Baptism Sunday: The Invitation

Preacher: Justin Matthews

Worship Song Suggestion:
Same God – Elevation Worship
(Celebrates God’s ongoing work in people’s lives and ties beautifully to testimonies and baptism moments)

Check-in:
Start by connecting as a group:

• Share one moment where you’ve clearly seen God working in your life (big or small)
• If you’ve been baptised, what did that moment mean to you?

High-Level Sermon Summary:
This message centred around “The Invitation”: the truth that God is always inviting us into more of Him.

Using Baptism Sunday as the context, the message highlighted that what we celebrate in baptism is this powerful truth:
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

1. The Invitation to Experience the Holy Spirit
   • God doesn’t call us to follow Him alone
   • Through the Holy Spirit (our Helper, Comforter, Advocate), we can experience His presence daily
   • The Holy Spirit empowers us to live and to be witnesses
2. The Invitation to Be Baptised
   • Baptism is not what saves us. It is a public declaration of a decision already made
   • Jesus Himself was baptised and invites us to follow His example
   • It’s a step of obedience, celebration, and identification with Christ
3. The Invitation to Follow Jesus
   • This is the foundation of everything
   • Salvation is available to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord
   • It’s not about being perfect or “ready” – it’s about responding to Jesus

The message ended with a personal challenge: “What invitation is Jesus extending to you today?”
Because no matter where we are in our journey, there is always a next step.

Key Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New life in Christ
• Luke 3:21–22 – Jesus is baptised and the Holy Spirit descends
• Acts 2:1–4 – The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
• John 14:16–17 – The Holy Spirit as our Helper
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Follow Christ’s example
• John 3:16–17 – God’s love and invitation to salvation
• Romans 10:9–13 – Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved
• Acts 1:8 – Empowered to be witnesses

Discussion Questions:

1. Recognising the Invitation
   The message spoke about different invitations from Jesus.
   • Which of the three invitations (Holy Spirit, baptism, following Jesus) stood out most to you and why?
2. Not Doing Life Alone
   The Holy Spirit was described as our Helper, Comforter, and Advocate.
   • What does it look like practically to live aware of and led by the Holy Spirit daily?
3. Taking a Next Step
   Baptism is a response step after choosing to follow Jesus.
   • What tends to hold people back from taking clear next steps in their faith?
4. Responding Personally
   The message asked: “What invitation is Jesus extending to you?”
   • What do you sense God might be inviting you into in this season?

Action Step:
To take the step of Baptism sign up for the next Baptism Service on 23 August 2026.

Prayer Pointers:
Take time to pray together around these areas:

• Salvation: For those still exploring faith, that they would respond to Jesus’ invitation
• Holy Spirit: Ask to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit’s presence and power
• Boldness: Pray for courage to take next steps (baptism, obedience, sharing faith)
• Gratitude: Thank God for new life and the work He is doing in people’s lives
• Witness: Ask God to use you to point others to Jesus

You could close with this prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for inviting us into new life. Help us recognise Your voice, respond with faith, and walk in the power of Your Spirit.”