The Blood, The Water and The Name | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, June 22
Introduction | The Nature of Faith
Today we’ll explore the message, "The Blood, The Water and The Name" by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. The message encouraged us to embrace water baptism, which, through faith, transforms ordinary water into a conduit for spiritual renewal, cleansing us through the blood of Jesus Christ and setting us free as “free birds” in Him. Pastor Jentezen shared testimonies of individuals who found redemption through baptism, reinforcing the call to declare our faith.
- What stood out to you from Sunday’s service?
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, not feelings. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Pastor Jentezen illustrates this through Moses, who doubted God’s call but was reassured by miraculous signs—the rod becoming a serpent, his hand turning leprous and then healed, and water turning into blood—to build his confidence in God’s power.
These signs revealed God’s desire for us to trust Him despite uncertainty. Faith calls us to act on God’s word, not our sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), believing He continues to work miracles, transform lives, and draw people into deeper relationship with Him.
- In what ways does worldly hope differ from biblical faith, and how have you experienced the difference in your own walk with God?
Faithful Obedience
Hebrews 11:8-10 (NIV):
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Abraham’s journey, as described in Hebrews 11:8-10, exemplifies radical trust in God, stepping into the unknown without a clear destination, driven solely by faith in God’s promise. Like Abraham, we are called to obey God even when the path ahead is uncertain, trusting that He is faithful to guide us to His purpose.
- How does Abraham’s willingness to leave his homeland without knowing the destination challenge your understanding of trusting God in uncertain situations?
Hebrews 11:24-27 (NIV):
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”
Similarly, Moses, in Hebrews 11:24-27, chose to forsake the temporary pleasures of Egypt to align with God’s people, demonstrating that faith often demands sacrifice and difficult choices.
Pastor Franklin's message of water baptism mirrors these stories, as it calls us to act in obedience, stepping into the waters of faith to be cleansed and transformed by the blood of Jesus.
Just as Abraham and Moses embraced God’s call over comfort, baptism symbolizes our commitment to leave behind the old self and embrace a new life in Christ. Let us trust God’s leading, make bold choices for His kingdom, and find freedom in surrendering to His will. May we, like these heroes of faith, walk obediently, knowing that God’s promises are greater than any sacrifice.
- Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy Egypt’s pleasures. In what ways can you embrace “call over comfort” in your daily life, such as in relationships, career, or serving others?
The Reward of Faith
Pleasing God
Hebrews 11:6 declares, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (NIV)
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It’s not about having all the answers or seeing everything clearly. It’s about trusting the heart and character of God even when we can’t see the full picture. God is not moved by our performance or perfection—He is moved by our belief in Him.
- What does it mean to you personally that “without faith it is impossible to please God”?
When we walk by faith, we affirm that He is who He says He is, and that He will do what He has promised. This kind of trust brings Him deep joy. Faith isn’t just a requirement; it’s the language of relationship, the currency of intimacy with the Father.
Inheriting Promises
Later in the same chapter, Hebrews 11:39–40 reflects on the great heroes of faith:
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (NIV)
This reminds us that faith is not always about immediate fulfillment—it’s about eternal vision. Many in the "hall of faith" lived and died without seeing the full reward of what God had promised, yet they remained faithful because they saw beyond the temporary. Faith gives us a lens to look past what’s visible and hold onto what is eternal. It teaches us that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are bigger than our present circumstances. Our faith connects us to the bigger story of redemption, one that will culminate in eternity.
- Have you ever waited a long time for God to fulfill a promise? How did your faith grow (or struggle) during that season of waiting?
Conclusion | Living a Life of Transforming Faith
Faith, as Pastor Franklin preached, is not passive—it is powerful, active, and life-changing. It transforms not only how we think but how we live. Baptism, as emphasized in the sermon, is a profound expression of this transforming faith. Just as water was turned into blood in Moses’ day and wine in Jesus’ first miracle, so too does our faith in Jesus transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
We heard testimonies of real people who encountered Jesus, surrendered their lives, and publicly declared their transformation through baptism. Each story echoed the truth: faith works when mixed with obedience. Whether you're stepping out of addiction, pain, doubt, or complacency—faith is your bridge to freedom.
Faith invites you to trust again. It tells you the blood of Jesus is still enough. And it empowers you to rise, walk forward, and declare with confidence: “I am a free bird.” You are no longer bound—your past is washed, your name is written, and your future is filled with promise.
- What area of your life do you need to surrender to God in faith this week, trusting Him to transform it?
Recursos
- Interested in Baptism? Complete Next Steps and let us know.