Join us for devotions that countdown to your Baptism Day at 2911! Getting baptized is a really great next step in declaring your faith in Jesus.
Countdown:
5 Days Until Baptism
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
“The Letting Go…”
*With Water Baptisms happening this in your life, we want to help you focus on the amazing gift that Christ has given us to help prepare your heart to “take the plunge” this weekend. We are going to be focusing on the Renewal we all receive through our relationship with Christ through short daily devos this week to help you truly know how powerful this decision you have made to get baptized.
“The Letting Go…”
“Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT
The way we remember things really comes down to a science in the brain. Our brains have a specific memory network that kicks into gear whenever we are trying to remember something says Elizabeth Kensinger from Boston College.
Our brains our wired to remember how we feel at times over the facts in which those feelings derived from. That is why negative memories can linger much longer than good ones can.The “letting go” of the old is an important issue to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5. If we are willing to let go of what we were by focusing on the new person Christ is creating us to be, than we really do become “new” individuals through the eyes of our Savior. All of this happening in a supernatural way because of Christ died to help us forgive the “old” and embrace the “new.” This gift is our comes down to a complete renewal as we trade in the old feelings for new ones related to the fact that Christ doesn’t see you the way you were but he sees the incredible person you were created to be. Although Christ’s death and resurrection was a one time event this renewing is a daily choice we make.
This is why baptism is such a powerful event in our relationship God. It’s more than just a traditional ritual we have to do as believers but it’s a statement to our minds and our hearts that says we are letting go of the old by going plunging ourselves underneath the water and coming up new when we resurface. There is no doubt we will feel the crisp water on our faces reminding our feelings that we no longer are held captive by what once ruled us. We are making a decision to tell ourselves and all those around us that Christ’s death was enough to cover our sins and his resurrection proves that the “new” you is alive and well!
Prayer: Lord, help me to drive my feelings towards the fact that you died for every bad thing that has ever happened to me. Because of your resurrection from the dead I, too, can have mind that is renewed and refreshed every single day I’m on this planet. Renew me today…
Prepare: Spend a few moments today letting go of past sins, issues, habits and addictions surrendering them to your heavenly Father. Even if you don’t “feel” a lot when you take the time to do it it will help reiterate the decision you have made to get baptized and build excitement for what is to come.
4 Days Until Baptism
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
“Baptizo”
The Greek translation of the word “baptize” is the verb baptizo. According to most contemporary lexicons, the primary meaning is “to dip, plunge, immerse.” This is the amazing thing about God. His desire is to immerse us in his “love” - so much so that it changes the way we think about everything. As we surrender to him and die to our past, we are sort of born again, so to say. We are able to forgive ourselves in areas we weren’t able to before. We are able to love where we weren’t able to love before. We are able to overcome issues and struggles in our lives that we weren’t able to before. Sometimes it comes instantly and sometimes it's a journey. But, the greatest thing is that at least we are on our way. What once ruled us doesn’t have the power anymore because Jesus now has become our greatest influence.
As Christ holds your heart close to his, he doesn’t see what was. Once you declare that he is Lord of your life, he becomes just that... the most important part of who you are. And, like that new baby in your arms, you have a fresh, new start in the eyes of Christ. Every single day. Like Romans 8 says, 'we are renewed daily by putting it all into the hands of our Savior and immersing ourselves daily in God’s love.'
Make it a point today to leave behind what you were and step into who Christ says you are. Your sin has been nailed to the cross no longer making you a slave to it. Your new life bursts with freedom from it all. Live in it, everyday.
Prayer: Lord, I lay down my past and immerse myself in the beauty of the present. A future that you created where I can live free from my sin as I pursue you day by day, moment by moment. Help me to live free!
3 Days Until Baptism
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
“Your Story”
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1:16-17 NLT
One of the greatest ways to share about God’s renewal and work in your life is to share your story. Everyone has one… a story. We all have chapters that make us who we are. Those chapters look different for every person. For some of us those chapters are rooted and grounded in love. For some of us those chapters are full of hard decisions we had to make and there are areas of pain when we look back at the journey of growing up. Chapters of weakness. Chapters of strength. Chapters of triumph. Chapters of deep defeat. But… however our story reads, as believers in Jesus, we all have one thing in common... our faith in Christ that changed everything. Now we have a thread of redemption that is woven through our thoughts and words. We see circumstances differently. We have now learned how to deal with our struggles through Christ’s overcoming power. We can now choose to forgive instead of choosing our nature to hate. We live by faith rather than by sight. But the renewal, this unique grace God has placed into our hearts, isn’t just for our own personal good. Yes! We have become new and our hearts made whole. This incredible narrative of redemption isn’t just about us…it’s about how God has designed our renewal experience in Him so we can share our story. Why? So others can read through the pages of our lives and see the merciful hand of God from chapter to chapter. This, my friends, is our greatest gift of which we cannot be ashamed. Let's be eager to tell others about our renewal and willingness to share what God is doing in us... at any cost and without regret.
So consider your testimony…your story. Ask God to give you an opportunity to share just one chapter with someone in need of encouragement. You might even find that you get the chance to share more. And that story of yours, it may bring hope to someone’s deep despair. It may comfort someone who is living in pain. It may bring hope to someone who has lost a will to live. Our renewal story in Christ was designed to help spring up renewal into the life of someone else.
