Our name | Mission | Vision | Leaders Ministries | Schedule | Directions | Contact Home   Gateway Church gathers for worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Location: 6425 Jefferson Rd. (Hwy. 129) in Athens, Georgia. For directions, click here. Ministry of the Word: Recent sermons Our quarterly e-magazine Gateway Today For the Gateway family Pastor Jerry's Weekly E-Mail A GATEWAY SERMON SUMMARY AUDIO The baptism of the Lord Jerry Varnado, pastor Gateway Church, Athens GA January 12, 2003 Main Scripture text: Mark 1:1-11. Water baptism is a point of decision, but not just a one-time decision. Baptism is a living decision that requires a person's continual affirmation. Water baptism affirms a person's identity as a child of God, chosen by His grace. Water baptism reminds us that God's loves us and approves of us, not based on our performance but based our relationship with Him. Although extremely significant, water baptism is only a prelude to and preparation for a greater baptism -- the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. That baptism comes when we stand in agreement with Christ's lordship over our lives. It is the baptism of the Spirit that empowers us for effective ministry in the Kingdom of God. Supporting texts: Luke 4:14 | Acts 2:36 A mp3 audio file of this sermon is here. (Download to a PC by right clicking on the link and choosing "Save Target As." Mac users: click, hold, and choose "Download Link to Disk." Depending on your connection speed, the file may take several minutes to download.) An audio tape of this sermon is available free of charge (U.S. requests only). Request a tape by calling or writing the Gateway Church office. Please specify tape number 030112a: The Baptism of the Lord. © 2003 Gerald R. Varnado To the Gateway Church home page How to contact us