--- title: "To Follow in Obedience | The Tree Church" url: https://thetree.church/blog/2024/10/14/to-follow-in-obedience description: "As we continue in our series Following Jesus, we are challenged with the act of baptism and the example Jesus set before us. As believers we are called to follow His steps into the water. Before we begin, let’s pray.Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace. Thank You for sending Your Son who called us to a better life. We ask that Your word would move in our hearts today as we look to You. Amen.M..." lang: en --- 721 N. Memorial Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130✦ Main Service: Sunday 9 & 11am✦ Movement Youth Sunday 5:30pm✦ Lancaster & Logan, Ohio✦ 721 N. Memorial Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130✦ Main Service: Sunday 9 & 11am✦ Movement Youth Sunday 5:30pm✦ Lancaster & Logan, Ohio✦ Blog (https://thetree.church/blog) Take 20: https://thetree.church/blog/category/take-20 # To Follow in Obedience October 14th, 2024 by Sophia Redzinak Image: To Follow in Obedience (https://base44.app/api/apps/6ac2bb755fa612c2228960ca/files/mp/public/6ac2bb755fa612c2228960ca/b63fac2dd_14693957_1920x1080_2500.png) As we continue in our series _Following Jesus_, we are challenged with the act of baptism and the example Jesus set before us. As believers we are called to follow His steps into the water. Before we begin, let’s pray. **Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace. Thank You for sending Your Son who called us to a better life. We ask that Your word would move in our hearts today as we look to You. Amen.** **Matthew 3:13-15 (NLT)** **_13_** _Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. **14** But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” **15** But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him._ Baptism was and is today a public identification with Jesus the Christ. It is a pledge that declares the death of our old selves and resurrection of new life. **Have you been baptized or consider baptism as a next step in your faith journey? What is holding you back from this next step?** Jesus had no reason to repent, a topic we have touched on recently on Sunday. As an act of obedience, baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ. As Jesus stepped into the water, He invited us to follow Him. Having John baptize Him, He displayed for us the physical act of surrender and the death of sin. **What does obedience look like for you? Are you challenged in any way to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?** Sometimes I struggle with obedience in areas of life I don’t want to give up. When I think of the sacrifice Jesus made, I am reminded of what it’s all worth, freedom from sin! Jesus was the perfect model for walking in obedience. He displayed that obedience was essential for worship. A life of obedience to God is the fruit of faith according to James, and we are called to follow that model. To hear God’s word and to act accordingly **(James 2:21-26)**. Baptism is a step in the direction of submission to God’s word. **Are you ready for the next step?** After you have taken some time to reflect on these questions, spend some time in prayer. Please use the following prompt if you need help getting started. **Heavenly Father, I thank You for the symbolism baptism displays and how it reflects the changing of my heart. I open my heart and ask You to lead me to obedience in... ** I hope you are moved by the example Jesus set for us. Be blessed in His assurance! Posted in Take 20 (https://thetree.church/blog/category/take-20)Baptism (https://thetree.church/blog/tag/baptism)obedience (https://thetree.church/blog/tag/obedience)