So, share your story. Let others see the light of hope in you even at times when circumstances make it seem dim. You no longer live your life alone doing things on your own and trying to squeeze purpose and hope out of your personal thoughts. You have been renewed through the power of God’s GRACE and LOVE. Be ready… they’re waiting.
Prayer: Lord, help me to not be ashamed of all the awesome things you’re doing in my life. Help me to be unafraid to let others see what you have done in my life. I pray you would give me opportunities to share my life renewal through my relationship with you. Help me to be brave and take every opportunity you present.
Creative Compulsion: Take a few moments to write out your personal journey of coming to know Jesus. it may be a few sentences or countless paragraphs; use words to help you articulate the grace and mercy you have received through Christ. Whether you feel your story is uneventful or full of crazy moments, it will help you see the grace of God in your own narrative.
2 Days Until Baptism
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
Your baptism THIS WEEKEND is a new chapter in the story of your life. Challenge yourself to share about it with a handful of friends this week. Tell them about all you have learned through your amazing public declaration and the renewal you have received through Christ because of your decision. Share about your passion for God, your heart to serve Jesus and your gratitude for the grace you have experienced. Let it be known that being baptized isn’t a trendy decision you made or just a a traditional act you were mandated to keep. Tell all those who will listen that this choice was another step in your faith journey to know Christ more. Never allow this day in your life to be just an event, but allow it to become a catalyst to grow in your faith and allow others to see his mercy at work inside your heart. This was the way it was a few thousand years ago for those New Testament believers who were brought down to rivers and lakes after confessing their sin and accepting Jesus as the King of Kings in their hearts through His act of grace on the cross. And so today... it is now yours.... a devoted follower of Christ… FOREVER.
1 Day Until Baptism
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
Helpful Hints for Baptism
We can’t wait to celebrate with you this weekend. I hope you are ready to party!! We want your baptism experience to be as smooth as possible and a lot of fun…so here are some Helpful Hints on how to make your BAPTISM great!
o Arrive 45 minutes early before the service for Baptism Class (located in the office area)
o Wear dark clothing for baptism (shorts/Tshirt)
o Bring flip flops or sandals
o Bring towel
o Bring change of clothes
o Bring a bag to put wet clothes in
o Invite your friends and family to come and celebrate with you!
AFTER BAPTISM:
Day 1
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
The JORDAN JUMPER
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Matthew 3:13 NIV
It’s amazing to think that a few thousand years earlier Joshua, Moses’ replacement to lead the Israelites, was standing on the banks of that same river knowing the promised land that God had chosen for them was just across the water.
In the morning Joshua said to the priests, “Lift up the Ark of the Covenant and lead the people across the river.” And so they started out and went ahead of the people.
The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.” Joshua 3:6-7 NIV
Crossing the Jordan was a risk for Joshua, especially when you have a million people to cross with you. But, God challenged Joshua to go first and lead the way to the amazing future God had for the Israelites.
Jesus was challenged on the banks of the Jordan as well. After his baptism, he knew not only ministry would unfold but the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life. He could have chosen to stay back in the comfort of what he had known for the past thirty years, but like Joshua, he took the risk to JUMP in. John baptized Jesus and Jesus’ future and purpose on this planet started to unfold.
So it is the same for you. This weekend you may have not jumped into the Jordan River, but you did take the plunge to immerse yourself in an act of surrender as you went under the water and came up fresh, new, and ready for what God has ahead for you.
Yes, YOU, are a Jordan Jumper. What a huge statement you made to not only those around you but to your own heart this past weekend. Like Jesus, your future is in God’s hands and there’s no doubt that He is growing His relationship with you and challenging you to live ready for what is ahead.
PRAYER: Take a moment to ask God to prepare your heart for what is ahead. Believe that His plans are GREAT plans and ask God to help you surrender to them.
Day 2
29:11 Daily Devotional - Water Baptism Series
“He Can Use Me”
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
John 3:13-15 NIV
Jesus…baptized by a human being? What?
God could have chose another way. Possibly a heavenly being that came down to the earth in a chariot, got out, baptized Jesus and then headed back into the clouds. Or, a huge hand representing God himself that placed Jesus into the palm of it and then took him underneath the waters. But, Matthew 3 lays it out for us…Jesus was baptized humbly, authentically and genuinely by the hands of man named John.
It always blows by mind, the humility we see in our God. From the way the Jesus came into the world to his simple life while living here. And, to think that God chose a human being to publicly place Him under the waters and prepare Him for what was to come. God is a God of the impossible. He chooses to connect with us and uses us in his grand plan to redeem our lives.
He wants to be a part of your life. He wants to be a part of your story. Our God isn’t someone who sits on a throne throwing lightning bolts at us when we do things wrong. He gets into the water with us and helps wash the darkness from our lives.
Jesus - sinless, pure, unscathed by darkness…has a human being, sinful in nature, lay his hands on our Savior and gently immersed underneath the Jordan River reminding us that He can use anything, anybody to be a part of redemption’s narrative.
Being baptized this past weekend involves Jesus into your story. An amazing story that’s unfolding day by day…
Prayer: Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes and not your own. Ask Jesus to use your life in ways that blow your mind and expectations.