WHY BAPTISM IS SO IMPORTANT

Matthew 3:13-17

Truth: Jesus instructed the church to baptize. Baptism is a picture of our salvation. Baptism connects believers to the church. Have you been baptized?

I. JESUS COMMANDED THE CHURCH TO BAPTIZE

1. John the Baptist came baptizing. Matt. 3: 5-8, John 1:6, Matt 3:3
2. John baptized Jesus. Matt 3:13-17
3. The twelve Apostles of Jesus were baptized by John. Acts 1:21-23
4. Jesus commissioned the Apostles to baptized new disciples. Matt. 28:19, I Cor 12:28. Matt 16:17-19

II. BAPTISM IS A PICTURE OF OUR SALVATION

1. We have died to sin as Christ died for our sin. Gal 2:20
2. We are risen to a new life in Christ. Rom 6:3-6
3. We are to follow the Lord in the watery grave of baptism. Matt 20:23

III. BAPTISM CONNECTS BELIEVERS TO THE CHURCH

1. Baptism identifies believers with Christ and His church. Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:33; 18:8
2. Baptism is a commanded and privilege. Acts. 2:38

HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED?

CREATED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Ephesians 2:10

Truth: How God works in us. How God works through us. Are you living for the glory of God?

I. HOW GOD WORKS IN US

1. We are God’s workmanship created in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17, Rom 8:29
2. God works in us by His Spirit. Phil 2:13, Eph 4:7, Heb 13:20-21
3. God prepares us for His work through, His Word, prayer, and suffering. 1 Thess 2:13, Eph 3:20-21, and 1 Peter 4:11-13
4. Once we are saved God works in us to change the old man into the new man He wants us to be. Eph 4:22-24, Col 3:1

II. HOW GOD WORKS THROUGH US

1. God works in us through good works that glorify Him. Matt 5:16, Phil 1:20-21, Col 1:10, 2 Tim 3:17
2. God works through the power of the Holy Spirit to touch lives around us. Phil 2:13, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Peter 2:12
3. God has a plan He wants to work in our lives for His glory. 1 Cor 2:9-13′

ARE YOU LIVING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD?

FROM DEATH TO LIFE IN CHRIST

Ephesians 2:1-9

Truth: The terrible spiritual condition of the unsaved person. What God did on behalf of sinners to save them. Are you alive in Christ?

I. THE TERRIBLE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE UNSAVED

1. The unsaved are dead in their trespasses and sins. Eph 2:1, Rom 6:23, Isa 59:2,1 Tim 5:6. Death means separation in Scriptures.
2. The unsaved are disobedient. The world wants us to reform. Eph 2:2-3a, Rom 12:2, the devil lies to us, Eph 6:11-12, the flesh or fallen nature is ruled by lust. James 1:15
3. The unsaved are depraved. Eph 2:3b, Rom 3:23
4. The unsaved are doomed. Eph 2:3c, John 3:18, John 3:36

II. WHAT GOD DID ON BEHALF OF SINNERS TO SAVE THEM

1. God expressed His to us love by mercy and grace by Jesus at Calvary. Eph 2:4, Rom 5:8, John 3:16
2.  God quickens or makes us alive together with Christ. Eph 2:5, Heb 4:12, John 5:24, Eph 1:19-20, Rom 8:11
3. God exalts us. Eph 2:6, Rom 8:17
4. God keeps us. Eph 2:7-9, 1 Peter 1:5, John 10: 27-28

ARE YOU ALIVE IN CHRIST?

PRAYER THAT CHANGES THINGS

Luke 11:1-13

Truth: True prayer speaks to God in His language. Prayer changes things. True Prayer brings power into our lives. Does your prayer change things?

