Digging Deeper: Baptism – From Death to Life
12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Colossians 2:12 (NLT)
BAPTISM IS A SYMBOLIC ACT THAT TELLS THE WORLD THAT JESUS HAS BROUGHT ME FROM DEATH TO LIFE
Randy Travis released a song entitled “Pray for the Fish.” The second verse says:
Well, the preacher ducked him under that cool clear water, then he did it again. Eddie came up yellin’: “Lord in Heaven, hallelujah! I’m a brand new man! Well, the water got to bubblin’, sky got to rumblin’ an’ the thunder backed up the choir. The fish started jumpin’; it was like they were swimmin’ in a lake of fire. Then Eddie’s Momma stepped outta the crowd, And started yellin’ out loud: “Pray for the fish! They won’t know what’s coming when the sin starts rollin’ off the likes of him. Lord, be with ‘em, they ain’t done nothin’.”
Mike reminded us on Sunday that baptism tells the world that you have been changed from the inside out. When you are baptized, you are visually preaching the gospel. As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross. As you are lowered into the water, you’re providing a visual demonstration that Jesus was buried in the tomb. As you shoot out of the water, you are providing a picture of Jesus rising from the dead. Baptism is a physical picture of you dying spiritually to your old self and coming out of the water to a new life as a Christian.
Reflection
Jesus taught that Satan wants to destroy life and that He came to give abundant life. In what ways has Satan tried to destroy your life? In what ways has Jesus given you new life?
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the power He has to rescue from spiritual death and give you the gift of eternal life. Ask God to show you how He wants you to experience the new life He has given you while you are here on earth.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.