Theme: The Significance of Baptism

Author: Apostle Emmanuel Mitchell

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we come together to reflect on the significance of what happens after baptism. Baptism is a crucial step in our spiritual journey, as it marks the beginning of our new life in Christ. But what happens after baptism? What is expected of us as baptized Christians?
Let us turn to the Scriptures for guidance. In Romans 6:4, it says, “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.” Through baptism, we die to our old selves and are reborn in Christ. We are given a new life and a new purpose – to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings.
But this new life is not just about us. It is also about others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As baptized Christians, we are called to share the good news of salvation with others and to help them grow in their faith.
So what does this look like in practice? It means living a life that is guided by the teachings of Christ. It means showing love and compassion to those around us, even when it is difficult. It means forgiving those who have wronged us, just as Christ forgave us. It means being a light in the darkness and sharing the hope that we have in Christ with others.
We can look to the example of the early Christians for inspiration. In Acts 2:42-47, it says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
The early Christians were devoted to each other and to the teachings of Christ. They shared everything they had and cared for those in need. They met together regularly and praised God together. And as a result, many people were drawn to their community and were saved.
As baptized Christians, we are called to live out this kind of faith in our daily lives. We are called to be a community that cares for each other and for those around us. We are called to share the good news of salvation with others and to help them grow in their faith. And we are called to live according to the teachings of Christ, showing love and compassion to all.
So let us go forth from here today, my brothers and sisters, as baptized Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit and guided by the teachings of Christ. Let us live out our faith in every aspect of our lives and be a light in the darkness for all to see. Amen.