If You’re a Disciple, This Step Comes Next

Baptism can feel like a strange church moment—get in the water, get dunked, everyone claps. But Jesus didn’t include it in the Great Commission as a random tradition. In Matthew 28:19, baptism is tied to discipleship because it represents something massive: if you’re a disciple of Jesus, you’re dead to who you were and alive to who He is. 

In this message, Pastor Joel Hastings unpacks why baptism matters, what it symbolizes, and why it’s the first step of obedience for every believer. Drawing from Romans 6, we see baptism as a picture of burial and resurrection—leaving the old life in the grave and walking in newness of life. And we’re reminded that what we need more than anything else isn’t a quick fix—it’s more of Jesus, the King who supplies everything we need. 

Here’s a couple key takeaways

• Baptism doesn’t save you, but it is a first step of obedience for every believer—and it preaches what Jesus has done. 

• If you’re dead to your old self, don’t go digging back in the grave—leave the old sin behind. 

• You don’t need more strength—you need more of Jesus. He is everything you need.