January 9 - Baptism.

Acts 8:36
​“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

Chapter 8 of the Book of The Acts gives us a clear picture as to the process of a baptism.
We are introduced to the eunuch of Ethiopia in verses 27 and 28 as he is riding in his chariot reading out of Isaiah 53.
Philip obey the Holy Spirit as He nudged him to go to the eunuch. 

Acts 8:30
“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”

How many times has the Holy Spirit told us to talk with or visit someone, and we refused? 

The eunuch’s response is convicting.
Acts 8:31
“And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.”

The eunuch began asking questions, and Philip showed him Who Jesus was. 

Someone is waiting for us to show them the Truth of the Word of God. 

Then as they continued to travel, the eunuch saw a certain water, and asked what he had to do to be baptized.

Philip gave him a simple answer.

Acts 8:37
“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Many modern day translations of the Bible omit this verse. 
Doing so, changes the whole context of this portion of Scripture.

To read verse 36, then immediately continue to verse 38, we miss the answer to the eunuch’s question.

Acts 8:38
“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Without the answer to his question, this implies that someone can be baptized any time they want without anything taking place beforehand. It more importantly implies that baptism leads to salvation, which is not true.
Acts 8:37
“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

One must believe before they are baptized. 

Many people are being taught the false doctrine of baptismal regeneration because the translation they use simply does not teach them they must believe before they are baptized. 
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has already taken place within the life of a believer. 


Bible Reading:
Genesis 17-18    |     John 9