It's time to go public with your faith in Jesus!
FOCUS TEXT: Romans 6:3–4, Galatians 3:27–28, Matthew 28:19–20
This weekend at Anchor Church, we turned our attention to the biblical meaning and importance of baptism. Baptism is not an add-on to the Christian life—it is the first step of joyful obedience for everyone who has trusted in Jesus. As we walked through key passages in Romans, Galatians, and Matthew, we were reminded that baptism proclaims with boldness: I belong to Jesus.
Truth #1: Baptism Declares Union with Christ — In Romans 6:3–4, Paul teaches that baptism is a powerful picture of our union with Christ. When we are baptized, we publicly declare that we have died with Christ, been buried with Him, and been raised to walk in newness of life. Baptism is both a burial and a birth. It marks the end of our old life ruled by sin and the beginning of our new life in the power of the resurrection. It’s not just symbolic—it’s a bold proclamation that Jesus has completely changed us. Baptism vividly proclaims that we are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection—and that we now live a new, Spirit-empowered life.
Truth #2: Baptism Marks Entry into God’s Family, Kingdom, and Mission — Galatians 3:27–28 reveals that baptism is about more than personal faith—it’s about stepping into God’s family. In baptism, we put on Christ and publicly join the family of believers. It’s a declaration that our primary identity is now found in Him—not in culture, status, or achievements. Baptism also declares our allegiance to King Jesus and commissions us into His mission to make disciples. Baptism announces that we belong to God's family, live under Christ’s reign, and are sent on His mission.
Truth #3: Baptism Is a First Step of Obedience — In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus clearly commands baptism as the first act of obedience for His followers. Throughout the book of Acts, new believers are immediately baptized as a sign of faith. Baptism is not a graduation ceremony for the spiritually mature; it’s the starting line for those who trust Jesus. It’s the way we say publicly, "Jesus is Lord. I am His.” Baptism is not an optional tradition—it is the first step of obedience for everyone who follows Christ.
Questions to Consider:
Have you placed your faith in Jesus but delayed baptism? What is holding you back?
Are you living out the new life you declared at your baptism?
How might God be calling you to encourage others to take this bold step of faith?
Prayer Response: Father, thank You for the gift of salvation and the new life we have in Jesus. Thank You for the powerful gift of baptism—a sign that proclaims Your victory in us. Strengthen our faith, deepen our obedience, and make us bold witnesses of Your transforming love. Help those who need to take their next step of baptism to respond with courage and joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Memory Verse: “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.” — Romans 6:3–4 (ESV)
