Skip to main content

A New Life

“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12

Baptism is one of the two sacraments instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ when He lived among us in human form (the other being the Lord’s Supper, also known as communion). Just before He ascended back into heaven, He instructed His followers to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

But why did He instruct us to baptize those who become disciples? Aren’t we saved by faith in Christ and His sacrifice to pay for our sins on the cross alone? Why do we need to go through the additional process of baptism?

The answer to these questions actually demonstrates God’s wonderful love for us. Baptism (and communion) is God’s sign-act of His love and care for us. Sign-acts are acts that convey meaning using actions, words and objects. They are not merely symbols, but much more than that. In the same way that God used the burning bush to communicate important truth to Moses, He works through the water of baptism to impart His grace to us.

In fact, He communicates much more than His grace. God also uses the sign-act of baptism to teach us that through faith in Christ, we die to our old sinful and worldly desires (going under the water), and are raised again to a new life in service to God (coming back up out of the water).

Prayer Focus: Father, help me to live my life as the new creation You have made me to be, serving You instead of myself.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Storyteller

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:8-9 These are the last words Jesus speaks to his Apostles just before ascending into heaven. Not what they were expecting. They were wondering when Jesus was going to set up His Kingdom on earth. As He was ascending into heaven He reveals we are the ones to accomplish the task. Jesus’ departure is not desertion; it is a commission to be the storytellers of truth to the rest of the world. Frequently, we look at this scripture in relationship to our life. We perceive Jerusalem as our own community, Judea as our city, Samaria as our country and the ends of the earth as the world. Christ informed the apostles they will have the power of the Holy Spirit to reach these people. Notice the word “and...” Jesus didn’t say...
1 comment
Read more

Generosity Draws

“And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:33-37 I had the opportunity recently to offer something of value to some friends. It was passes to a golf tournament. I only had two, so I started checking with them one at a time. The first several were not able to take advantage of them, but something struck me. In declining, each of them expressed appreciation. Generosity had touched them. Joseph from Cyprus was a generous person. It was shown in two ways. He was generous with his possessions. He sold some property he owned to provide for needy people. And he was so gen...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Baptism that Divides

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49-51 Jesus was feeling the weight of His passion, the baptism of His death. What that baptism was going to release is anything but peace. There is and will be great division between people because of Christ. Rejection by family and friends, within families, deep divisions of world views. The fire of the purging of sin in our lives and the establishment of the righteousness He desires to release is evident. And it will continue until the end of time. We often think of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus. But never forget that He is also holy, righteous and just. And one day everyone, by faith or by force, will acknowledge Him as Lord. Prayer Focus: Jesus, thank You for carrying the weight of justice for each of us. Thank You for...
Post a Comment
Read more