Baptism unites us with Jesus

Paul said, ‘The baptism of John was for those who turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him – that is, in   Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul placed his hands on them, and the Holy spirit came upon them; they spoke in strange tongues and also proclaimed God’s message. (verses 4-6)

Read Acts 19:1-10

To be baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus brings you into the life and person of your Saviour. Through baptism you receive everything that he has done to save this world from the power of sin. You share in the power that flows from his great Easter victory, your sins are forgiven, you receive the Holy Spirit, and you are assured of one day living with him in heaven. It’s amazing what God does through this simple act of baptism!

The people of Ephesus wanted to be baptised. They wanted to be part of him who has so much to give, and so they were baptised into the name of Jesus. And immediately they began to speak about him to others; it was a natural response.

That’s how the Holy Spirit does it. He unites us with Christ and then touches our hearts so that we want to tell others about the wonderful things he has done. That’s how he builds his church.

Lord Jesus, you have given me so much in my baptism. You have made me a part of your body, the church. Thank you for everything. Amen.

by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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