Fresh Start Devotionals

Baptism There are at least three reasons you should be baptized. First, you should be baptized to follow the example of Jesus.”And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him,” Matthew 3:16 We know that Jesus never sinned, why do you think John baptized Him? In His baptism, Jesus showed us that baptism is important to Him, and gave us an example to follow. God was pleased at Jesus’ baptism and He will be pleased during your baptism too. Will you follow Jesus’ example and be baptized? The second reason you should be baptized is to follow the example of New Testament believers.”So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:41–42 On the day of Pentecost, three thousand people made the same decision you have made. The early Church baptized them that very day. Then the people were faithful to attend Church, fellowship, and learn. The third reason you should be baptized is that God instructs you to in the Bible. “And Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 Just as the Lord instructs you to repent (turn from sinful living) he tells you to be baptized. It is not that baptism saves you, rather, it is an announcement of your faith and a symbol of your relationship to Jesus. Has there ever been a time when you’ve followed the Lord in Believer’s baptism? If not, why not talk to your pastor about that today Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).