4 Therefore, we were buried together with him through baptism into his death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life.
Reflection
In the scheme of things, how important is Baptism. Reading the verse that accompanies this devotional—very.
We were buried with Jesus through baptism, so we can be raised with him and walk in newness of life. Yes, Baptism is very important.
In Peter’s first letter he talked about baptism by first comparing it to Noah building the ark, saying, “eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon starting in Acts 2:14. He began reading Joel’s prophecy, ending with, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Then he got down to it and said, “Therefore, let all Israel know beyond question that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Imagine you were a Jew, and you believed what Peter said. The people were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
I firmly believe they expected Peter to say something like, “Well you blew it. There’s nothing you can do.” But that’s not what Peter said. Instead, in the NIV, he told them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
About 3,000 accepted his message and were baptized, and they devoted themselves the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread (I’m assuming he meant communion) and to prayer.
And God added to their number daily, those who were being saved.
by Rick Reed
For Pondering and Prayer
Peter said many things in his first sermon. He convinced the crowd that they were guilty of killing Jesus, just as we are guilty today. But he also told them what they should do to be saved.
It is still applicable today.
Prayer: Father, help us to accept the things Peter told the crowd. Help us to repent and be baptized In Jesus’s name. Help us to be devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. Amen.
