Text: Romans 6:1—7

Topic: What baptism signifies

Introduction:

Illustration: Frazee was so wrapped up in the song "Mercy Came Running" that he left his car running.

In the temple, Israel was sectioned off from God's presence, in the Holy of Holies.

God's mercy broke loose with the sacrifice of Christ.

• Those who have been embraced by God's mercy are called to be baptized.
• Illustration: Frazee relates some stories of baptismal mishaps.
• Although baptism by immersion is a bizarre ritual, it's what Jesus asked us to do.
• Matthew 28:19—20

• Because we were all born in sin, we cannot enter God's presence.
• We cannot rid ourselves of this sin.
• The future judgment of sin keeps us from enjoying life today.
• Jesus conquered sin and death for us.

• Baptism pictures how we were crucified with Christ.
• The Greek word for baptism means to drown.
• Baptism is something we do after we have accepted Christ.

Baptism publicly announces that we are not ashamed of Christ.

• Illustration: 1st century Christians risked their lives at baptism.
• Illustration: Frazee likens baptism to declaring his love for his wife over the loudspeaker at a baseball game.
• Illustration: Frazee's sister came to Christ and was baptized in a neighbor's pool.

Conclusion:

Illustration: Pantego Bible Church holds baptisms outside so that believers can unashamedly stand for Christ.