Acts 19: Immersed

Finding True Life Change Through Immersion in Christ

When we think about baptism, we often focus on the physical act of immersion in water. But baptism represents something much deeper - a permanent change that happens when we are immersed in Christ.

What Does Baptism Really Mean?

The Greek word "baptizo" gives us important insight into what baptism truly means. A Greek historian's pickle recipe helps us understand this concept. In the recipe, vegetables are first dipped (bapto) in boiling water temporarily, but then baptized (baptizo) in vinegar solution, which produces a permanent change.

This illustrates an important truth: baptism isn't just about getting wet - it's about being transformed. When we baptize someone, we believe a permanent spiritual change occurs. As Romans 6:3-4 tells us:

"Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life."

Is Baptism Just About Salvation?

When we focus solely on the question "At what point was someone saved?" we can miss the deeper message of what God wants to do in our lives. The gospel offers so much more than just guilt remission or a ticket to heaven.

God wants to create such a drastic change in us that:

1. We get a new name

2. We receive a new purpose

3. People can "smell Jesus" on us

When we truly meet Jesus, we can't go back to our old ways. It would be like being cured of cancer and then asking for the cancer back. True immersion in Christ creates in us a desire for freedom and new life that makes our old life unappealing.

What Does Jesus Really Offer Us?

In John 3, Jesus talks about being "born again" and entering the "kingdom of God." He's not just talking about going to heaven someday - He's talking about a new life that begins now.

Jesus offers us the chance to:

1. Shed our old life

2. Be made new

3. Be freed from destructive patterns

4. Experience eternal life beginning now

When Paul baptized the twelve disciples in Acts 19, he wasn't just baptizing them to save them from hell. He was baptizing them because he knew that through the power of the Spirit, they would be made new. Their lives would be so changed that they would go on to share this gift with others, who would then share it with more people.

What Are You Immersing Yourself In?

Here's a simple truth: what we immerse ourselves in will change us. We become like the things we immerse ourselves in.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I immersing my life, time, and energy in?

2. Where do I go when I'm sad or tired?

3. What do I turn to when I have a bad day?

These questions reveal what we're truly immersed in. Jesus offers to be the one who makes the best change in us.

One man shared how he had immersed himself in video game culture as a young husband and father. He had money and few responsibilities, so he poured himself into games. When he felt like he couldn't win in life, he would escape to video games to feel successful.

One day, he realized he didn't like what he saw in his life, despite being a believer who had been baptized and was even in full-time ministry. Jesus spoke to him: "Abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branch. I will give you everything you're looking for."

He sold all his video games and immersed himself in Christ instead. The result? He became a better father, husband, and pastor because he stopped yoking himself to worldly things and immersed himself in Christ.

How Do We Immerse Ourselves in Christ?

Immersing ourselves in Christ requires:

1. Faith - believing in Jesus

2. Repentance - turning away from sin

3. Baptism - dying to self and rising to new life

4. Receiving the Holy Spirit - gaining power for change

5. Daily immersion - continuing to abide in Christ

This isn't about trying harder to be better. It's about relying on Jesus through faith, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As Titus 3:4-5 reminds us:

"When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

How Can We Help Each Other Stay Immersed?

We weren't meant to walk this journey alone. We need each other to stay immersed in Christ:

1. Join a small group where you can be honest about your struggles

2. Find accountability partners who will help you repent

3. Immerse yourself in God's Word daily

4. Use reading plans to stay consistent

One person shared how they were struggling with their faith and wondering if God was really there. Before they could meet with a pastor, they talked with their small group, who helped them through their doubts. That's the power of community!

Life Application

The invitation is clear: immerse yourself in Christ daily, not just in a one-time baptism experience. Jesus offers real change, freedom from sin, and a new life - but it requires ongoing immersion.

This week, ask yourself:

1. What am I currently immersing myself in that might be keeping me from experiencing the change God wants for me?

2. How can I intentionally immerse myself in Christ through His Word, prayer, and community?

3. Is there an area of my life where I need to repent and turn back to God?

4. Who can I invite to walk alongside me in this journey of immersion?

Remember, what we immerse ourselves in will change us. Choose to be immersed in Christ, and watch how He transforms you from the inside out.

