R U DUI?

•    difference between being drunk & dunked
•    under the influence: covenant community, Spirit, suffering, refining, Head of Body
•    baptism about influence and identity

FALSE HOPE – OR GOOD FRUIT?

•    poking holes in pride of pedigree: God has no grandchildren
•    Pharisees: legalists, conservative sticklers
•    rigid religious homes can foster their own problems / addictions
•    Sadducees: aristocratic pragmatists, liberal rationalists
•    good fruit the proof of repentance
•    God’s holiness linked to the ‘coming wrath’
•    idols demand their own sacrifices

BAPTISM AS SUBMISSION, SINKING

•    the Gospel in 3 words: “_____ __ ____”
•    trusting Christ involves submission: John defers to Jesus
•    Jesus submits to being baptized, not for sin, but to identify with us sinners

SIGNS OF THE FATHER’S PLEASURE

•    baptism the official ceremony of Jesus’ enthronement / inauguration
•    Holy Spirit alighting: believers participate in the divine nature
•    declaration of Son enthroned: baptism saves by Jesus’ resurrection

A NEW ID: AN END TO THE SHAME GAME

•    new identity in Christ confers fullness to believer, assurance God is pleased
•    empowers healing as escape from trap of past wounds / shame
•    brand new nature antidote to enemy’s lie