I. TRUE PRAYER SPEAKS TO GOD IN HIS LANGUAGE

1. Jesus prayed to God the Father and taught His disciples to pray. Luke 11:1- 2, Matt 6:9
2. True prayer depends on a spiritual relationship with God that enables us to call Him “Father,” and this can come only through faith in Jesus Christ. Luke 11:2, Rom 8:14-17
3. True Prayer always includes the will of God. Luke 11:2, John 6:38, Matt 26:39

II. TRUE PRAYER BRINGS CHANGE

1. Prayer reminds us God provides our daily needs. Luke 11:3, James 1:17, Phil 4:19
2. Prayer brings forgiveness for our sins. Luke 11:4, 1 John 1:9, Psa 51:10, 12
3. Prayer brings leadership for our daily walk. Luke 11:4, Psa 119:105, John 16:13
4. Prayer reminds me to consistently seek God’s help. Luke 11:5-8

III. TRUE PRAYER BRINGS POWER INTO OUR LIVES

1. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, God will answer your prayer. Luke 11:9-10, John 15:7, 1 John 3:22
2. God our Father wants to empower our lives to work out His will. Luke 11:11-13, John 14:21, Acts 1:8, Heb 4:12

DOES YOUR PRAYER CHANGE THINGS?

WHY WE NEED TO BE SAVED

Acts 17:22-34

Truth: God created all things perfect. Man sinned against God. God brought righteousness through Jesus. Do you have salvation?

I. GOD CREATED ALL THINGS PERFECT

1. God created all things. Acts 17:24, Gen 1:1, Gen 1:2, John 1:1-3
2. God the creator is the Father, the Word (Son) and the Spirit of God. John 1:1-4, John 17:5, Gen 1:2
3. God the creator said it was very good. Gen 1:31, Acts 17:25-26

II. MAN SINNED AGAINST GOD

1. God made us all from one man. Acts 17:25-26, Gen 2:7
2. Adam disobeyed God and sin entered the world. Acts 17:27-29, Gen 2:15-17, Gen 3:6-7, Rom 5:12, Rom 3:23
3. God now commands all men to repent. Acts 17:30, 2 Cor 7:10

III. GOD BROUGHT RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH JESUS

1. God will judge the world. Acts 17:31. Gen 3:15, 21, 2 Cor 5:10
2. God brought salvation through Jesus. Acts 17:31-32, John 3:16
3. God saves all who believe in Christ. Acts 17:34, Rom 10:9-10

DO YOU HAVE SALVATION?

GOD PROMISES SALVATION IF

Genesis 15:1-6

Truth: God made Abraham a promise. Abraham’s greatest need was righteousness. Abraham believed and was counted righteous. Have you believed God’s promise to you?

I. GOD MADE ABRAHAM A PROMISE

1. The Word of the Lord came to Abraham and said fear not I Am your shield and great reward. Genesis 15:1, Rom 10:17
2. God told Abraham that all nations would be blessed in him. Genesis 15:2-5, Gen 12:1-3, John 1:11-12, 3:16
3. Abraham believed God’s promise. Genesis 15:6, Gal 3:6, Rom 4:3, James 2:23.

II. ABRAHAM’S GREATEST NEED WAS RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. Abraham was a sinner just like us. Rom 3:10,23, Gal 3:22
2. Abraham did not earn his righteousness. Titus 3:5, Eph 2:8-9
3. Unbelief prevents righteousness. Rom 4:20, Heb 3:12, Rev 21:8

III. ABRAHAM BELIEVED AND WAS COUNTED RIGHTEOUS

1. Abraham believed God, the Hebrew word translated “believed” means “to lean your whole weight upon.” Abraham leaned wholly on the promise of God and the God of the
   promise. Rom 4:20-25
2. Righteousness is of Christ. 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 10:3
3. When he believed righteousness was imputed to him. Genesis 15:6

HAVE YOU BELIEVED GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU?

OUR MOTIVES FOR SERVING CHRIST

2 Corinthians 5:9-21

Truth: The terror of the Lord. The love of Christ. The commission of Christ. Are you serving Christ?