Acts 18: Understanding God's Will

Finding God's Will: How to Know and Follow His Direction

Have you ever had to make a decision where you weren't 100% sure it was the right one? Perhaps a job change, a relationship commitment, or relocating your family? These pivotal moments leave us wondering: How can we know God's will for our lives? How can we be confident we're following His direction and not just our own desires?

When Even Biblical Heroes Struggled with God's Will

Moses, before becoming God's chosen deliverer, tried to take matters into his own hands. He killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite, thinking this was how God would use him to deliver His people. But when his actions were discovered, Moses fled into the wilderness for 40 years.

Even after God clearly spoke to him through the burning bush, Moses made excuses: "Who am I that I should go? What if the Israelites won't listen? I don't speak well." Despite hearing God's direct call, Moses struggled to accept God's will for his life.

Paul's Journey and Discerning God's Direction

In Acts 18, we find Paul completing his second missionary journey. In Corinth, amazing things were happening—Paul had met Aquila and Priscilla, worked as a tentmaker, and preached in the synagogue. When opposition arose, he moved his ministry elsewhere, and many Corinthians came to Christ.

The text mentions something curious: "Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." Why would Luke include this detail? Paul had taken a Nazarite vow, which involved refraining from wine, not cutting his hair, and avoiding uncleanness. This vow, rooted in Old Testament tradition, would have opened doors for Paul to reach his Jewish brothers and sisters.

Paul explained his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

How Did Paul Know What Was God's Will?

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, the people asked him to stay longer, but he declined, saying, "I will come back if it is God's will." How did he know it wasn't God's will to remain in Ephesus when the people were receptive to his message?

The Chess Game Analogy

Think of God's will like a chess game. A beginner might focus on taking as many pieces as possible, but the true point of the game is the king. Similarly, what God orchestrates in our lives is bigger than our individual situations

By the time each player in chess has moved just five pieces, there are 69.3 trillion (TRILLION!) unique move sequences possible. Now imagine what God is orchestrating with billions of people, each with countless possible actions!

When We Miss God's Will

There are times when we wonder if we've missed God's calling, when we question if we recognized His will correctly. There are also times when we leap ahead of God, taking matters into our own hands like Moses did.

But we can find comfort in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even when we miss God's will, He can work our missteps into something beautiful that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom.

How Does God Reveal His Will to Us?

Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."

Many of us pray things like, "Lord, stop me if I'm wrong and bless me if I'm right" or "Close the door if it isn't your will." But that's not the biblical example.

If we want to know God's will, we must cultivate a loving relationship with Him. God wants to be known. He wants us to know:

1. Him

2. His purposes

3. His ways

God Reveals Himself

When God speaks to us, He often reveals something about Himself that's exactly what we need in that moment:

1. To Abraham at 99 years old, still childless despite God's promise: "I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1)

2. To Jesus' followers facing persecution: "I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51)

God Reveals His Purposes

God wants us to know what He plans to do. When God came to Noah, He didn't ask, "What do you want me to do?" He revealed what He was about to do—destroy the world in a flood—and invited Noah to join Him.

As Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

God Reveals His Ways

God's ways are different from our ways (Isaiah 55:8). His ways will always draw people into a loving relationship with Him. They are redemptive.

When Jesus told His disciples to feed 5,000 people, their solution was to send everyone home. Jesus' way was to have the people sit down, bless what little food they had, and perform a miracle.

How God Invites Us to Join Him

God invites us to join Him in four primary ways:

1. Through the Holy Spirit

Many struggle with aligning with God's will because they haven't received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. As Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We can't live according to God's will on our own strength. We must first die to ourselves by joining Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection.

2. Through God's Word

The Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we want to know God's will, we should start by studying His Word.

You cannot live consistently according to God's will if you are not consistently in His Word.

3. Through Prayer

When we seek God for wisdom, He opens the floodgates. As Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives."

4. Through Circumstances

Rather than choosing a direction and asking God to close doors if it's wrong, God opens doors and invites us through them. Sometimes He gives us just one step at a time, opening one door after another as we follow Him.

5. Through Fellow Believers

Though God's Word prepares our hearts, it's often the call from a brother or sister in Christ that gets us off the bench and into the game.

