Why be Baptized?

N. T. #14 "Why be Baptized?"

Feb. 24, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall what was unique about John the Baptist? His clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt.

What did he eat? Locusts and wild honey was what John ate in wilderness. Locusts were allowed source of food for the poorest of people. (Lev. 11:22; verse 4)

Where did he preach? Not only in the wilderness, but also in Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan River. (verse 5)

Did John have a successful ministry? Since he preached repentance, many confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (verse 6) Even Pharisees and Sadducees came to John's baptisms. (verse 7)

What a unique man. God used John in an unusual way. God raises up His servant, His witness, His prophet in His time. (verse 3) Will we let Him use us in an unusual way to spread the Gospel? Are we willing to leave our lifestyle and serve others? What a blessing it is! Don't miss out.

Ye  have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit. (John 15:16)

LET IT GROW

In the Greek language, baptized (baptizo/bap-tid-zo) means to make whelmed (fully wet). 

John's baptism was with water; Jesus' baptism was in the Spirit and fire. Baptism is a symbol of what has occurred to the person who was saved. As a Baptist, I believe it is full emersion in the water, for a sinner dies to self, the old person dies, whenever saved. They are raised to new life in Jesus, filled with His Spirit.

If a believer in Jesus is saved, they will want to be obedient to their Savior and be baptized. Have you confessed your sins, believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and thus baptized? If not, friend, you should find a church which baptizes with full emersion. Although, baptism is not what gets one to heaven unless they are saved.

LET IT GO 

Make us an example to others, Jesus.

May they see by our actions what has taken place in our heart. 

Thank You that salvation is by faith, not works, bloodline.