Splash!
It’s amazing how many thoughts and sensations can run through one’s mind in just the few brief seconds of baptism. One ‘splash’ and all goes momentarily silent, the sounds of the room, the music perhaps, the singing maybe, all are gone, or at least drowned to watery muffles. There is a great peace and relaxing. You’ve done the deed. You know you have obeyed the first clear command of Christ to all His followers: Repent, be baptized.
He said, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26).
Just before that Peter had identified Christ as the Messiah (v.20). In Matthew’s account Jesus concurs saying this insight had been revealed to Peter by revelation of God the Father (Matt. 16:16, 17). Jesus then went on to explain that He would “be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (v. 22). He said His disciples must “deny themselves and take up their cross daily” (v. 23).
He warned them just what that cost may mean:
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:24, 25).
Baptism tells the world to whom you have committed loyalty. In some parts of this globe such commitment surely means death – not only symbolically, but actually. Peter blurted “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” and all the disciples agreed (Matt. 26:35).
But flesh-fired they all fled initially, yet they regrouped and prayed. Once Holy Spirit empowered they became dynamos. Christ had said “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of…” Now they were no longer fearful, but bold. So bold that the people around them were amazed! (See Acts 4:13)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel,” Paul declared, “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).
Baptism tells the world you feel the same.
Splash! –– one of the milestones Elder Jim shared with us on Sunday. If you’ve not yet taken that plunge I urge you to consider it. Use the Contact link or contact a Bible-believing church near you today. See what God will work in you!
More tomorrow…
To hear Elder Jim’s message, go to the Lincoln Baptist Church website and look under ‘Media’ for the Aug. 11 message.
thebrokenrunner 
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