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Basic Christian Values | Water Baptism | Neenah | January 18, 2026

Jan 18, 2026    Pastor Steve Spence

This sermon presents water baptism as a foundational Basic Christian Value, emphasizing that it is not a ritual that saves, but an essential act of obedience, identification, and discipleship for every believer. Rooted in the Great Commission, baptism is shown to be a biblical ordinance commanded by Jesus, practiced immediately after conversion in the early church, and symbolizing a believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The message addresses common reasons people avoid baptism—lack of understanding, pride, indifference, defiance, or lack of genuine faith—and clarifies that while baptism does not produce salvation, it marks the beginning of a transformed, obedient life under Christ’s lordship. Drawing from Scripture, Jewish tradition, and personal testimony, the sermon calls believers to take this step seriously, noting that obedience invites God’s pleasure and blessing. Ultimately, water baptism is presented as a public declaration of faith, a visible gospel witness, and a crucial step in growing up spiritually and fully surrendering to Christ.