Monday | New Life In Christ
Monday | New Life In Christ
Monday, August 11, 2025
Reading For Monday | Acts 2
LIVING OUT YOUR BAPTISM
In Acts 2, we see the formation of the early church. It begins with a very clear presentation of the Gospel, which means “good news”. What is this good news? That Jesus is the Messiah - the Savior we all desperately need and whom the Israelites have been searching for generations - and because of His death and resurrection, there is new life available to all those who would choose to follow Him. But what does that mean? How are we to follow Jesus if He has gone ahead of us to Heaven? In Acts 2:38, Peter gives them a very clear first step (the answer Jesus had prepared them with before He ascended to Heaven - Acts 1:1-8 & Matthew 28:16-20): repent and be baptized.
Through the movement of the Holy Spirit, thousands of people receive and believe this good news and are baptized to become new disciples of Jesus, so that the same Spirit can empower them to continue His Kingdom work. This practice of Baptism is foundational to our faith. As a new creation in Christ, your baptism signifies both a singular and a continual transformation. It’s singular in its expression and experience - it only has to be done once because the covenant is complete, similar to a marriage ceremony. But its continual transformational power is an ongoing process of the Spirit’s work in your life - we call this Sanctification. Just as after the marriage ceremony we continually grow, mature, and face challenges in understanding that sacred union, baptism marks the start of a lifelong covenant with Jesus. We demonstrate our baptismal commitment by practicing a devoted life: Being with Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, and Doing what Jesus did.
In Acts 2, we see the formation of the early church. It begins with a very clear presentation of the Gospel, which means “good news”. What is this good news? That Jesus is the Messiah - the Savior we all desperately need and whom the Israelites have been searching for generations - and because of His death and resurrection, there is new life available to all those who would choose to follow Him. But what does that mean? How are we to follow Jesus if He has gone ahead of us to Heaven? In Acts 2:38, Peter gives them a very clear first step (the answer Jesus had prepared them with before He ascended to Heaven - Acts 1:1-8 & Matthew 28:16-20): repent and be baptized.
Through the movement of the Holy Spirit, thousands of people receive and believe this good news and are baptized to become new disciples of Jesus, so that the same Spirit can empower them to continue His Kingdom work. This practice of Baptism is foundational to our faith. As a new creation in Christ, your baptism signifies both a singular and a continual transformation. It’s singular in its expression and experience - it only has to be done once because the covenant is complete, similar to a marriage ceremony. But its continual transformational power is an ongoing process of the Spirit’s work in your life - we call this Sanctification. Just as after the marriage ceremony we continually grow, mature, and face challenges in understanding that sacred union, baptism marks the start of a lifelong covenant with Jesus. We demonstrate our baptismal commitment by practicing a devoted life: Being with Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, and Doing what Jesus did.
JOURNALING REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Reflect on the memory of your baptism. What stands out to you about that experience? What has changed in your life since then? If you haven’t made the decision to be baptized, why not? What’s holding you back?
- How does your baptism shape your identity as a new creation in Christ, and in what areas is the Holy Spirit renewing you in this season of your life with Christ?
- How does your baptism inform your purpose and mission, and what steps can you take to live this out daily?
PRAYER PROMPTS
- Thank God for the gift of baptism and ask for a deeper understanding of your identity as His child. If you haven’t been baptized yet, talk to God about that and any barriers you need His help to overcome.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit's continued renewal in your life. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life that need His transformation.
- Seek guidance for fulfilling your purpose and strengthening your role within the church family and your mission in your broader community.
NEXT STEPS
- If you would like to talk to someone about Baptism, we’d love to connect with you! Complete this Connect Card, check the box that says ‘I am interested in baptism’ and someone will follow up with you.