Pastor Paul Durbin began a study of the Becoming anchor of our Belong → Believe → Become → Belay series by focusing on baptism—a sacred act that marks the moment we go under with Christ in death and rise with Him into new life. This week’s teaching, drawn from Chapters 11 and 12 of Paul’s upcoming book, paints baptism not as a water event, but as a burial. Every time someone is baptized—whether in a Chinese mountain stream or a modest apartment bathroom—they’re declaring that brokenness, unforgiveness, sin, shame, and deception are being buried in the tomb of Christ. This message will challenge you to look at what needs to stay buried… so you can fully become who God has made you to be.
If you had to be baptized in an unusual place (bathtub, river, lake, fountain, etc.), which would you choose and why?
Acts 8:36–38 (NIV)
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Colossians 2:12 (NLT)
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Both passages reflect a beautiful tension—something is buried, something is raised. Baptism represents a turning point where inner transformation is made public.
Questions: