In this episode, Chris Rivers, Scott Mozingo, and Chris McGowan discuss baptism as worship and how it serves as an “ebenezer” for believers to grow in their devotion to God. In the Old Testament, we read of prophets and leaders setting up stone monuments to remind them of God’s help and deliverance. Baptism, likewise, is a powerful, public declaration of what Christ has done for us in rescuing us from sin and death and uniting us with himself. Why be baptized?
Baptism is a physical walking out of the spiritual reality taking place in our bodies and souls. Our allegiance is no longer to this world but to Christ our King.
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?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
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