September 1-7, 2024

I have been pondering Baptism for several years and the fact that Christians are divided on the who, what, when, and how of it. I was baptized as a child, pre-salvation. Then I was saved as a young adult in college. I did not get baptized immediately after salvation as the minister encouraged me that I had already done that.  Years later I found myself at a different church in the new members class. One of the teachings was on baptism and I heard clearly that I needed to be baptized as an act of obedience after salvation. So to me baptism is about obedience and occurs after salvation. It is also immersion to signify the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. That seems a bit straightforward to me. Repent. Believe. Be Baptized.  Yet, lets ponder together what the scriptures say.


This week's Bible reading: Matthew 3

Focus Verse: “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:11-12).

Prayer Prompts

Day 1: 1 Peter 3:21, "Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,." Some conclude after reading this that baptism saves you. However, if you gather the context reading ahead and below and in light of other scriptures regarding baptism, you recognize the symbolism contained within the verses. What do you believe it says? Ask God to reveal the truth that is being conveyed in this verse.

Day 2: There are different types of baptisms. John, Jesus' cousin was a baptizer. What was the significance of His baptizing? Under whose name was he baptizing people? (Acts 19:3-4) How did John baptize people?

Day 3: How do you define baptism? Do you think it should be required for membership into a particular church body? Why or Why not?

Day 4: Jesus was baptized?  How was Jesus baptized?  Allow yourself to imagine Jesus' baptism.

Day 5: What is the significance of Jesus' baptism? 

Challenge:  Pray and ask God for someone to ask about their baptism?


Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.

BaptismLisa BrassComment