Going Public: A 7-Day Study About Baptism and Why It MattersSample

After You’ve Been Baptized, What’s Next?

Big Idea: Following Jesus isn’t easy, but it is simple.

Baptism is a public symbol of our decision to trust and follow Jesus. Now we get to see how that decision plays out in every part of our lives.

Your No.1 goal from this point forward is to listen to Jesus and do what He says. It’s nothing fancy or complicated, but it’s the best way to move forward.

Reading the Bible, getting involved in a local church, and developing friendships with other Christians can help us grow in our relationship with Jesus. 

It’s a spiritual impossibility to follow Jesus and remain the same. As we listen to Him and do what He says, we will see how it’s true that growing people change. The changes aren’t from our own ideas or strength, but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit — the spirit of God living inside us. 

The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power to love and forgive others, to grow in faith, and to say no to sin and yes to Jesus. These kinds of qualities will continue to show up more and more in our lives as we seek Jesus.

The truth is we won’t have all the answers automatically. Our lives won’t be cleaned up and easy instantaneously, but an easy life is not the point. A relationship with Jesus is the point. Going public in baptism is just the beginning of the changes God will bring us through.

Reflect:

What’s one way you can remind yourself to listen to Jesus and do what He says every day?