New Me…Who Dis
Today I want to speak on the subject of water baptism.
Believe it or not, baptism is a rather controversial topic in the Christian faith.
Some People don’t believe that you need to be baptized at all.
Some believe that you don’t need to be immersed in water.
Some people believe that you aren’t really “saved” if you don’t get baptized.
I can give you several scriptures pertaining to baptism, however, I will just reference one example from the bible:
The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13-17 NIV
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Based on the revelation that I receive from this scripture, Jesus considered baptism as a fulfillment of righteousness.
As a follower of Christ I am inclined to follow the example set by Jesus and if He, (the Son of God) saw it fit and necessary to be immersed in water publicly, so should we.
In case that wasn’t convincing let me make it more practical….
According to the Romans 10: 9 NKJV “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” BOOM OK DO THAT PART.
But just like after you say “I do” at your wedding, you then publicly display your commitment by putting on a wedding band. Without the ring, people can’t assume that you are married.
If you relationship with your significant other isn’t a secret, neither should your relationship with Jesus.
The Apostle Paul compares water baptism to the likeness of a spiritual death and rebirth.
Romans 6: 3-5 NIV
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 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.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
It is through this water baptism that we become reborn into the likeness of Jesus. Thank God we don’t have to die on the cross like He did. I’d much rather be dipped in the water Hallelujah.
Last weekend I had the honor of witnessing my dear friend Ricky be baptized. I asked him if he would be comfortable with me sharing his testimony online and he agreed.
““I’m still in a bit of shock and all, but i feel great! Like some weight was lifted.””
I am so incredibly proud of Ricky and I was blessed to see his parents and close friend come out to support him.
Baptism is a celebratory event and all of Heaven rejoices as well.
Now because I am extra I will include below 16 bible verses about baptism. If you are contemplating the decision to be baptized I encourage you to pray and meditate over these scriptures. And if you don’t belong to a local church, don’t let that hinder you. Baptism can take place anywhere. In fact during Spring Break this year, God has placed it on my heart to host a flash baptism event in Columbia, Maryland. I plan on baptizing anyone who shows up outside at the Robinson Nature Center More details coming soon.
16 Bible Verses about Baptism
https://dailyverses.net/baptism
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27 | NIV |
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 | NIV |
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16 | NIV | (JESUS SAID THIS ONE)
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
John 3:5 | NIV | (JESUS SAID THIS ONE TOO)
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
Acts 22:16 | NIV |
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:3 | NIV |
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22 | NIV |
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
Acts 10:47 | NIV |
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:5-6 | NIV |
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.