Baptism, Spiritual Gifts, and the Unity of Christ's Body | Luke Edgerton | 2/1/2026

Feb 1, 2026 • Pastor Luke Edgerton

This sermon from 1 Corinthians 12 addresses the importance of both water baptism and Spirit baptism as acts of obedience and empowerment for Christian life. Pastor Luke emphasizes that while water baptism is not required for salvation, it is essential for obedience to God's Word and identification with Christ's death and resurrection. The sermon explores the distinction between being baptized in water and being baptized in the Holy Spirit, explaining that in Spirit Baptism, Jesus is the baptizer who immerses believers in the Spirit for power and ministry. The second major theme focuses on the body of Christ as one unified body with many distinct members, each possessing unique spiritual gifts that contribute to the health and function of the whole. The pastor challenges believers to discover and actively use their spiritual gifts, emphasizing that faith grows through application. He addresses the Western church's tendency to limit God's manifestation by reducing His presence to personal comfort levels, calling instead for desperate hunger for God's presence regardless of how it challenges our preferences.

Key Points:

Water baptism is not required for salvation but is essential for obedience to God's Word.

Jesus Himself was baptized, setting an example for all believers to follow.

There are two distinct baptisms: water baptism (identifying with Christ's death and resurrection) and Spirit baptism (empowerment for ministry)

In Spirit baptism, Jesus is the baptizer; the Holy Spirit is the substance we are baptized into.

The degree of our surrender to God determines the degree we are filled by Him.

The church is the body of Christ with many members, each having irreplaceable value.

Hidden or seemingly insignificant roles in the church are equally valuable to God.

Spiritual gifts include 'helps' and 'administration' in addition to the nine gifts listed earlier in 1 Corinthians 12.

Faith grows as we actively use our spiritual gifts.

The Western church often limits God's manifestation by reducing His presence to comfort levels.

Being part of a local church body is essential; detachment from the body hinders understanding of our place in God's kingdom.