Baptism Sunday - Symbol That Speaks

At Calvary Orlando, we recently celebrated Baptism Sunday, and it was more than a joyful tradition—it was a powerful declaration of new life. It reminded us all: baptism is not just a symbolic act, but a response to Jesus' call to follow Him fully.

In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus gives what’s known as the Great Commission—His final instructions before ascending into heaven. Every word matters. In that moment, Jesus didn’t just tell us to go—He told us to make disciples and baptize them.

Let’s unpack why baptism is such a big deal for every believer.

1. Baptism Is a Command, Not a Suggestion
Before Jesus gives His followers a mission, He declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
That means what He says next carries divine weight. He commands His disciples to go, make more disciples, and baptize them. This isn’t a ritual added later by the Church. It’s a direct order from the risen Christ.
Baptism is an act of obedience—not a personal preference. It’s how we respond when Jesus says, “Follow me.”

2. Discipleship Comes First
Jesus said, “Make disciples, baptizing them…” Notice the order. Baptism follows discipleship. That means it’s not just for anyone who attends church or checks a box—it’s for those who’ve made a decision to follow Jesus.
When you're baptized, you’re saying, “I belong to Him.” And that step—though simple—requires surrender, humility, and a heart that says “yes” even when the process feels uncomfortable.
Are you willing to follow when it costs you comfort, convenience, or control?

3. Baptism Is a Visual Sermon
Every baptism preaches the gospel without words. Here's what it says:

1. Death – Going under the water symbolizes dying to sin (Romans 6:3).
2. Burial – Staying under declares the old life is gone (Colossians 2:12).
3. Resurrection – Rising from the water proclaims new life in Christ (Romans 6:4-5).

It’s not just God speaking to you—you’re speaking back. You’re saying to your church family, to yourself, and to the enemy: “I am not who I was. I’ve been made new.”

4. You Receive a New Identity
In baptism, Jesus tells us to use the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not three names, but one. That’s because you’re not just taking on a new lifestyle—you’re taking on a new identity.
You are now:

1. Forgiven
2. Righteous
3. Raised up
4. A child of God

You no longer live under your own name—you live under His name. And with that name comes authority, purpose, and power.

5. You Join a New Family
Baptism isn’t just personal—it’s relational. It brings you into the body of Christ. You’re no longer just an individual Christian; you’re part of a community, a kingdom, a global family of faith.

This is why we share meals and celebrate afterward. Because you’re not just saved from something—you’re saved into something: the church.
Stanley Grentz writes,
“The new believer is ushered into a new life with new loyalties, a new family of faith, and a fulfilling, eternally significant mission in life.”

Final Reflection: Are You Ready to Obey?
Baptism can feel simple—like dipping in water. But it requires the kind of humility that Naaman had to wrestle with in 2 Kings 5. He expected something dramatic. But healing came through obedience.

Jesus Himself humbled Himself in the Jordan River. How much more should we?
Maybe you’ve believed for a while but haven’t taken this step. Maybe you were baptized as a child but didn’t understand what it meant. Or maybe you’re just now learning what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Whatever your story—don’t delay.
Say yes. Step in. Go all in.

PASTOR KEVIN'S SERMON NOTES
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