THE FULFILLMENT OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL IS IN PEOPLE’S RESPONSE. Acts 2:36–47

THEY WERE PIERCED TO THE HEART. THEY BELIEVED WHAT THE DISCIPLES SAID.

•  What shall we do?
•  Peter’s response: Repent. Turn away from self-rule and accept who Jesus is: the King.
•  We are becoming a part of a Kingdom of choice. God offers us a Savior and we choose to accept Him.
•  God offers us a King, and we choose to come under His authority.

2 Corinthians 7:8–10 (NIV) 8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

BAPTISM AND LEARNING TO OBEY…

•  Baptism a result of the decision to let God save and rule you through Christ the Messiah.
•  Baptism without a decision is not meaningful to the individual. It’s neither their choice nor their belief.
•  “Baptism” – the word means to be buried in or put under1
•  Baptism is the first act of obedience on a journey of obedience.

WHY DOES THE PICTURE MATTER?

•  God’s Word as it was intended to mean is meant to be obeyed.
• God’s word gives us symbols that carry with them meanings to be remembered.

THE MEANING IN THE PICTURE OF BAPTISM:

Romans 6:1–14

BAPTISM IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY.

•  Baptism is a picture of repentance from my old life. I have sinned and need forgiveness. I cannot save myself.
•  I have been united/joined together with Christ in His death; I died with Him.
•  A real, authentic decision for Jesus changes the way I see God. He loves me. (Galatians 5:22; John 14:21)
•  A real, authentic decision changes how I see sin. I cannot go on sinning as if it is okay.
•  Sin cost Jesus His life. If every sin hurts God’s heart and harms others, then I can’t just keep doing it! (1 John 3:6)

I AM RAISED TO WALK IN NEW LIFE. THE HOLY SPIRIT ENTERS INTO ME.

•  I have a changed heart towards God; He loves me enough to come get me at great cost.
•  I have the Holy Spirit to raise me from the old life and the penalty for it.
•  A new life means walking by faith rather than sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

CORPORATE MEANING:

1. Baptism is a public declaration that I am a Christ follower and a part of His kingdom, body, family. I am not ashamed.

•  I accept the terms, and I will be obedient to the King.

2. Baptism is done by others, and discipleship includes others. I accepted Jesus and am baptized, and now I will be taught as a disciple and part of a spiritual family.

•  Why do we have parents baptize?
•  Why do we have those who shared Christ baptize those they shared with?

3. Baptism is a reminder to all of us present of the commitment we made, as well.

4. Baptism is a reminder of the mission we have received.

•  WE are a people on mission to reach and disciple others.

EVERYTHING WE DO IS MEANT TO REMIND US WHO GOD IS, WHO WE ARE, AND WHAT OUR PURPOSE IS.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:

Passages to consider: Acts 2:36-42; Romans 6:1-14; Matthew 28:18-20

1. From the sermon, what was insightful for you?

2. What has been your experience or exposure to baptism?

3. Take a look at Acts 2:36-42. A) What where the people hearing from Peter? B) How did they respond? C) What were their next steps? D) What do you see as significant in that process?

4. Share about when the story of Jesus impacted your heart. A) How have repentance and obedience been expressed in your life?

5. Read Romans 6:1-4. As a group, describe the picture baptism paints of what has happened in the heart of a person. A) What has been your experience with death to sin and new life with Christ? B )Share both victories and challenges. C) What role has baptism played in your walk with Jesus?

6. Baptism is both an individual expression and a corporate experience. Each week, we get witness this celebration and reminder. In what ways may your participation in this be different after this sermon and discussion? A) Is baptism something you need to consider for yourself? What questions may you have about baptism?

Find translations to the original Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible with the Concordances at BibleHub.com Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved. [emphasis added]