A Sign of Becoming
July 25, 2021
Belief is important, but belief alone is not evidence that someone is actively walking with Jesus. The ritual of baptism is, therefore, more than a sign of believing, it is also a tangible sign of a person’s willingness to follow Jesus in acts of obedience. Join us for part two of Ripple Effects where we explore the differences between a religious ritual and a life-changing encounter with God.
Passage (read it):
Principle (know it):
Baptism is a sign of becoming.
Baptism is a sign that our lives are being changed by what we believe.
Practice (do it):
Identify what has changed in you since beginning to follow Jesus. What still needs to be changed? What will it require of you to allow God to do a transformative work in you?
Daily Readings:
This week’s daily readings focus on the lives of people who had transformative encounters with God. As you read each passage, invite the Holy Spirit to prepare you for a transformative encounter with God.
Day 1: Genesis 12; Genesis 15
Day 2: 2 Kings 5
Day 3: Daniel 3-4
Day 4: John 4
Day 5: John 5
Day 6: Luke 19
Day 7: Philemon
Suggested Resources:
Books:
What is Baptism?, by R.C. Sproul
All the Bible Teaches About Baptism, by Jerome Goodwin
I am a Church Member, by Thom Rainer
Jesus of Nazareth: From Baptism to Transfiguration, by Joseph Ratzinger