Church of Christ Sermons and Lessons for 2012
Speaker	Sermon/Lesson Title   (Right Click to Download)	Audio   Video  Text    Ipod MS Word	Category	Date Added	Lesson
Bobby Stafford	Objections to Baptism  (Download Audio)		Baptism	March 11, 2012	Sunday AM Sermon

Objections to Baptism 

Introduction:

Responding to people of different religious faiths is a necessary part of the Christian’s life.  Listen to I Peter 3:15.  Always be prepared to give a reason for your beliefs.  For members of the Lord’s church, one area to be prepared for is that of baptism.  Many do not believe that baptism is essential to salvation and have given objections through the years.  It is to these we now turn our attention.

 Body: 

I. Jesus Never Baptized Anyone, So It Can’t Be Important 

• John 4:1-3   Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.   He allowed the apostles to do the physical act of baptizing.  These were baptized according to the instruction given by Christ (an immersion) and by His authority.  In Matthew 29:18-20 He emphasizes the importance and necessity of water baptism.

 II. Jesus’ Baptism Was of the Holy Spirit, Not of Water 

• Matthew 3:11-12  The only two groups that the New Testament informs us were baptized with the Holy Spirit were the apostles in Acts 2:1-4 and the  household of Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48.  The baptism of fire in our text refers to the final punishment of the wicked.  Matthew 3:10   Note the use of “lake of fire” in        Revelation 20:15.

 III. Baptism Is a Work and the Bible Says We Are Not Saved by Works 

• Ephesians 2:8-9   Boastful works, works of merit, have no ability to save.  No amount of good works can save someone.
• Yet note what Hebrews 5:8-9 says.  Only a faith that obeys (works) can save.  James 2:17
• James 2:24 teaches that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 
• So when a person is baptized according to Mark 16:16, he is not trusting in his own power; but in the power of God.

 IV. Paul Was Saved on the Road to Damascus Before He Was

     Baptized 

• Acts 9 describes what happened to Saul.  Then Paul tells of this in Acts 22:6-16.  His sins were not washed away until he was baptized in Damascus.

V.  John 3:16 Doesn’t Mention Baptism, So It Can’t Be Necessary 

• That particular verse doesn’t mention the need to repent or confess.  Are they not necessary either?
• Acts 2:38 doesn’t mention the need to have faith.  So is faith not necessary for salvation?
• One verse alone isn’t sufficient!

 Invitation:

 What is hindering you from being baptized right how?

 Bobby Stafford

March 11, 2012

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