September 22-28, 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, let’s ponder together what the scriptures say.
This week's Bible reading: Matthew 3
Focus Verse: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: In what ways does water baptism help you identify with Christ?
Day 2: Should water baptism be public or private? Does it matter? Why or Why not?
Day 3: Does baptism make you a Christian?
Day 4: Is water baptism merely symbolic or does something spiritual occur? Why or why not?
Day 5: Does baptism inform a persons commitment to Christ? How about you? If you have been baptized, did you notice that your commitment grew afterwards?
Challenge: If you the reader happen to not have put your faith in Jesus, I say repent, believe and be baptized. Then receive as soon as possible water baptism by immersion as a symbol of dying to self, burying the old life and being raised to walk in new life with Christ Jesus.
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.