Go Out and Make a Splash
Christine Leichliter

Acts 2:38-39 recounts the first preaching of the Gospel after Pentecost. He assures his audience that through the Holy Spirit, all mankind has been called to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. He says, "Repent, every one of you, and be baptized . . . and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." He makes it clear that baptism is for everyone. Moreover, baptism is a gift, both to us and to our children. It is a legacy for generation upon generation, for those who are "far off." (v38)

Peter then tells his listeners that Baptism is an outward sign of our inward repentance. So, our individual and personal repentance is to be demonstrated and shared with all believers. Interestingly he doesn't say whether that baptism should be through immersion, sprinkling or even splashing. But what he does say is that we should foster a sense of community that focuses on faith, and true to Methodist belief, we should devote ourselves to Biblical teaching, active fellowship, breaking bread, and consistent prayer. So, in a sense, we, as Christians, should make a "splash" with our faith, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children . . . to as many as the Lord our God shall call." (v39)

Prayer:
Father God, You have called us to repent and accept You as our Lord and Savior. Through our inward and personal repentance, let the outward sign of our Baptism make the "splash" that helps us to foster a community of faith. Let us truly accept Your gifts of Baptism and The Holy Spirit. Amen.