Message Details

Series: Splash

Title: Nothing In The Way 

Summary: This message challenges listeners to move beyond mere conviction and intention to "immediate obedient action" in their faith. Drawing from the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, it highlights the danger of procrastination in spiritual matters. The message presents baptism as a crucial step of surrender, identification with Christ, and a launching pad for a life of mission and purpose.

Icebreaker Question

The message talked about the space between conviction and action, sometimes called procrastination. What's one small thing you've been "meaning to do" around the house or at work, but just haven't quite gotten around to yet?

Last Week's Commitment

Last week's "I Will" statement: "I will create space to be face to face"

Discussion Questions

1. The Danger of Delay

Question: Pastor Todd Carter shared about heart bypass patients and his own experience, noting how easy it is to live in the "space between conviction and action," which he called "procrastination." How have you experienced this "inoculation" where having the right intention starts to feel like right action, and what negative long-term consequences have you seen in your life or others' because of this delay? Context: The message began by highlighting the danger of delaying action on convictions, using the example of heart bypass patients and the pastor's own story of delaying baptism, noting that "the longer you sit in it, the more normal it feels." Life Application: Identify an area where I am currently delaying action on a conviction and take a small, concrete step *today* to move towards action.

2. "What's Keeping You?"

Question: The message identified common reasons people delay "immediate obedient action" for baptism: wanting to "get cleaned up first," "know more first," or "wait for family." Which of these, or what other reason, resonates most with you as a potential barrier to taking a next step of obedience in your faith, and why? Context: Pastor Todd directly asked, "What's keeping you?" and addressed common excuses for delaying baptism, emphasizing that the Ethiopian eunuch didn't wait for any of these. Life Application: Reflect on a specific area of my life where I feel God is calling me to immediate obedience, and identify the specific "excuse" or fear that holds me back.

3. Taking the Plunge

Question: Pastor Todd described baptism by immersion as "a picture and it's a symbol of complete surrender and resurrection to live a new kind of life," using the analogy of dyeing a garment. How does this imagery of "complete surrender" resonate with your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, and what might "going all in" look like for you in a current area of your life? Context: The message explained that "take the plunge" means complete immersion, symbolizing identification with Jesus' death and resurrection, and a "change of purpose," not just a surface-level commitment. Life Application: Consider one aspect of my life (e.g., finances, time, relationships) where I've held back, and imagine what "plunging in" with complete surrender to God's will be like.

4. Baptism as a Starting Line

Question: The message emphasized that baptism is "a starting line and not a finish line," a doorway to ministry and mission, as seen in the Ethiopian eunuch's life. How does understanding baptism as a launchpad for "good works which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2) change your perspective on your own spiritual journey or current calling? Context: Pastor Todd highlighted that the eunuch's story didn't end with baptism; he went on to found a vital church in Ethiopia, making baptism the "doorway to ministry" and a reminder of our mission. Life Application: Brainstorm specific "good works" or mission opportunities that God might be preparing me for, and identify one small step I can take to engage with that calling.

5. Mission Outward

Question: The Ethiopian eunuch, after his baptism, "went on his way rejoicing" and became a founder of a vital church, despite having "no pastor, no church, no small group, and he's 1,200 miles from home." Who is one person in your life who feels like an "outsider" or is searching for spiritual answers, and what's one specific, prayerful step you could take this week to share the hope of Jesus with them, or invite them into community? Context: Pastor Todd noted the eunuch's unique circumstances as a foreigner and eunuch who felt like an outsider, and how his baptism launched the gospel geographically and ethnically forward. The question references his immediate mission post-baptism. Life Application: Pray for a specific individual who needs to experience Jesus, and plan a concrete action like inviting them to coffee, sharing a relevant personal story, or inviting them to a church event.

 

Prayer Prompts

1. Leader opens by asking for general prayer requests. 2. Pray for courage to take "immediate obedient action" in areas where we've been procrastinating, trusting God's timing and provision. 3. Pray for opportunities to live out our mission post-baptism, asking God to reveal specific "good works" He has prepared for us and to use us to share the hope of Jesus with those around us.

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