The Power of a Baptized Life

This sermon by Pastor Vincent Carpenter invites us to reflect on the powerful and transformative practice of baptism. As we prepare for the upcoming Baptism Bash at Antioch Waco, this sermon guide explores the three distinct types of baptism discussed in the sermon — baptism in Christ, baptism in water, and baptism in the Holy Spirit. Each represents a critical decision point in our spiritual journey and offers an invitation to a deeper relationship with God.

Download the sermon guide to print here.

This sermon emphasizes:

• Baptism in Christ represents our decision to commit our lives to Jesus — it means giving our lives to Jesus, identifying with Him, and becoming a witness for Christ
• Baptism in water demonstrates our decision to obey Christ — it’s a public declaration of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit represents our decision to be filled, controlled and empowered by God’s Spirit — unlike the other two decisions, this is an ongoing, continual process
• Baptism isn’t about perfection but about obedience — “God is not asking us to become perfect people but to become obedient to the One who is perfect”
• The invitation extends to everyone — those who haven’t yet surrendered to Christ, those who have accepted Christ but haven’t been baptized, and all believers who need fresh filling of the Holy Spirit

Key Scriptures:

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes resulting in righteousness and with the mouth he confesses resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Mark 16:16

“After being baptized Jesus came up immediately from the water and behold the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on him. And behold a voice out of the heaven said ‘This is My beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased.’ Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 3:16-4:1

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

“Do not get drunk with wine for that is dissipation but be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

“If then you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” Luke 11:13

Lifegroup Questions:

• What is a something God is doing in your devotional life this week?
• Break up into 2’s and 3’s and ask each other:
  • How is your devotional life going?
  • Is it both the time and quality you want?
  • How can we help each other?

Table Questions:

1. What was your experience with baptism like? If you haven’t been baptized yet, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking this step?
2. The sermon described baptism as “mirrors and reflects Jesus’ death and resurrection.” How does this imagery help you understand the significance of baptism?
3. Pastor Vincent shared that he was baptized twice — once as a child and again as a young adult. How might someone know if they need to be baptized again?
4. Sharon’s testimony revealed that “the only way to peace is to forgive and surrender to Jesus.” Share about a time when forgiveness led to peace in your own life.
5. Taylor experienced healing from PTSD through encountering God’s presence. Have you experienced God’s healing power in your life — whether physical, emotional or spiritual?
6. The sermon describes baptism in the Holy Spirit as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. What might it look like in your daily life to continually ask to be “filled and sealed”?
7. Pastor Vincent described hearing the Holy Spirit speak to him as a “soft and subtle” prompting that he “could almost ignore.” How do you recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice in your life?
8. The sermon emphasized that God “is not asking us to become perfect people but to become obedient to the One who is perfect.” How does this distinction change how you view your relationship with God?
9. Pastor Vincent shared how following a simple prompting from the Spirit led to someone accepting Christ at the park. What’s holding you back from responding to the Spirit’s promptings in your daily life?
10. Which of the three baptisms discussed today — baptism in Christ, baptism in water, or baptism in the Holy Spirit — do you feel God is currently inviting you to experience more deeply?