Baptisms: October 20, 2024

Sermon Title: Joining the Family

Scripture: Acts 16:31-33

CONNECT

• Baptism is a powerful act of publicly declaring your faith in Jesus. Think back to a time when you made a significant decision to step forward in your faith, whether it was a private or public step.some text
  • How did that decision affect your relationship with God and those around you?
  • Have you ever felt hesitant or afraid to make your faith public? What helped you work through those feelings?
  • As we think about baptism as a public step of faith, what challenges or fears come to mind for you when considering sharing your faith openly?
  • How does sharing your faith—whether through baptism or other means—impact others? How might your public faith bring hope to a world that needs it?

ENGAGE

• Read Acts 16:31-33 together some text
  • The story of the Philippian jailer highlights the immediate transformation that comes from faith in Jesus. What stands out to you in the jailer’s response to the gospel?
  • What does this passage show us about the urgency of responding to Jesus through baptism?
  • The jailer’s entire household was baptized after he believed. How does this speak to the influence our faith can have on those around us, especially when we take that step publicly?
  • Why do you think baptism is such a significant next step after accepting Jesus? How does making your faith public challenge you to live with greater boldness for Christ?

APPLY

• Pray for those who’ve been baptized:some text
  • This week, spend some time praying for people who have taken the step of baptism. Ask God to give them strength and courage as they grow in their faith, and to open doors for them to share their faith in ways that inspire others to follow Jesus.
• Serve others on their faith journey:some text
  • Think about how you can come alongside someone who hasn’t yet made a public declaration of their faith through baptism. Whether it’s offering encouragement, being present, or walking with them on their journey, how can you support someone in this important step?
• Commit to a public declaration:some text
  • If you haven’t yet made your faith public through baptism, take time to reflect on what might be holding you back. What steps do you need to take to move forward?
  • If you have already been baptized, consider sharing your baptism story with someone this week as a way to encourage them on their own journey of faith.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to declare our faith in You publicly. Just as the Philippian jailer and his household experienced the joy of immediate surrender, we ask that You give us the courage to follow You boldly. Help us take steps of public faith, whether it’s through baptism or sharing our testimony, and use our lives to bring Your kingdom into the world. We also lift up those considering baptism or those who’ve recently been baptized. May their public declaration of faith inspire others to seek You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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