CHOOSING TO FOLLOW
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4, ESV
Theme: Baptism is a willing declaration and reminder to the world of Jesus’ death, Resurrection, and the believer’s new life in Him.
AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE
Baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation. We are saved by faith. It is an act of obedience. Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist. Baptism represents spiritual cleansing, union with Jesus Christ, spiritual rebirth, and Christ’s death, burial, and Resurrection. It is also a public declaration of faith and represents a new life in Christ—a new creation.
DECISION
I was baptized in my early twenties, but my heart wasn’t in it. I really didn’t understand the deep meaning and purpose of baptism. But I also didn’t try to find out what came next.
When I truly asked Jesus into my life and fell so in love with Him and His Word, I finally began to see the holiness of baptism. When you come up out of that water, it’s just the beginning of the changes, wonders, and treasures ahead—but only if you look for them.
NEW OWNERSHIP
For me, when I made the decision to be baptized again, this time was different because I was a different person. I was hungry and wanted all that He offers. I didn’t want to miss anything.
I’m a visual person, and I tend to write my thoughts down on paper. I may have kept the makers of wide-ruled composition books in business for the last few years (That’s funny!). So, after my baptism day was set, I wrote a letter to Satan. Yes, I really did, and I’m aware of how that sounds. I still have it. In it, I put him on notice that he would no longer be welcome in my mind, my heart, or anywhere near me.
Jesus is living there now, and He—Jesus—is the new owner. He is my Lord and Master.
REBUILDING
After baptism, we are new people. We have died with Him and are raised to new life. So, in my visual mind, I had a new temple to build where Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit would dwell for the rest of my life.
The designer is the Father, the contractor is the Son (a former carpenter!), and the Holy Spirit is my advisor. The Word has all the plans.
It’s been about four years, and I’m still a work in progress, but I’m still so excited about what comes next.
Make It Personal: Are you ready for a new beginning? A restart? A new, permanent tenant in your heart? An amazing new lease on life? A new purpose? God has plans for you, and you don’t want to miss out. There are changes, wonders, and treasures to find!
Pray: Oh, my goodness, Lord. I just can’t thank You enough for Your love and grace. You are so, so good. Thank You for the plan of salvation and for the sacrifice of Your beloved Son. I pray that every heart and every mind will see and receive Your amazing gift and give their hearts to You. We love and praise You. In the Name above all names, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Read: Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:21
Weekly Memory Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19, ESV