Knowing God

What does it mean to “know God?” In Acts 19, we see a few types of people… some who think they know God, but they don’t yet; some who act like they know God, but they’re faking it; and some who want to know God, but they’ve been duped! As the Apostle Paul entered Ephesus in Acts 19, he had a chance to speak with a dozen men who weren't yet believers. When he shared the Gospel with them, they believed and were baptized! (Acts 19:5)

Sunday, we had an opportunity to celebrate Believer’s baptism with eight people during our church picnic. It was a great day! Baptism is a beautiful symbol of a person’s salvation in Christ; those eight Believers all know God because they all professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Along with the Lord’s Supper, baptism is one of the two ordinances that Jesus instituted for Believers. When Jesus commanded Believers to “make disciples” in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), baptizing, along with going and teaching, are essential ingredients for disciple-making.

We love to celebrate baptism as a symbol of salvation and faith! Baptism is important for lots of reasons:

• Baptism testifies of my faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. (Acts 18:8)

• Baptism symbolizes that I am a part of God’s family. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

• Baptism illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. (Romans 6:4)

• Baptism represents my new life in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Though baptism is not required for salvation, the eight people who participated in baptism on Sunday evening followed the example Jesus set for us and the example we see from Believers throughout the New Testament.

For much more on what “knowing God” is and isn’t, including some who act like they know God, but are faking it (Acts 19:13-16); and some who want to know God, but have been duped (Acts 19:23ff). Click here to listen to: Multiply - Part 16 - Knowing God.