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NEW TESTAMENT BAPTISMS Baptism in Water By Larry Kreider BE BAPTIZED IN WATER! If your have never been baptized in water, what are you waiting for? Do it today! We mention in the previously that when Jesus hung on the cross between two thieves, one of them was saved but there was no opportunity for him to come down from the cross and be baptized. However, you and I have that opportunity. Although baptism does not save us, let's be obedient to the Word of God and take the opportunity to show we are dead to sin and alive to Christ. If you have any doubts about your baptism in wter, I encourage you to be rebaptized. Doubts can cloud your faith and cast a shadow of condemnation on your life. Romans 14:23 says that....everything that does not come from faith is sin. It's important that you are living and walking in faith. If you're not sure, be baptized in water so that you can be certain and the enmy cannot sow seeds of doubts in your mind. Water baptism is a physical act which reminds you of your faith and freedom in Jesus. You can point to it if the devil tried to lie to you and put doubt in your heart. You can say with assurance, "I was baptized in water and I know that I'm free. The old man, the former sinful nature, is cut off and has no power. Jesus Christ lives strong in my life." Talk to a pastor or small group leader to arrange for your water baptism. I believe any believer in Christ can baptize another believer in water. You do not have to necessarily be a pastor or elder to perform a baptism. Paul, the apostle, often left water baptism to other believers in the church. He did it simply because they could help out this way. Paul knew his primary calling was to preach the gospel and to train others. "I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius...For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel...(1 Corinthians 1:14,17) To summarize, water baptism is a sign of an inner cleansing of the heart. It is public declaration that I have turned from sin to serve Jesus Christ as Lord. It shows that I am dead to sin and alive to Christ. It is a type of New Testament circumcision where the power of my old nature has been cut off. And most important of all, baptism in water is important because the Lord, in His Word, commands me to be baptized, and I want to be obedient to Him. 
REFLECTION: If you have doubts about your conversion and baptism, what can you do about it? _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
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