5 Day Sermon Devotional Series: Rooted - Week 6 - Baptism & Communion

July 7. 2025

Baptism – A Response to Faith

• Acts 10:47–48

• Mark 16:15–16

• Galatians 3:26–27

Devotional Thought:

Baptism is not a ritual for salvation; it’s a response to salvation. Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized—a clear sign that salvation precedes baptism. Baptism is how we outwardly declare an inward transformation. It tells the world: I belong to Jesus. The water doesn’t cleanse sin; it symbolizes that you already have been washed clean by grace.

Reflection Question:

Have I treated baptism as a tradition or as a personal declaration of faith in Christ?

Devotional Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation that comes through faith and not by works. Help me never to treat baptism as routine or religious obligation but as the bold declaration that I belong to You. Stir in me a deeper understanding of the power of Your Spirit living in me. Amen.

July 8, 2025

Baptism – Identification with Christ

• Romans 6:3–4

• Colossians 2:12

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Devotional Thought:

Baptism pictures death, burial, and resurrection. As we go under the water, we identify with Jesus' death and burial—dying to our old selves. As we rise, we symbolize resurrection into new life. This public act isn’t about performance; it’s about identity. You’re no longer who you were. You’ve been raised to walk in newness of life.

Reflection Question:

Am I walking in the “new life” my baptism proclaims, or am I still clinging to my old identity?

Devotional Prayer:

Father, thank You that in Christ I am made new. Help me to live each day in light of my baptism—dead to sin, alive to righteousness. Keep reminding me that my old life is gone and that I now walk in step with Your Spirit. Give me courage to live out who I am in You. Amen.

July 9, 2025

Communion – Remembering the Sacrifice

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

• Luke 22:19–20

• Isaiah 53:5

Devotional Thought:

Communion is not just a ritual—it’s a sacred reminder. Jesus’ body was broken, and His blood was poured out to make peace between us and God. When we take the bread and the cup, we’re remembering not just what He did, but why He did it: love. Deep, costly love. This moment isn’t for autopilot. It’s for awe.

Reflection Question:

When I take communion, am I truly remembering Christ’s sacrifice—or just going through the motions?

Devotional Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for giving Your body and shedding Your blood so that I could be forgiven and free. Help me to never lose the wonder of the cross. Let every time I come to Your table be filled with gratitude, reverence, and love. Teach me to remember well. Amen.

July 10, 2025

Communion – Examine Your Heart

• 1 Corinthians 11:27–31

• Psalm 139:23–24

• James 4:8

Devotional Thought:

God doesn’t ask for perfection before you take communion—He asks for honesty. The table is holy. It’s not a place for pretending but for examining. To take communion lightly is to forget the weight of the cross. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you need to confess or surrender before you partake. It’s not about guilt—it’s about reverence.

Reflection Question:

Is there anything in my heart that I need to bring before God before I come to the table?

Devotional Prayer:

Holy Spirit, search my heart and show me anything I’ve ignored, excused, or hidden. I want to come before the Lord’s table with a clean heart. Help me to be honest with You and with myself. Thank You for Your grace that forgives and restores. Amen.

July 11, 2025

Living the Symbols – Baptism and Communion in Daily Life

• Matthew 28:19–20

• Philippians 2:12–13

• John 13:34–35

Devotional Thought:

Baptism and communion aren’t just Sunday experiences—they’re daily reminders. Your baptism says, “I’m not who I was.” Communion says, “I remember what Jesus did.” These aren’t checkboxes—they’re calls to live transformed and grateful. Let your everyday life echo your baptism and communion: publicly, obediently, and sacrificially.

Reflection Question:

How can I reflect the meaning of my baptism and communion in the way I live today?

Devotional Prayer:

Lord, help me to live what I’ve proclaimed in baptism and remembered in communion. Let my life reflect Your grace and truth every day—not just in church but at home, at work, and in the quiet places no one sees. Make me a living testimony of Your love. Amen.