Weekly Devotion from Jesse

Sunday, June 27     This Week
Week of:    Jun 20, 2010, Jun 13, 2010, Jun 6, 2010, May 30, 2010
Topics: GETTING CLOSER TO GOD, GROWING IN YOUR FAITH, DISCOVERING GOD'S WILL

WATER BAPTISM

Passage Of the Day:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (New King James Version)

Insight - Application & Encouragement

Insight:
There are a few rituals that Jesus emphasizes in the Bible, one of them is water baptism. In this command to His followers, Jesus makes it clear that he wants all Christians to be baptized in water. You can’t earn your way to heaven through water baptism. We are only accepted into heaven because Jesus died for our sins and is risen, not because of anything we do. You become a Christian by putting your faith in The Lord Jesus, but there are several things you can do to grow in your faith. Water baptism is an important step for a new Christian- it honors Jesus and is a public identification with Jesus.


Why Not?:

1) Some people think water baptism is just a suggestion, but in fact it’s a command by Jesus.
2) Some people think that they don’t need to be baptized any time soon, but in the Scripture- there is an urgency to do it right away (Acts chapter 16).
3) Some people are shy. Jesus said to acknowledge Him before people and he will acknowledge you before the Father. That’s enough motivation to overcome and fear. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus.
4) Some people will be persecuted if baptized. This is unfortunate, but baptism and obedience are worth any cost.

Deeper:

Read Romans chapter 6 and discover how water baptism is a picture of the physical death and resurrection of Jesus. When someone comes up out of the waters of baptism, they are exhorted to walk in the newness of life with Jesus.

Read Matthew chapter 3 and discover that Jesus was baptized in water (the Jordan river). Look at the words of the father and the affirmation that comes from heaven. Water baptism is an incredibly joyful experience and the blessing of heaven comes to those who take this step.

Questions:

1) Have you put your trust in Jesus to be your Savior?
2) Have you been water baptized?
3) What are some of the reasons in the Bible to be baptized?
4) Is there someone you know who you can share this devotion with?
5) How can you encourage someone to be baptized?
6) How much joy has there been in the baptisms you have seen?

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the ritual of water baptism. Thank you that Jesus was baptized to set the example. I hear your command for me to be baptized and I want to respond by saying yes. I also would like to encourage other Christians to be baptized too. Thanks you that there is so much joy in being baptized. I love you Jesus and this is all for you. I pray this in your Name Lord, Amen.

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