NEXT STEPS: BaptismSample

WHAT IS IT?

Yesterday we learned that Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward work of God in our hearts and lives. But it also serves another purpose: it's a public declaration of what God's done and what you've decided to do. In other words, deciding to follow Jesus in your heart and as an individual is great, but there's something powerful about declaring, in the presence of family and friends, that you've decided to follow Jesus. It puts a certain realness to the whole ordeal. Walking away from Christ and the things He has for you becomes more difficult when you've made it public and made people aware of your decision.

In fact, that's part of the reason it's so powerful - you allow others to be aware of the decision you've made, and now they are able to help keep you accountable.

If you begin to make selfish and unwise decisions again, these people have the ability to speak into your life and remind you of the decision you've made. And on top of all that, it's also a great form of witness. Many people invite their family members and friends to witness their baptism, even if they don't know Jesus. This proves some of the authenticity of what you've decided and of what God is doing in your life, and may even serve as encouragement for them towards the things of God!

Imagine - you get baptized on a Sunday morning and your friends/family members end up coming to Jesus as a result! How incredible would that be!