It was a common sight in Christianity. Yesterday evening a family gathered together to celebrate as a young lady was baptized into Christ. It was a joyful occasion for everyone as she made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized.

Some groups within the kingdom have been accused of placing too much emphasis on baptism. I suppose this could be true if they neglect some of the other teachings of Jesus. However, I think the greatest danger is for those who place too little emphasis on baptism.

A quick Bible study on baptism (use a concordance to help you) will soon yield a wealth of information on the importance of this Christian practice. Many people are coming to a greater understanding of this wonderful initiation into the Christian faith.

Luke 7:30 says, “But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.” If those who ignored the baptism offered by John are said to have rejected God’s purpose for themselves, how can we say anything less about those who refuse the baptism offered by Jesus?

Among the final words Jesus had to say before he went back to heaven are these: “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16).

Let’s accept God’s purpose for our lives and help others to do the same. Baptism is an important part of this equation.