PARADISE WEEK 3

Series: PARADISE

Sermon: The Way Back Home

Scripture: Romans 6:3–4

REVIEW

In this series, we have been talking about a longing that lives deep in every human heart—the longing for paradise.

No matter who we are, our stories share something in common. There is pain in our lives—Brokenness, disappointment, regret, wounds that shape how we see ourselves and the world.

Because of that pain, we all develop ways to cope. Some people chase success, some seek control, some turn to relationships, substances, or achievement. But eventually, we discover that none of those things actually satisfies the deeper ache inside of us.

The Bible tells us why.

Our pain did not just start in our personal story—it started in a garden. Humanity was created to live in the presence of God in Eden, but sin separated us from that paradise.

That is why Jesus came.

At the cross, one criminal mocked Jesus while the other turned to Him in faith. And Jesus made this promise:

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Through His death, Jesus opened the way back to the garden.

Then last week we saw that Jesus was buried in a garden and rose again. The resurrection proves that Jesus truly is the one who can lead us back to the paradise our souls long for.

So the question becomes: What do we do right now, in this broken world, while we are on our way home?

Scripture gives us a powerful picture through baptism.

“All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… just as Christ was raised from the dead… so we too may walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3–4)

Going under the water represents dying to our old life.

Coming out of the water represents new life in Jesus.

Baptism does not mean we have fixed ourselves. It means we are trusting Jesus to give us a new life and to lead us home.

In the ancient church, people would enter the water facing west—the direction symbolizing the broken world they were leaving behind. Then they would turn and rise from the water facing east—toward the direction of Eden.

Baptism was their first step toward paradise.

APPLY

Baptism is a powerful moment, but it points to something even bigger—a new direction for our lives.

For those who were baptized this Sunday, this is the beginning of a new journey. Baptism marks the moment where you leave the old life behind and begin learning to walk with Jesus.

For those who were baptized in the past, baptism reminds us that we are still called to live

the new life Christ has given us—to turn away from the patterns of the old life and keep walking toward God.

And for those who may still be exploring faith, baptism shows us what following Jesus looks like: trusting Him enough to leave the old life behind and step into the new life He offers.

So here is the question for all of us:

What is ONE step you need to take this week to keep walking toward the new life Jesus offers?

It may be:

• continuing the journey you started in baptism

• turning away from a habit or pattern from the old life

• beginning to follow Jesus for the first time

• asking questions and seeking Him honestly

Wherever you are, the invitation is the same:

Stop wandering and start walking home.

PRAY

Use prompts like these as your group prays together:

• “Jesus, thank You for making a way back to paradise.”

• “Help me leave the old life behind and walk in the new life You give.”

• “Give strength to those who were baptized to follow You faithfully.”

• “Remind us that we are walking toward Your kingdom.”

• “Lead us home to Your presence.”

Take a moment to thank Jesus for the cross, the resurrection, and the new life He offers to all who follow Him.