1. Baptism What’s stopping you?

2. Philip & The Ethiopian

3. Story from Acts Acts 8:26-39 As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the Eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the Eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the Eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

4. What stops us.…? Forgetfulness Life busy Laziness Family – Parents and relatives disapproval Friends – Peer pressure Work of the enemy – Pride – Fear – Shyness & Insecurities Disobedience – Personal choice – Excuses

5. The Ethiopian Eunuch Ethiopian Chancellor Religious man (Interested in Judaism – 1,000 mile trip to Jerusalem) Thirsty for more of God (reading from Isaiah) Humble man, asked Philip for help Obedient –”Here is water, what hinders me from being baptised?….”

6. Why get Baptised? Its about EXAMPLE - Jesus got baptised – Matt 3: 13-17 Its about OBEDIENCE - Jesus instructs his followers to baptise new disciples Matt 28:18-20 Philip baptised the Ethiopian - Acts 8: 26-39 Paul baptised people in Corinth “into Jesus” – Acts 19:5 Its about a PUBLIC STATEMENT of a personal decision/choice Family & friends Spiritual powers (angels & demons) Its about IDENTIFICATION with Christ ( death, burial & resurrection) Its about HUMILITY & COMMITMENT - clothing ourselves in Christ – Gal 3:27 But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfilment of God's original promise.