This is why it's important not just to attend church but to participate actively with fellow believers who know us well enough to speak God's will into our lives.

Jesus: The Embodiment of God's Will

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will for us. As John 14:6-7 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you want to know the will of God, come to Jesus. If you want to align yourself with that will, make Him your focus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith," who endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions to help align yourself with God's will:

1. Am I actively cultivating a relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers?

2. Where might I be trying to figure out God's will on my own terms rather than seeking Him first?

3. Is there an area where I've been asking God to "close the door if it's not Your will" instead of waiting for Him to open a door?

4. How can I better fix my eyes on Jesus this week, making Him my focus rather than my circumstances?

5. Is there a door God has opened that I've been hesitant to walk through?

Remember, God's will isn't complicated—He wants you to know Him, His purposes, and His ways. Like a chess game, it's not about your individual moves but about the King and His ultimate plan. Trust that even when you feel uncertain, God is orchestrating something beautiful through your life as you seek to follow Him.

Gospeler: Ask a Question

Understanding the Power of Asking Questions when Sharing the Gospel

At Hope Summit, we are witnessing a beautiful movement of faith as more individuals are stepping forward to embrace Jesus as their Savior. This week, we continue our "Gospeler" series, focusing on the importance of sharing the gospel. Today, we delve into the art of asking questions and how it can pave the way for meaningful conversations about faith.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Asking questions is a powerful tool in sharing the gospel. It shows genuine interest in the other person's beliefs and experiences, creating a foundation of trust and openness. When we ask questions, we communicate that we value their perspective and are not just interested in pushing an agenda.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing all peoples on earth through him. This passage highlights God's desire to bless humanity and reestablish His connection with us. As gospelers, we are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the good news of Jesus.

The BLESS Acronym

To help us share our faith effectively, we use the BLESS acronym:

B - Be in prayer

L - Listen to their story.

E - Eat together, building a relationship.

S - Serve them or allow them to serve you.

S - Share your story and Jesus' story.

Listening and asking questions are integral parts of this process, helping us understand where the person is spiritually and how best to share the gospel with them.

Jesus' Example

Jesus was a master at asking questions. Throughout the gospels, He asked 183 questions and answered directly only a few times. This approach allowed Him to engage deeply with people, understanding their hearts and guiding them towards truth.

Quick to Listen

In our world today there is an abundance of opinions and information. What if Christians became known for being quick listeners instead of quick with our opinions or even how we believe we have the answer? James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When Gospelers ask good questions, they show they are more interested in the person than being heard. The Gospeler’s first job is to love those they want to reach with the Gospel.

Challenge for the Week

This week, I challenge you to identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them and look for opportunities to ask meaningful questions about their beliefs and experiences. Focus on listening well and building a genuine relationship.

Reflective Questions

1. Who is one person in your life that you can pray for and engage in meaningful conversation?

2. How can you improve your listening skills to better understand others' perspectives?

3. What questions can you ask to open up a dialogue about faith without making the other person feel pressured?

By following Jesus' example and asking good questions, we can create opportunities for the gospel to take root in people's hearts. Let's be intentional in our interactions, seeking to bless others and share the transformative message of Jesus.

Gospeler: Unschooled and Ordinary

Embracing Our Ordinary for God's Extraordinary Work

Today, we delve back into the the idea of becoming a "Gospeler"—a bearer of the gospel. It's not just about receiving Jesus' grace but allowing it to flow through us to others. Let’s look at how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

The Call of Ordinary Fishermen

In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls His first disciples—ordinary fishermen. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were not scholars or religious leaders; they were simple men doing their daily jobs. Did Jesus choose these men because they had some hidden potential that no one else could see? Perhaps. But what if it wasn’t what Jesus saw, but what he didn’t see that matters? What if God doesn't require or even desire extraordinary qualifications in his followers? What if he is more interested in willing, humble hearts who he can equip with his Spirit? After spending three years with Jesus, these four une Acts 4:13, Peter and John would stand firm against the opposition of some of the most powerful and brightest leaders in Jerusalem and as a result, people took note that these unschooled and ordinary men had been with Jesus.

