Discipleship: Water Baptism

Today we learned about the power of identifying with Christ through water baptism. Being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one of the foundations of our faith. It shows the world that we are no longer identifying with our old ways, and now we identify with a new life. Galatians 3:27 says, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." The last three words "put on Christ" have a great meaning. We are put on our Christ-like nature every day just like we get dressed every day. It literally means to clothe yourself with Jesus. When we take His qualities and apply them to our lives, we are putting on Christ.

Once we identify with God by being baptized it is now time to live it strong. It takes guts to identify with God and follow through with it every day. The devil presents all kinds of options that can distract and deceive us. We have to be wise to his attempts and cast them down. Use these scriptures to combat the enemy:

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
• Sometimes the devil attacks in our thoughts. Choose to think on the Word. 
• Never allow your imagination to run wild with negative thinking. Dream big about what God has planned for you; dream about answers.
• 1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking who he may devour:
• The devil can't trap you if you stay aware. You have power over him in the name of Jesus.
• Remember, it's the devil who tries to trip you up, not God. God brings the answers.
• 1 John 2:2 - But ye have an unction from the holy one, and ye know all things.
• God speaks to His children. "Unction" means a knowing in your heart. When God speaks, you will know.
• God will give you clarity on situations when you consult him in prayer.
• Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty with which Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
• Jesus has set us free! We have salvation, and we have identified with Him in water baptism so live like a child of God.
• Don't get tied up in sin, guilt, problems, etc. Walk free and replace old lifestyle habits with Godly characteristics since you have identified with Christ. 
• 
  Every day we put on Christ we have the opportunity for success. Water baptism is a single act of obedience to the Bible that shows the world we belong to Him, just like salvation is a single prayer and confession of Jesus. The best part is that we get to live it everyday. So make a choice to be daily identifier with Christ and thank Him for the successes that come.