Day 199 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

Reading: Exodus 14; Joshua 3; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-5

Let us spend a few more days examining how the Bible teaches that baptisms are necessary to activate and sustain the maturing process in Christians. 

To do so we have to follow the progress of the Israelites as they leave Egypt – and finally – enter the Promised Land. These events are punctuated by two baptisms, two river crossings, that take them from one degree of maturity to the next. 

The first baptism, river crossing, was when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea in order to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. Before their baptism, they were slaves, after their baptism, they were free. Note that the baptism was miraculous in nature, involving not just an Earthly river crossing, but a Divine intervention as well. 

Later, under the leadership of Joshua, the next generation of Israelites cross the Jordan River in order to enter the land promised to their ancestors by God. Before their baptism they are free but landless. After their baptism they have a land and are invited to learn the skills of mature people – how to steward and take care of the land, and live righteously under the Word of the Lord. Again, we see Divine intervention involved in their baptism. 

There are five baptisms that you can get involved in, with God, that will also lead you to enter into the fullness of God’s promises and bring you to a place of maturity. Bear this in mind as we move on to examine other aspects of baptism, and each baptism in particular. 

Prayer

Lord, I see that my Christian life is not static. It’s more like a journey that I must take, involving many acts of faith. I’m excited but I need Your help. 

For the family

Watch this video together as a family.