God's Preference for the Ordinary

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth explaining that God chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly to shame the wise and strong (1 Cor 1:26-29). This ensures that no one can boast before Him. The ordinary nature of Jesus' disciples allowed God's power to shine through them, making it clear that their accomplishments were due to divine intervention, not human ability.

Later, in his second letter to the Corinthians, he would remind us that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10). When we acknowledge our limitations, we create space for God's strength to manifest. This counter-cultural message challenges us to boast in our weaknesses, knowing that they are opportunities for God's power to be revealed.

Embrace Your Ordinary

God's call to be a gospeler is not limited to pastors or missionaries. It's for everyone. Reflect on your life and recognize that your ordinary circumstances are precisely where God wants to work. Think of the ordinary things you can do and imagine how God could use them for building his kingdom. He looked to four fishermen and told them he would teach them to fish for people. Your job, neighborhood, and daily interactions are your mission field and God can use the ordinary in your life to make an extraordinary impact in eternity.

Questions for Reflection

1. Who is one person in your life (OneLife) who needs to hear about Jesus?

2. What ordinary aspects of your life can God use for His extraordinary purposes?

3. How can you overcome feelings of inadequacy and trust in God's strength and the Spirit he promises to all who follow Him?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share your story of faith with them this week. Remember, it's not about having all the answers but trusting that God will use your willingness to make an impact.

Gospeler: Gospel Genealogy

Welcome to our new series "Gospeler" where we explore what it means to be someone who shares the gospel (which means good news) to others. This can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, as we delve into this topic, remember that our strength and courage come from God. Let's embark on this journey together, learning how to become gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world.

The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reflect on the people who have been part of your gospel genealogy. These are the individuals who shared the love of Jesus with you and helped you grow in your faith. Just as they played a role in your spiritual journey, you are called to be part of someone else's gospel genealogy.

A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher and then passes on that knowledge. Jesus' disciples were expected to carry on His teachings, and this call has echoed through generations. Our task is to continue this legacy by sharing the gospel and making disciples.

Why is Sharing the Gospel Intimidating?

Many Christians, even seasoned ones, find the idea of sharing their faith intimidating. The fear of rejection, the feeling of inadequacy, and the concern of not being knowledgeable enough can all contribute to these fears. However, it's essential to remember that our role is not to save people but to plant the seeds of the gospel.

Dependence on God and the Power of the Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, Paul explains that he planted the seed of God’s Word, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. A seed is hardwired for the harvest. In the same way, the gospel is hardwired for salvation. Our role is to share the good news and encourage others in their faith, but it is God who brings spiritual growth. Just as we depend on God for the sun to rise and our hearts to beat, we must rely on Him when sharing the gospel. This dependence on God should bring us joy and peace, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

The Gospel's Power to Save

Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." The power to save lies in the gospel itself, not in our abilities or eloquence. Our job is to share the message and trust God to do the rest. Many Christians feel the responsibility to be the super hero who swoops in to save non-believers from going to Hell. We need to remember that Jesus, the true hero, has already come and will come back again. Our role is to be unashamed that we know the way to be saved.

How Can You Be a Gospeler?

1. **Grow in Your Faith and Love**: As you deepen your relationship with God, you will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Fruit have seeds and one of the purposes of the fruit is so that the seeds might be dispersed. The fruit that results from growing in faith and love will naturally attract others to how great it is to follow God and give us a chance to share the gospel.

2. **Look for Opportunities**: Be attentive to moments when you can share the gospel. It could be a simple invitation to church, a conversation about faith, or an act of kindness that opens the door to sharing about Jesus.

3. **Trust in God's Power**: Remember that it is not your job to save people. Your role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will make them grow.

Questions to Reflect On

1. Who are the people in your gospel genealogy, and how did they impact your faith journey?

2. What fears or anxieties do you have about sharing the gospel, and how can you rely on God to overcome them?

3. How can you grow in your faith and love this week to become a more effective gospeler?

Conclusion

As we embark on this six-week series, let's commit to becoming gospelers who share the love of Jesus with the world. Remember, our role is to plant and water the seeds of the gospel, trusting that God will bring the growth. Let's embrace this call with joy and courage, knowing that we are not alone in this mission.

Join us next week as we continue to explore what it means to be a gospeler. And don't forget to get involved in a small group for a more interactive learning experience. Together, we can make a difference in the world by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.