My Public Confession

Baptism is more than a ritual—it’s a life-changing declaration of faith. This message explores the meaning and importance of baptism through passages like Romans 10:9, John 1:32-34, and Matthew 3:13-17, highlighting that it follows salvation as a public declaration of faith in Jesus. Pastor Sebastiano shares his personal baptism story, examines why Jesus was baptized, and draws from Scripture to show how baptism symbolizes dying to an old life and rising to new life in Christ.

Group Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding that salvation comes before baptism shape the way you view baptism? How would you explain salvation and baptism to a friend who is unfamiliar with church?

2. In Matthew 3:13–17, Jesus says His baptism was “to fulfill all righteousness.” What does this reveal about His role as our example, and how might it challenge or encourage you to follow His lead?

3. What “old ways” have you left behind since following Jesus, and what “new life” have you experienced?

4. How might you use your baptism date (or other spiritual milestones) to regularly evaluate your walk with Christ?

5. What barriers might keep people from baptism today, and how can we as a church help remove them?