What steps can we take to publicly affirm our faith like Jesus did? Opening the Text “After He was baptized, Jesus rose up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.” (Matthew 3:16) This literal, historical moment shows God’s Son making a very public declaration of who He is. Following His example points us to concrete, practical ways we can step forward and say, “I belong to Him, too.” Step 1: Follow Jesus Into the Water • Baptism is the first visible line in the sand. • Acts 2:38 declares, “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” • Romans 6:4 explains that baptism pictures dying with Christ and rising “to walk in newness of life.” • Going under the water isn’t a private ritual; it’s an unmistakable public testimony that He is Lord. Step 2: Rise to New Life — Let Changed Living Speak • After Jesus came up from the Jordan, He walked in perfect obedience; our new birth is meant to show. • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Daily choices—speech, entertainment, priorities—become living billboards that say, “I’m His.” Step 3: Welcome the Spirit’s Anointing • “He saw the Spirit of God descending…” — the same Spirit equips us. • Acts 1:8 promises power “to be My witnesses.” • Dependence on the Spirit shows up in courage, compassion, and supernatural love that people notice. Step 4: Embrace Your Heaven-Opened Identity • When the heavens opened, the Father affirmed Jesus. In Christ we share that approval. • Galatians 3:27: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” • Remembering we are clothed with Him gives boldness to stand firm when faith is ridiculed. Step 5: Keep Confessing Christ With Words • Jesus’ life was a continual proclamation; ours should echo it. • Luke 9:26 warns against being ashamed; 2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us “ambassadors for Christ.” Practical ways: – Share your salvation story whenever God opens a door. – Publicly thank Him for answers to prayer. – Use social platforms to highlight His Word rather than yourself. Step 6: Shine in a Dark World • Philippians 2:15 urges us to “shine as lights in the world.” • Integrity in business, purity in relationships, mercy toward the overlooked—each act turns heads toward the Savior. Bringing It Together Baptism starts the journey, Spirit-empowered living sustains it, and consistent verbal witness amplifies it. Just as Jesus’ baptism launched His public ministry, our obedience in these steps openly, unmistakably affirms that we belong to Him. |
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