09/05/2021
The old and unrighteous in us dies, and the new sanctified person rises up. From the living waters of baptism springs forth the people of a new covenant, like babies they have been washed, and are lifted joyously for all to see. They have become an image of the Risen Christ, with the Words of the Father ringing in their ears, and a new song bursting forth from their hearts… “Glory to God on the highest, and come quickly Lord Jesus!” These are now the heirs of the Prince of Peace! These are the children of God! On them rests the Holy Spirit, and in them their Father is pleased.
“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
John the Baptist stood in the Jordan River baptizing those who professed to believe in God, but on this particular day something incredible was about to occur… John’s baptism was about to be changed forever. Jesus was making his way to the river, and when He was raised from the water His ministry and mission of redemption was to begin in glorious fashion, and soon the act of Baptism would take on the significance of His life, death, and resurrection.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.””
Matthew 3:13-17 ESV
Today is another wonderful Sunday. All around the world there will be new Christians baptized, and one such an occurrence will be held here in the United States in the living waters of the Little Harpeth River in Nashville Tennessee. Today two believers, a man and his wife, will go down in the waters of baptism, and be raised up as new creations… righteous, forgiven, obedient, heirs with Christ, and as Children of God.
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
Romans 6:3-5 ESV
So today, the couple from my church will profess their faith once again, and be made disciples of Jesus, by being obedient to what He commanded His apostles to do in the Great Commission, and for Christians everywhere to surrender to… baptism.
“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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
As we read this today, are we believers in Jesus Christ, and that He is the Son of God? Have we gone down in the waters of baptism, and been raised changed, and transformed? Is there a better day than today, or a more perfect time than right now, to pronounce our faith, and be baptized? No there isn’t, so let us go down to the river, pray, declare our faith and discipleship as we obey the Lord in baptism, and rejoice!
“And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”
Acts 8:36, 38-39 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, for His obedience in baptism, and the change He brought to John’s baptism by His life, death, and resurrection. Thank you Lord for burying us in the living water of baptism, and raising us from it forgiven, righteous, and a new persons in Jesus. Hear our voices as we praise your name Lord, and hear our joy as we sing of your eternal glory. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who submerges us in death, and lifts us into new lives in Jesus. Praised be your name Father for every soul cleansed by the blood of Christ, and made new in the waters, and the Holy Spirit, of baptism. Merciful are you Father, as you open the Heavens to us, and pronounce us yours. Your grace knows no bounds, and it is only by it that we are saved. Hear our profession of faith Father, and make us disciples as we are obedient to you in baptism.
“And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:40-41 ESV
Rich Forbes