This week is a special celebration at Branch Church — Baptism Sunday! Pastor Brian Suter pauses our Nehemiah series to reflect on the meaning, beauty, and power of baptism. Rooted in Romans 6, this message reminds us that baptism is far more than a ritual — it’s a public declaration of new life, identity, and unity with Christ.
Through Scripture and story, Pastor Brian walks us through what baptism symbolizes: dying to our old selves, being raised to new life in Jesus, and proclaiming our freedom from sin. He also explains why Branch practices baptism by immersion, when the best time to be baptized is (“now”), and why this act of obedience and celebration is central to the life of the church.
As we hear the testimonies of those being baptized, we’re reminded that every story is a reflection of God’s grace — that He still transforms, redeems, and makes all things new.
Key Themes & Takeaways:
Baptism is commissioned and commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20).
It’s a symbol of salvation, not salvation itself.
Through baptism, we declare: “I am no longer who I was; I belong to Christ.”
We are united with Jesus in both His death and resurrection.
We live a new life, no longer slaves to sin.
Baptism is a testimony — God’s story told through His people.
Key Scripture Passages: Romans 6:1–11; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 8:26–39; Romans 10:9–10
For more information, visit: branchchurchmn.org
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome and Branch Camp Recap(02:00) Introduction to Baptism Sunday(03:00) Why Baptism Matters(04:00) Jesus’ Commission in Matthew 28(05:00) Reading from Romans 6:1–11(06:00) New Identity in Christ(07:00) United with Jesus in Death and Resurrection(08:00) Living a New Life in Freedom(09:00) The Symbolism of Baptism(10:00) The Hope of Eternity(12:00) Why We Practice Immersion(13:00) Baptism as a Symbol, Not Salvation(14:00) When Should You Be Baptized?(15:00) Stories of Baptism and Testimony(16:00) A Celebration of God’s Transforming Grace
Keywords: Baptism, Branch Church, Brian Suter, Romans 6, new life, faith, salvation, testimony, grace, identity in Christ, discipleship, obedience, worship, celebration, freedom from sin, spiritual growth
