Thoughts for Life: Have You Been to the Water?

Jean Oathout: Have you been baptized? Do you even know the reason why Christians are to be baptized?

Let's find out what the Bible says about this from the very first believers, what they did and said. (Google image, Baptism, Excellent message!)

Starting with Acts 1, we read about the activities of the disciples, even Jesus' mother and brothers. As you read the second chapter, the power of the Spirit of Christ came upon the 120 praying and waiting in an upper room, (like Jesus told them to do, 1:4-8).

After the Holy Spirit came upon them, Peter had the opportunity to speak to the crowd assembled there in Jerusalem. His message brought conviction of sin, and the people asked him what they were to do, now that they'd been a part of crucifying Christ.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For this promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38, 39).

Many verses confirm what Peter said that day. I invite you to keep reading, so you can understand what happened then, and what should take place today, some 2,000 years later. There have been no changes in what needs to be done, according to Scripture.

Remember Ananias, and what he told Saul after his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus, when he became a believer of Jesus? "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (22:16).

I invite you to continue reading the book of Acts, as there are several other references to water baptism. The following is a quote from the link given above. I trust it will help you understand the reason for baptism:

"Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection:

"When you came to Christ, you were 'circumcised,' but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure--the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." (Colossians 2:11-12, NLT)

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4, NIV)

Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means “change.” It is turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before the Lord. It is giving the control of our lives over to Him."

If you want further study on the subject, check out the link given with the Google image, Baptism.

I pray that this has helped you consider being baptized too. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in what you're to do. May the Lord bless you through your obedience to the Scriptures.

Today's post suggestion: #9 You Can Intercede, from Healing Thoughts and Prayers

Remain faithful

Father, thank You for making it clear what the reason for our being baptized is in the message above.

As we read the book of Acts, we see many incidences of believers being baptized.
Reveal to us how we're to receive this information, and what it is You want us to do.
We see that baptism identifies believers with Christ and His death, burial and resurrection.
As we obey, fill us with the power Peter said was promised to us. May we be led by the Spirit to follow Christ in His baptism, which is to acknowledge our commitment to Him, and to serve and obey Him all our lives.
We ask this of You, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

Heb. 11:6 (KJV) "But without faith it is impossible
to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him."

Heb. 4:12 (NIV) "For the word of God is living and
active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

2 Tim. 3:16 (NKJV) "All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness."

1 Tim. 2:5. 6 (KJV) "For there is one God, and one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
(v. 6) Who gave himself a ransom to all, to be testified
in due time."

Today's quote-

~ Rick Warren- "Trusting completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary."

Today's popular post-

A Choice that God Blesses

James H. Cagle: The Bible says,“Blessed are the undefiled” (Ps. 119:1). "The state of holiness and cleanliness and sanctification is the state of blessedness the writer is referring to."

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Upcoming posts-

#79 Men Who Served the Lord with Tears

14th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#80 God Desires that we Leaders Weep
16th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Practicing the Presence
18th- Saturday's post by Max Lucado

#81 You Can be an Anointed Leader
21st- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel