Baptism
Sharable notes for the February 5, 2023 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: Romans 6:1-11; Romans 6:1-5 (Message); Malachi 4:5; Mark 1:1-5; Matthew 11:14; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-38; Colossians 2:12
Passages referenced: Luke 1:36, 39-40;
In the days of John the baptist - baptism signified they knew they were wrong in how they treated their relationship with God, and there needed to be a change. Immersion into water was the signifying of their embrace of that change.
Admitting the sin in our heart, acknowledging what Jesus did to help us, and then repenting and following his teaching can change the course of our life.
Baptism shows I am relating myself to Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation that comes from him.
Baptism can be defined as simply a public declaration of a new association.
When we begin to follow Christ our purposes and pursuits are no longer selfish, and we trust God to work in us and change us.
Baptism represents an acknowledgement that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross completely washes away our sins, and we are raised to new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Paul called salvation a gift. A gift is free to you, but it has to be received and embraced.
Baptism is a picture of your embrace of God's gift of salvation.
In baptism, I am expressing visually my repentance and trust in Jesus, believing that he is delivering me from the chaos of sin that enslaves me.
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
What has been your understanding of baptism, or have you understood what the purpose was for?
Have you been baptized? What led you to making that decision? Do you remember that moment?
What made your baptism special to you?
If you've never been baptized, what keeps you from taking that step?
Click the image to start a new 7 day devotion in YouVersion:
The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Jesus Christ. Making a decision to follow Jesus when no one is looking is significant, but there's something powerful about publicly declaring, in front of family and friends, that you've given your life to Christ. This Bible plan will walk us through what the Bible says about baptism as a next step for a believer!