Hawaii 6 – My Future, My Choice - As a Needle to the Pole

Hawaii 6 – My Future, My Choice

July 27, 2026 Study Guides

Sermon Study Guide

“My Future, My Choice”

Main Passage: Romans 6; Acts 8; John 3:23; Matthew 28:19-20

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide is designed for various settings where God’s Word can be explored and shared:

Personal Bible Study: Use the guide to deepen your own understanding of baptism and the Christian walk.
Small Group Discussion: Engage with others to discuss the biblical truths and personal implications of baptism and commitment to Christ.
Sabbath School Classes: Facilitate meaningful conversations about the significance of baptism and the Holy Spirit’s transforming power.
Family Worship: Share the teaching points and questions with your family to encourage faith conversations and spiritual growth at home.

Throughout this guide, you will see helpful icons to guide your study:

📖 Scripture Focus: Key Bible verses to anchor the session.
💭 Teaching Points: Important lessons drawn from the sermon and Scriptures.
❓ Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions for reflection and group sharing.
✍️ Personal Application: Practical steps to apply the message in daily life.

Session 1: The Meaning and Mode of Baptism (John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39)

📖 Opening Scripture: “John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. … Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (John 3:23, Matthew 3:13-16, paraphrased)

💭 Teaching Summary:

Baptism by immersion is the biblical mode demonstrated by Jesus Himself. The sermon explains that Jesus “came up out of the water,” showing that baptism is not sprinkling but full immersion, symbolizing death and resurrection with Christ. This physical act reflects the spiritual reality of dying to sin and rising to a new life.
The story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 shows believer’s baptism based on faith and understanding. Philip helped the eunuch comprehend Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus, and upon belief, the eunuch requested baptism immediately. This illustrates baptism as a personal choice following conviction and acceptance of Jesus as Savior.
Baptism is both an outward symbol and an inward spiritual reality. It reflects being “buried” with Christ and raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It is a public declaration and a private transformation.
The early church practiced baptism with abundant water, sometimes natural bodies like the Jordan River, showing the importance of sufficient water for full immersion. This practical aspect roots baptism in the physical world as well as the spiritual.
The preacher’s personal stories about baptizing in a lake and an indoor baptistery highlight the challenges and the sacredness of the act, emphasizing that baptism is a serious, solemn step in the believer’s journey.

❓ Discussion Questions:

Why is full immersion significant in baptism compared to sprinkling or pouring water?
What does the Ethiopian eunuch’s example teach us about preparation and readiness for baptism?
How does baptism symbolize both death to sin and new life in Christ?
In what ways does baptism serve as a public testimony of faith?
How can baptism reflect the character of God as well as the believer’s commitment?

✍️ Personal Application:

Reflect on your own baptism experience or consider what baptism means to you personally.
If not yet baptized, pray and seek guidance about taking this step of faith.
Share with someone why baptism is important to you and how it changed your relationship with God.

Session 2: The Spiritual Significance of Baptism (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38-39)

📖 Opening Scripture: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4)

💭 Teaching Summary:

Baptism symbolizes dying to an old life of sin and rising to a new life in Christ. This is not just symbolic but a spiritual reality where believers are forgiven, cleansed, and empowered to live transformed lives.
Through baptism, believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues the work of transforming character daily. The sermon emphasizes that baptism is not just water but a gateway to the ongoing baptism of the Spirit that produces fruit like love, joy, peace, and self-control.
The fruits of the Spirit are the mark of a baptized believer’s life. This transformation is the “greatest makeover” — from a broken, angry, or hate-filled character into one that reflects God’s love.
Baptism also welcomes believers into a new spiritual family — the body of Christ. This global family transcends race, nationality, and social status, uniting believers in one faith and one hope.
The writer shares personal testimony about the strength and support found through the church family, especially in difficult times like the COVID pandemic, underscoring the practical blessings of Christian community.

❓ Discussion Questions:

How does baptism represent a death to sin and a new life in Christ?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a baptized believer?
Why is the fruit of the Spirit important in the Christian walk?
How does being part of the body of Christ affect your life and faith?
In what ways can the church family support you in your spiritual journey?

✍️ Personal Application:

Ask God daily to fill you with His Spirit and help you grow in the fruits of the Spirit.
Reach out to fellow believers and strengthen your connections within the church family.
Identify areas in your character that need transformation and pray for God’s work in those areas.

