Yesterday, Pastor Heath took us back to the waters of baptism and reminded us that baptism is much more than a ceremony or milestone tucked away in our Christian story.

For those who have put their faith in Jesus, baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment. It doesn't create our relationship with Jesus; it declares it. It's a step of obedience that says publicly, I belong to Jesus. I have chosen to follow Him.

And whether your baptism happened recently or decades ago, its meaning isn't confined to that day.

Pastor Heath challenged those who have already been baptized to remember. Remember the place. Remember the people who stood with you. Remember why you stepped into the water. But most importantly, remember what that decision continues to mean for the way you live today.

Baptism beautifully pictures both the death and resurrection of Jesus and the new life we receive in Him: the old giving way to the new, going beneath the water and rising again.

So perhaps the question for this week isn't simply, “Have I been baptized?”

Maybe it's also:

“Am I still living out the ‘yes’ I declared?”

And if you've placed your faith in Jesus but have never taken that step, perhaps this is a week to prayerfully consider what obedience might look like for you.

Next Sunday, we'll have the privilege of watching members of our church family make that declaration for themselves. What a wonderful reason to celebrate together.

Set aside a few quiet minutes this week to think about your own journey with Jesus.

If you've been baptized, remember that day. Where were you? Who was there? What did baptism mean to you then?

Then bring it into the present:

What does following Jesus require of me today?

Maybe there's a decision where obedience has become difficult. A habit that needs to change. Someone who needs grace or forgiveness. A place where you've been relying on yourself instead of trusting God.

Choose one small, tangible way to live out your “yes” to Jesus this week.

If you haven't been baptized, use those same few minutes differently. Ask God whether baptism is a step of obedience He's inviting you to take. You don't need to have every question answered before beginning the conversation.

A simple prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the new life You have given me. Help me not only to remember my commitment to You, but to live it. Show me where You are asking me to trust You, obey You, and follow You today. Amen.

Baptism happens once. Following Jesus happens every day.

That final line feels especially strong to me as the little thread tying Sunday's teaching → this week's practice → next Sunday's celebration together.