May 11, 2025

Pastor Ron's sermon begins at 22:16 min into the video. The music "Blessed Be Your Name", "Head Above Water" (Serenity Video), "Word of God Speak", "In Christ Alone",  "Revalation Song", and "The Blessing" are licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 licenses.

Summary: "The Importance of Being Biblically Baptized," (For FCC Webpage and FCC Facebook page)

Embark on a Journey of Faith: The Transformative Power of Biblical Baptism

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to take a step of faith that changes everything? Dive into the incredible significance of biblical baptism with Pastor Ron’s message and see how it can kickstart your spiritual journey. This isn’t just about water—it’s about discovering a new life with Jesus that shapes who you are every single day. Baptism is so much more than a church tradition; it’s your personal declaration of faith and a bold step into a transformed life with Jesus Christ. When you choose to be baptized, you’re saying yes to following Him, letting go of your old ways, and starting fresh with a purpose that impacts how you live, love, and grow every day. It’s your chance to show the world you belong to Jesus and to embrace a journey that makes you new from the inside out.

Pastor Ron’s Key Teachings:

Here are the five key reasons Pastor Ron shares about why baptism matters, broken down into simple steps you can connect to your life:

1. Following Jesus’ example is a fundamental aspect of Christian life. The biblical principle is highlighted by Jesus being baptized by immersion in the Jordan River, as described in Matthew 3:9-11. This act shows us the way, and the practical application is to get baptized by immersion to follow the path Jesus set for us. As Pastor Ron says, “If it was good for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.” In everyday life, starting your day by choosing to live like Jesus is essential, and baptism is your first big yes to walking in His footsteps.
2. Obeying His command is another crucial element. Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize believers, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, making it a direct order from Him. The practical application is to say yes to baptism because Jesus asked us to, and to help others see its importance too. “Christ commands it” stressed Pastor Ron to emphasize this point. In everyday life, obeying Jesus in baptism builds a habit of listening to Him in little things, like being kind or honest.
3. Demonstrating that we are believers is also significant. Baptism shows everyone that you’ve chosen to trust Jesus with your life. The practical application is to get baptized to tell your friends and family, “I’m a follower of Jesus!...It demonstrates that I am a believer” captures this sentiment. In everyday life, being real about your faith is important—like wearing a ring to show you’re married, baptism shows you’re His.
4. Illustrating Christ’s burial and resurrection is another profound aspect of baptism. The biblical principle is that going under the water and coming up pictures Jesus’ death and rising again, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. The practical application is to let baptism remind you of the amazing sacrifice Jesus made and the new life He offers. “It illustrates Christ’s burial and His resurrection” as Pastor Ron summarized this idea. In everyday life, when challenges arise, remember baptism’s promise—you’re alive in Jesus, with hope that never fades.
5. Finally, showing our new life in Christ is a transformative experience. The biblical principle is that baptism marks the death of your old self and the start of a new you in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17. The practical application is to live differently after baptism—choosing faith, love, and growth over old habits. Pastor Ron stated “It illustrates my new life as a Christian” and that reflects this transformation. In everyday life, make choices that match your new self, like forgiving someone or helping a neighbor.

Scriptural Foundation:

Pastor Ron leans on these Bible verses to back up his message—here’s how they light your path:

• Matthew 3:9-11 highlights the significance of Jesus’ baptism, where God spoke from heaven, underscoring its importance. By following Jesus’ lead and getting baptized, you honor Him and can feel God’s love and approval as you step out in faith. 
• In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands baptism, making it a crucial part of your mission as His follower. Obeying Him by getting baptized and sharing your faith with others allows you to live with purpose, knowing Jesus is always with you. 
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the gospel—Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, which baptism mirrors. This act can deepen your gratitude for what Jesus did, helping you hold onto hope and trust in His victory over sin and death. 
• According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, you’re a new creation in Christ, and baptism celebrates that transformation. It encourages you to start living like the new you God made you to be, leaving old habits behind and pursuing what God has for you. 
• Romans 6:4 illustrates that baptism shows you’re buried with Jesus and raised to a new life, inviting you to embrace the fresh start it represents and live boldly, powered by the same life Jesus has. 
• Acts 2:41, Acts 8:13, and Acts 8:12 demonstrate that people believed in Jesus and got baptized immediately, showing that it’s what believers do. Therefore, don’t wait—get baptized as soon as you believe and be proud to show your faith to the world.

Your Journey Forward:

Ready to make this real in your life? Here are some steps to take:

• Think It Over: If you haven’t been baptized since believing in Jesus, ask yourself—why not now? 
• Tell Your Story: Share what baptism means to you with a friend—it’s a great way to show your faith. 
• Invite Others: If someone you know is new to faith, encourage them to get baptized too. 
• Dig Into the Bible: Read these scriptures to see why baptism matters so much. 
• Live the Change: Every day, choose actions that show you’re new in Christ—like being patient or praying more.

Closing Prayer and Reflection:

Prayer: “Father, thank You for our time. Lord, thank You for Your word that we can study, and we can and people that are a lot smarter than I have studied and written commentaries in that. And I’ve studied them on baptism. And if there’s real proof that it’s baptism through immersion and the reason and the meaning is so clear is showing the death and the resurrection going from death of Ron Vining, who I was, to who I’m going to be a follower of Jesus. And I pray, Father, that You would continue to use Your word to speak into our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Reflection:   Think about this: Baptism isn’t just a moment—it’s the start of something huge. It’s your way of saying, “I’m done with the old me, and I’m all in with Jesus.” Let this truth push you to live with courage and joy, knowing you’re on a journey that changes everything.