DEVOTIONS
Monday: One of the most argued topics in churches of all flavors for years has been the topic of baptism. Do we dunk? Do we sprinkle? Do we pour? Do we just need to say a prayer? Is it for babies? Teenagers? Adults? Does it have to be done publicly or is privately alright? Does the preacher have to be there or can my parent/spouse/friend be involved? TO WHOM DO WE LISTEN?!?! The only voice that should be heard on this topic is God. What does the Bible say concerning all these questions and more? This coming Sunday we will look at the key example: Jesus. Lord, in all we are and in all we do, Jesus is the answer. May we learn from Him all that is needed for life. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22 all record the baptism of Jesus, and while the Gospel of John does not record this event it does allude to its occurrence in John 1:29-34. John the Baptizer suggests that he should be baptized by Jesus instead of Jesus being baptized by him(John). Jesus responded by saying, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus sets the perfect example for us in all things. Instead of spending time arguing over traditions churches have held we must simply follow Jesus in all we can. God, help me surrender my thoughts, my ideas, my plans, and follow the perfect example of Jesus. In His name, amen.
Wednesday: “When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” To fulfill all righteousness…pleasing the father. While we will break this passage down Sunday together, it calms and guides our heart to simply surrender and obey. Jesus shows the way to righteousness. Who are we to question His way? Lord, I surrender all. All to Jesus, I surrender. Guide me in Your way. In Jesus ,amen.
Thursday: Jesus’ baptism reveals His true identity to John the Baptizer, to us sinners, setting an example for all and marked an important transition in Jesus’ life. The beauty of baptism is where a person is able to understand on their own the beauty and need of surrendering their way and following Jesus. Baptism shows how we die to our own self and clothe our lives with Jesus. Baptism is where we die to self and arise from the grave of baptism by water to live a new life in Christ. The symbolism is glorious. Oh that we follow Gods beautiful plan of redemption. Father, here I am. I surrender my all to You. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday: Wanting some passages on baptism to read? Check out Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:26-27, 1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:4-6. Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 6:11 & 12:13, Hebrews 10:22, Acts 10:47-28, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Ephesians 4:5 and many others. Baptism comes from the greek work baptitzo meaning to dip, plunge, dunk, immerse. No other word is ever used in reference to baptism. The symbolism is beautiful in showing as Christ died for our sins, we die to self as lowered in/buried in the grave of baptism. Arising from the water we are clothed with Christ as He conquered death and hell for us rising from the grave. Oh, God, thank You for this beautiful gift. In Jesus, amen.
Saturday: God loves us deeply. God wants us to obey Him in all ways of life. As the heavens opened upon the baptism of Jesus with the sound of The Father proclaiming being please with His Son, may we also bring praise to the Father as we celebrate in baptism. Lord, I truly surrender all to You. In Jesus, amen.