TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5
Read: Acts 19:1-7
Listen: Acts 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Realizing what Jesus has done for them, John’s disciples place their faith in him for the forgiveness of sin. When they do, they are baptized in water in the name of Jesus. For these new Jesus-followers, this baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that has just taken place. It symbolizes dying to an old life without Jesus and being raised to a new life with him.
We do much the same here at Ada Bible Church when we baptize followers of Jesus. Lowered beneath the water and then brought back up, it symbolizes new life in Jesus and a right relationship with God based on truth. It also is a statement to the world that Jesus is the Lord of those who have been “washed clean” by the blood of Jesus.
Jesus commands all of his followers to be baptized. This action shows we are both obedient to his teaching and follow his example (Luke 3:21-22). It’s a powerful illustration that God is continuing to move.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Where are you concerning baptism? Maybe you’re a Jesus-follower but have never been baptized since trusting Jesus. Or perhaps you’re not sure where you stand in relationship to Jesus. Regardless, we’d love to start a conversation with you at btw@adabible.org. If you’d like to know more about baptism, visit adabible.org/baptism.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Timothy 5.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
