Dust and Diamonds, “Baptisms”
The following content can be used as a guide for TFH Groups.
The heart of a TFH Group is to care for people and carry the culture of The Father’s House.
You don’t have to follow the guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion. If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What’s the most unforgettable or unexpected trip you’ve ever been on?
SERIES: Dust and Diamonds
TITLE: Part 5 - Baptisms
SPEAKER: Pastor Pierre du Plessis
Scriptures—
Acts 16:16-34; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 15:7
Summary—
Pastor Pierre emphasized that salvation through Jesus Christ is not merely about securing a place in heaven after death, but about experiencing freedom from guilt and reconciliation with God in this present life. He explained that baptism is a powerful, tactile testimony of dying to the old self and being raised to new life in Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the story of Paul and Silas in prison and Jesus' own baptism, Pastor Pierre clarified that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone—not through our works or worthiness. The service culminated in celebrating numerous baptisms as visible expressions of inward transformation, reminding us that God's grace is available to all who come to Him in faith, regardless of their past or perceived righteousness.
Key Takeaways—
Salvation is not just about where we go when we die, but about who we are in this journey of life.
Jesus frees us from guilt and sin’s power in this life, offering new life through faith, not works.
When Jesus was baptized, God affirmed Him—and our baptism publicly declares our identity in Him.
Baptism symbolizes dying to our old self and being raised to new life in Christ.
Both believing we're "too bad" and believing we're "good enough" are equally poisonous to receiving God's grace
The Holy Spirit creates obedience in us, not out of fear of hell, but out of love for God.
Discussion Questions—
How does understanding salvation as freedom from guilt in this life rather than just a ticket to heaven change your perspective on what it means to follow Christ?
What aspects of your “old self” do you sense God calling you to bury and leave behind?
Why do you think Jesus insisted on being baptized by John even though He had no sin to repent from? What does this teach us about obedience and identification?
In what ways do you struggle to accept God's complete forgiveness rather than trying to earn it back?
Pastor Pierre suggests that both feeling 'too sinful' and feeling 'too good' can keep us from God. Which side of this spectrum do you tend to lean toward, and why?
What would it look like for the Holy Spirit—not fear—to be the source of your obedience and daily walk with God?
Practical Application—
Write out your testimony and share it with someone this week.
Choose one difficult situation you're facing, and intentionally practice worship and gratitude in the midst of it.
Pray for someone who needs God’s love, and encourage a new believer or someone recently baptized in their new faith journey.
Closing Prayer—
Close your session by praying for those who were baptized, that they would grow strong in their faith. Pray for boldness to share testimonies of God's transforming grace. Finally, pray for those in difficult situations, or "midnight moments," right now.
