September 8-14, 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: Mark 16:16, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." We are saved by faith according to our belief on the Lord Jesus. Yet, there is an important connection between baptism and salvation. What do you think this verse suggests about baptism?
Day 2: Since salvation determines our eternal home, do you think that baptism is optional? Why or Why not?
Day 3: Are you comfortable asking others about their baptism story? Do you think it is private?
Day 4: Do you think baptism is physical, spiritual, or both? How did you come to your decision?
Day 5: The thief on the cross with Jesus believed, but was not baptized. Does this support the claim that baptism is optional?
Challenge: Do a word study on baptism. Discuss your thoughts/responses to the prompts and the results of your word study with a pastor or mature believer.
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.