Follow Me Week 4
- May 26, 2025
- 3 min read
TRANSCRIPTION:
Welcome to week 4 and the final chapter in Part 2: Starting to follow Jesus! So over the past 3 weeks we have learned more about Who God is, How to pray, and how to read and study our Bibles. And this week we are going to be discussing all things Baptism!
Now, before we can dive deeper into the “how to’s” for baptism we first have to understand what it is! So, what is Baptism? In the simplest of terms, Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that has taken place.
Romans 6:4 paints the picture beautifully: When we're lowered into the water, it's like the burial of Jesus; when we’re raised out, it’s like His resurrection. Baptism isn’t just a religious ritual. It’s a symbol, a declaration, and a celebration.
Think of it like this: Just like learning to play “Words with Friends” can be confusing until the letters finally click, understanding spiritual concepts—like Baptism—can feel overwhelming at first. Especially when words like "sanctification" and "redemption" are flying around. But Baptism is simpler than you may think.
Let me help break it down for you. First, it’s important to know that there are actually three key baptisms every follower of Jesus experiences:
First, there is Baptism in Jesus – This happens at salvation, when you invite Jesus into your life. It's a spiritual immersion—where you’re made new from the inside out.
Second, we have Baptism in Water – This is the public celebration of your personal decision to follow Jesus. It's symbolic of dying to your old life and rising into new life, just like Jesus did. Jesus Himself was baptized, and if it was important to Him, it should be important to us too.
Third, is Baptism in the Holy Spirit – This is the empowerment part. Jesus promised a Helper—the Holy Spirit—to guide, strengthen, and equip us for the journey of faith. It's not spooky; it's a gift.
Now a quick “disclaimer” if you will - When you dig deeper into the concept of baptism you will discover that though there are three baptisms, there is a fourth element working in the mix - Sanctification. Sanctification is an ongoing process sometimes referred to as "baptism by fire"—this is the refining process we go through as we become more like Jesus. It’s not a single moment but a lifelong transformation.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Baptism is not a cold church requirement. It’s a divine celebration. A bold "I'm in!" to following Jesus. Whether it's your first step or your next, don't let confusion or fear hold you back. However, on the flip side, we don’t want you making a decision to be baptized just out of duty or expectation! We want you to have an understanding of what you are doing and why you are doing it!
So this week, we are going to work on answering all of those unanswered questions and taking the mystery out of the call to baptism! I encourage you, as you read the passages of scripture, be on the lookout for overarching themes, similarities, and, most importantly, what Jesus Himself said and did! After all, if God commands it, and Jesus modeled it, it’s definitely something we should explore, value, and live out as well!
LINK TO KIDS CHAPTER
LINK TO WEEK FOUR
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