Session 3: God’s Part in Baptism and Forgiveness (Acts 22:16; Psalm 38:18; 1 John 1:9)

📖 Opening Scripture: “Now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16)

💭 Teaching Summary:

Baptism is a step of repentance and surrender. God calls sinners, not the righteous, to repent and be baptized. Recognizing our sinfulness before God is the starting point for salvation.
The law of God serves as a mirror to reveal sin, just as we look in a physical mirror every day to check ourselves. This knowledge leads us to see our need for a Savior and to seek forgiveness.
God is ready and willing to forgive abundantly. The sermon highlights God’s joy in showing mercy and clemency to those who confess their sins genuinely. This forgiveness is complete and covers all our guilt and consequences.
True confession involves acknowledging specific sins, not just a general apology. This honesty fosters genuine repentance and healing within families and the church community.
God’s patience is immense, delaying Christ’s return to allow all to come to repentance. His desire is that none would perish but all would find salvation through Jesus.

❓ Discussion Questions:

Why is repentance essential before baptism?
How does the law of God help us recognize our need for salvation?
What does it mean that God “delights in showing clemency”?
How can confessing specific sins help in personal and family spiritual growth?
Why is God patient with sinners, and how does this affect our understanding of salvation?

✍️ Personal Application:

Take time to honestly confess specific sins to God and seek His forgiveness.
Reflect on God’s mercy and patience, allowing His love to motivate your repentance.
Encourage your family or small group to practice open confession and prayer for one another’s sins.

Session 4: Baptism and the Final Crisis (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 7:14-17)

📖 Opening Scripture: “Then I heard the angel say to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” (Revelation 7:14)

💭 Teaching Summary:

The sermon reminds us that a final crisis is coming, affecting the whole world. This crisis will be a test of loyalty between obedience to God’s commandments and submission to worldly mandates.
Baptism, as a sign of allegiance, identifies believers who choose God over the powers of this world. There is no neutral ground; everyone must choose a side in this ultimate spiritual battle.
Those baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit are prepared to face this crisis. Their characters have been transformed and they are sustained by God’s promises and presence.
The promise of Revelation includes protection, provision, and eternal joy for those who remain faithful. Baptism is the first step into this victorious life and into the family of God that will endure to the end.
The preacher encourages immediate decision: “Now is the day of salvation.” Waiting or delaying baptism risks missing God’s timing and protection in the coming trials.

❓ Discussion Questions:

What is the “final crisis” described in Revelation, and how does baptism relate to it?
Why does the preacher say there is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle?
How does baptism prepare believers for the challenges ahead?
What promises does God give to those who remain faithful through the final crisis?
What steps can you take to be ready for Christ’s soon return?

✍️ Personal Application:

Pray for courage and commitment to stand firm in your faith during difficult times.
Make a clear decision about your allegiance to Christ and baptism if you have not yet taken that step.
Engage regularly in Bible study and prayer to strengthen your walk with God.

Session 5: Your Future, Your Choice (John 3:3-5; Mark 16:16)

📖 Opening Scripture: “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again… no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” (John 3:3-5)

💭 Teaching Summary:

Entry into God’s kingdom requires a new birth — being born of water and the Spirit. Baptism is the visible expression of this spiritual rebirth and commitment to Christ.
The choice to follow Jesus and be baptized is the most important decision anyone can make. The sermon emphasizes that while life is fragile and uncertain, eternal life through Jesus is the greatest promise.
Jesus promises salvation to those who believe and are baptized. This is not just a human promise but the guarantee of the One who died for us on Calvary.
The preacher’s invitation to baptism candidates highlights the personal nature of this choice and the joy that comes from following Jesus.
Living as a baptized disciple means daily surrender to the Holy Spirit’s transforming power, resulting in a life that reflects Jesus and encourages those around us.

❓ Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be “born of water and the Spirit”?
Why is baptism described as a choice about your future?
How does believing and being baptized assure salvation?
In what ways can daily surrender to the Holy Spirit impact your life?
How can you encourage others to make this vital decision?

✍️ Personal Application:

If you have never been baptized, consider making this commitment as a public declaration of your faith.
Commit each day to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and transformation in your life.
Share your faith story with someone who needs encouragement to follow Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of baptism and the new life it represents in Christ. Thank You for Your mercy that forgives, for the Holy Spirit who transforms, and for the family of believers who support and encourage us. Help us to make wise and courageous choices for You, choosing life and faithfulness amidst the challenges of this world. May Your Spirit continue to guide and renew us daily, shaping us into the image of Your Son. Strengthen our commitment, deepen our love, and prepare us for the day when Jesus returns in glory. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.