A Leap of Faith

Baptism is an ancient symbol of a person's commitment to follow Jesus Christ. For centuries, Christians have demonstrated their new life in Jesus by allowing themselves to be immersed under water. To be "immersed" into something means to fully plunge or go into deeply. More than a religious ritual, there is deep meaning behind the symbolism of baptism. Jesus invites His followers to plunge into a life fully devoted to God. Join us as we explore baptism and what it means to plunge into the fully devoted life.

Passage (read it):

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
   make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:1-6

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet?Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
   who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

Matthew 11:1-14

Principle (know it):

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change.

Practice (do it):

Identify the symbol of your faith in Jesus. What event or ceremony marks your inward commitment to follow Jesus Christ?

If you can't think of one, ask yourself, "Have I made a commitment to Jesus, who has committed everything for me?"

Consider participating in the August 28 Beach Baptism as a symbol of your new life in Jesus.