powerful picture of what happens when we surrender our life to Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 - Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. NIV

2. COMMUNION Why is communion so important?

Matthew 26:26-29 - 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” NIV

1. It reminds us of what Jesus did for us.

Luke 22:19 - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” NIV

2. It helps us celebrate the forgiveness we have because of the cross.

Matthew 26:27-28 - 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. NIV

3. It gives us hope for the future.

Matthew 26:29 - 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” NIV