Baptism Pictures Submission to Jesus

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by your, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” (Matthew 3:13-15)
       Passage: Matthew 3:16-17 

       I love my children – period. They do not have to do anything to keep me loving them and they cannot do anything that would stop me from loving them. However, the enjoyment and closeness of my relationship with either of them could be diminished if one or both decided they did not want to hear from or see me anymore. That would break my heart, but it would not change the fact that they would still be my children and I would still love them. (I am grateful that is not the case.)
       That reality is a picture of our salvation and it is one of the reasons baptism is an important act for a believer. Baptism is a living picture of submission to Jesus. Jesus gave baptism as an ordinance for the church, and it shows a believer’s submission and desire to please Jesus when he is baptized. Jesus said in John 8:29, “The One who sent me is with me … for I always do what pleases Him.” Baptism shows that you are want to please God and do what He tells you to do. God loves you – period. Love Him!

 Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)