As you read today's passages, look for God's teaching about what it might mean to have a public commitment for Him.

Matthew 28:16-20 (New Living Translation)
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them still doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Acts 2:38-41 (New Living Translation)
Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles--all who have been called by the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!"

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all.

Romans 6:3-4 (New Living Translation)
Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

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1. Baptism is a ritual or practice involving water to identify someone as a disciple of Jesus. According to the Matthew passage, what part was baptism to play when we are going "on our mission" for God?

2. Often, people get distracted by controversies when the subject of baptism comes up. People sometimes differ on the "when" and "how" of baptism, but the bottom line is that Jesus intended baptism to be a public commitment for His followers. Have you ever been baptized? Why or why not? What did it mean for you . . . then . . . and now?

3. In the Romans passage, what does the apostle Paul say that baptism symbolizes? How have you or could you apply this?

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Confess any sin in your life that needs cleansing. Thank Jesus for dying in your place on the cross, paying for your sins, and fully forgiving you for all your wrongs. Just as baptism symbolizes an ending and a new beginning, ask Christ to help you live out this new "identity" today.