Baptism | Pastor Matt Erikson, Braden Knight, Jake Weber & Jordan Buntgen

Baptism: The Next Step in Your Faith Journey

Baptism is more than just a religious ritual—it's a significant milestone in your walk with Christ. As we explore what baptism truly means, we'll discover how it serves as both a declaration of faith and a catalyst for spiritual growth.
What Does Baptism Represent in the Christian Faith?

In Acts 16:31-33, we see a powerful example of baptism's significance. After Paul and Silas were miraculously freed from prison, the jailer and his entire household immediately got baptized after receiving salvation. This passage highlights two key truths:

• Baptism is the immediate next step after receiving salvation
• When one person takes this step of faith, it can inspire others around them to move forward in their faith journey

Baptism isn't just about "checking a box" on your spiritual journey. It's about making a genuine heart change and demonstrating your commitment to follow Christ.
Why Do Some People Hesitate to Get Baptized?

Many believers struggle with the decision to be baptized. Some common hesitations include:

• "I was baptized as a child, so I don't need to do it again"
• Pride and shame that prevent taking this public step
• Fear of what others might think
• The belief that it's "too late" to get baptized

These hesitations often stem from misconceptions about what baptism truly represents. The key questions to ask yourself are: When did you start living for the Lord? Have you been baptized since that moment?

When we take steps of true obedience rather than just going through religious motions, those around us are impacted—just like the jailer's family was saved because of his decision to follow Christ.

God's Invitation Through Baptism

God is the God of invitation. Every interaction we have with Him is an invitation to draw closer, and every opportunity to be obedient is an invitation to trust Him more. Baptism is a perfect example of this divine invitation.

Romans 10:9 tells us that declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. But God prescribes baptism as the next step. In fact, the Great Commission instructs believers to "go and tell the world, and then baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit."

By giving us this next step, God helps us learn obedience—it's like practice for saying yes to the things He invites us to do.

What Happens When You Get Baptized?

Have you ever noticed that people coming up from the baptismal waters almost always have huge smiles on their faces? Often, it's like a touchdown celebration—hands raised, tears of joy, high-fives, and hugs all around. God seems to let us experience a special type of joy when we're baptized.

Think about it like this: Have you ever done something special for a child just to bring them joy? That's similar to how God feels when we experience the joy of baptism—it's a gift from Him.

How Does Baptism Impact Your Spiritual Life?

Baptism serves as a springboard for your personal ministry. Jesus modeled this—after His baptism, His personal ministry exploded. Baptism is practice for being public with your faith. Without saying a word, you're declaring, "I love Jesus and the Holy Spirit lives in me."
People who say yes to baptism often gain a special type of boldness—another gift from God. Even if you don't consider yourself someone with a public voice, baptism can help you live confidently, unashamed of the internal change God has worked in you.

Is Baptism Just a One-Time Event?

What happens on baptism day is meant for a lifetime. Many baptized believers think, "This day is not for me. I've already been in the water. I just get to sit on the sideline and celebrate what God is doing in others."

But baptism is just the beginning of declaring every single day that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. It's not just one day—it's a lifetime commitment.

Romans 12:6-8 reminds us that God has given each of us different gifts for doing certain things well. After baptism, how are you living your life every day? Everything God works through you privately should be a declaration publicly.

Your public ministry isn't limited to church platforms or programs—it's in your home, workplace, school, and everywhere you go. It's ministering to anyone other than yourself.

What If Following Your Calling Feels Difficult?

Following your calling isn't always easy. There will be days when you don't feel confident or ready to declare that everything you do is for Jesus. Comfort cannot be your compass—your calling must be.
When you were baptized, you were anointed to walk in your spiritual gifts. Unlike talents or strengths (which are worldly things), spiritual gifts come from God. When the Holy Spirit breathes on them, they create Kingdom impact.
The enemy wants to convince you that it's easier to stay in your comfort zone—to sit in your seat rather than serve, to receive rather than teach. But God has activated you on the day of your baptism, and perhaps you need to be reactivated.

When Should You Get Baptized?
The gospel of Jesus Christ is:

• Inclusive - It's for everyone, regardless of background, appearance, or culture
• For right now - Don't go home and think about it; the enemy will talk you out of it
• For right here - You don't need to travel somewhere special; baptism can happen wherever you are

Don't let excuses hold you back. Whether you're 47 and feel you should have been baptized long ago, or you were baptized years ago but walked away from Jesus—today can be your day.

Life Application
This week, I challenge you to examine where you stand with baptism:

• If you've never been baptized, what's holding you back? Have you heard God inviting you to take this next step?
• If you have been baptized, reflect on that experience. Did you have a genuine experience of making an inward decision that Jesus is your Savior, followed by the outward expression of baptism? Did you respond to God's invitation, or did someone else make that decision for you?
• How are you living out your baptism daily? Are you using the gifts God has given you to serve others and advance His kingdom?
• When you feel discouraged or afraid to step into your calling, what scripture can you speak over yourself? Consider memorizing Isaiah 61:1-3 as a reminder of God's anointing on your life.

Remember, baptism isn't the end of your journey—it's just the beginning. God has invitations for you every single day to know Him better and trust Him more. Will you say yes?