Father, it looks like today is going to be little out of the ordinary. Help me to key in on what is important and to accomplish what needs done. And through it all may my life reflect Your word as found in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” May I think of You all the day long.
1 Peter 3:21 (<<click here)
Baptism. It is a very important part of a Christian’s life but as with anything in life, especially life in the church, we must be careful to see it for what it is. Too often we enhance things and then run with the enhancements.
Plain and simple, baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It is a physical demonstration of a spiritual occurrence. When we accept Christ as our Savior because of his sacrifice in our stead, our “flesh”, i.e. our sinful nature, is crucified with Christ. In doing so we are raised with Him in resurrection power to live with Him in daily victory over sin.
Baptism is symbolic of this. When we are immersed in water it symbolizes our death to sin. Being brought back up out of water symbolizes our resurrection into new life in Christ.
Baptism can be by immersion or by pouring of water or even by sprinkling but it all communicates dying to sin and self. There is nothing “magical” about it. And it’s not some sort of “Get Out of Jail, Free” card. If we turn our backs on Christ and forsake our relationship with Him, going what we want, our baptism was for nothing.
Lord, Luke 9:23 records Your words,
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Once again, sovereign Lord, opening thoughts have meshed perfectly with closing ones may I live this day for You. May I take up my cross, this day, and may I think of You all day long. Amen.
Jan 25th, Wed, 9:13 am
