DCLM Higher Everyday 28 January 2024 — Water Baptism Is Needful
DCLM Higher Everyday 28 January 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Water Baptism Is Needful
Topic: Water Baptism Is Needful
Text: Acts 8:35-39
35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Key Verse: “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:37, 38).
Message
Jones, a University student, surrendered his life to Christ in a Crusade organized by a Christian Campus Fellowship. He joined the fellowship, and his growth was rapid but, he could not join the work force because he had not been baptized. Following counselling that water baptism is an ordinance instituted by Christ, and mandatory for all believers soon after salvation, Jones was convicted, baptized and thereafter integrated into the work force. Water baptism symbolizes public declaration of one’s faith in Christ, identifying with His death, burial and resurrection. Are you saved, but refusing to be baptized? You are disobeying God’s ordinance if that is your case. You need a rethink.
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 27 January 2024 – Crucified With Christ
Dear friend, follow the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in our text, and be baptized. Like Jones in our illustration, it will enhance your Christian experience, commitment and service. Water baptism is by complete immersion in water, ones, in the name of God the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. Although water baptism is needful for every believer, you must live a holy life to get to heaven.
Quote: Lord, I submit myself to your ordinance of water baptism.
Challenge: Be baptized if you have not since you believed.
Prayer for today: Public declaration of one’s faith in Christ.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
