Session 3

Why Did People Celebrate When You Were Baptized?

From Going Public: A 7-Day Devotional About Baptism and Why It Matters

The Big Idea: People celebrated to welcome you into God’s family.

When you accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, God adopted you as His child. The church is a family of believers that wants to welcome you the same way a new baby is welcomed into this world by his parents.

Following Jesus isn’t something we’re meant to do alone. The church is here to encourage you, pray for you, and help you discover your next steps. As you surround yourself with others who love Jesus, your faith will grow. You’ll see Jesus working in you and through you.  

It’s OK if some of your family and friends don’t understand your choices to follow Jesus and be baptized. As you keep taking steps in your walk with Jesus, those people in your life will see the changes God is making in you. One of the best ways to keep celebrating God’s goodness is by sharing the story of how Jesus is changing you.

Regardless of your past or your present, you have a place where you belong. You are a part of God’s family and He’s only getting started with you. Now that’s worth celebrating.

Reflect:

• How does belonging to God’s people—the church—change your perspective on who you are and how you interact with others in the church? What about how you interact with people outside the church?