I. THE TERROR OF THE LORD

1. We labor for souls. 2 Cor 5:9, Gal 1:10
2. We know that judgment is coming. 2 Cor 5:10, Rom 14:10
3. We persuade men. 2 Cor 5:11-13

II. THE LOVE OF CHRIST

1. He died that we might die. 2 Cor 5:14, Gal 2:20
2. He died that we might live. 2 Cor 5:15-17, Rom 6:4, 1 John 4:9, 1 Thess 5:10

III. THE COMMISSION OF CHRIST

1. The ministry of reconciliation is our commission. 2 Cor 5:18
2. Reconciliation is based on imputation. 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 4:1-8
3. God has committed to us the ministry and the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:18-19
4. We are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Cor 5:20. 2 Cor 6: 1

ARE YOU SERVING CHRIST?

THE DOORWAY TO GOD’S KINGDOM

Matthew 5:3

Truth: The poor in spirit find God’s Kingdom. The pure in heart see God. Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake reveal God’s Kingdom. Are you part of the God’s Kingdom?

I. THE POOR IN SPIRIT FIND GOD’S KINGDOM

1. A self-sufficient person has difficulty being saved. Matt 19:16-17, Luke 18:11, Luke 18:25
2. A person poor in spirit knows he is helpless without God. Luke 18:13-14
3. Only then are we willing to come to Him as paupers and receive from Him. Mark 9:21-24

II. THE PURE IN HEART SEE GOD

1. We see God when His Spirit comes into our heart. 2 Cor 4:6, 1 Cor 2:16
2. We see God when we are made a new creature in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17, Matt 13:11

III. THE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE REVEAL GOD’S KINGDOM

1. Persecuted for preaching Jesus. Matt 5:10-12
2. Persecuted for preaching righteousness. Rom 3:22, Rom 10:10, Matt 5:20
3. Persecuted for preaching righteous living. Isa 5:20-21

ARE YOU PART OF GOD’S KINGDOM?

GOD IS IN CONTROL

Matthew 7:7-12

Truth: The Holy Spirit abides in the believer. God is in control. Live like God is in control. Is God in control of your life? Is God in control of your life?

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT ABIDES IN THE BELIEVER

1. Salvation brings God’s Spirit in us. Rom 5:5, Eph 1:13
2. The Spirit reminds us God is in control. 1 Cor 2:9-10,12. Matt 28:18
3. Our attitude is one of perfect trust and eagerness to ask and to seek. Matt 7:7

II. GOD IS IN CONTROL

1. Fill your mind with God is in control. Isa 26:3-4
2. When difficulty comes remember God is in control. Matt 7:8-11, John 16:33
3. God is my Father, He loves me, I will never think of anything that He will forget. Why should I worry? Matt 7:11, Psa 37:5

III. LIVE LIKE GOD IS IN CONTROL

1. There are times God will not lift the darkness. Gen 15:12
2. There are times God seems far away. Psa 22:1-3
3. When God is in your mind, asking is perfectly natural. Matt 7:7,11

IS GOD IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE?

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AT WORK

John 15:26-16:15

Truth: The Holy Spirit Comforts the Church. The Holy Spirit reproves through the church. The Holy Spirit teaches the church. Is the Holy Spirit working in you?

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT COMFORTS THE CHURCH

1. The world will hate and persecute the church. John 15:18-25, 16:1-4
2. The Holy Spirit will comfort and empower the church. John 15:26, Gal 5:16, Phil 3:3, Acts 1:8

THE HOLY SPIRIT REPROVES THROUGH THE CHURCH

1. The church is the witness. John 15:27, John 16:5-7
2. The Holy Spirit is the prosecuting attorney. John 16:8-11
3. The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of sin, righteousness, and judgement. John 16:9-11, John 3:18-21

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES THE CHURCH

1. The Holy Spirit teaches the church truth. John 16:13, John 14:26, John 17:17
2. The Holy Spirit guides the church into all truth. John 16:13, John 14:17, 1 John 2:20
3. The Holy Spirit will teach His church about things to come. John 16:14-15

IS THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKING IN AND THROUGH YOU?