Baptism Sunday
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
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.
God creates opportunities for us to take steps towards him. The burning bush created an opportunity for Moses to take a step towards God. Naman had no hope of healing, but he found a prophet who told him to dip seven times in the river, and when he did, he received his healing.
All of these responses were simple steps that were unplanned responses to unexpected opportunities. Although their responses were unplanned, they were steps of obedience that ultimately led them to do great things for God.
The first step Jesus calls us to take as believers is baptism (Matthew 28:18-20). He wants the world to know that his followers are not following him secretly but publicly. Baptism is a public expression of an inward decision, just like a wedding band that tells the world you belong to your spouse.
Four Reasons Why You Should Get Baptized (Today):
1) Some might say, “I’ve got to get my life together first.” Baptism is a declaration that you can’t get it together on your own, and you trust Jesus to bury your past and your sin and raise you to new life in him.
2) Baptism is not about salvation; it’s about identification. When you are baptized, you are expressing to Jesus that you are so thankful that he took your place that you want to identify with him.
3) Baptism is not about church affiliation. It’s about identification with Christ.
4) Today is just as good as any day to be baptized.
Ask yourself, “Why shouldn’t I be baptized today?”
Acts 8:36, NIV
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
Action Item: Ask yourself: Is Jesus creating an opportunity today for me to take another step towards him?