Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Mark 1:9-13.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. When Jesus comes out of the water the Holy Spirit descended on him. Jesus, John and the crowd gathered heard the voice of God say, You are my beloved son; in You I am well pleased. What a beautiful and powerful moment. Jesus had not begun His ministry yet, but God the Father was still pleased with Him. We want to please God as well but how can we please God?
We could take the answer to this question in many different ways. A foundational answer to pleasing God would be for us to put our trust in Jesus for our salvation. Also, to repent, believe the Gospel and accept Jesus as our personal savior are ways of giving God joy. Then, if we were not baptized as infants, be baptized. Jesus modeled baptism for us and commanded us to be baptized in Matthew 28. Baptism has been practiced in all denominations.
Baptism is a sacrament that symbolizes new life in Christ, cleansing from sin, and incorporation into God's family the church. We are baptized by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. As United Methodists we accept other Christian denominations' baptisms. Have you professed your faith in Christ? Have you been baptized?
Personal Worship Option:
Most gracious God, thank you for the sacrament of baptism. I put my trust in you for salvation. Forgive me of my sin, come into my heart and give me new life through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' holy name we pray, Amen.
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