Next step
“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Acts 10:47
When you look at the example New Testament church, when a person received salvation, their first step of faith was baptism. Baptism followed belief. It was the immediate next step after someone received salvation. Even Jesus, before beginning His earthly ministry, was baptized by John the Baptist.
In the early church, baptism was a personal decision made when someone was old enough to choose to follow Jesus. It wasn’t something done to infants who had no understanding of their need for a Savior. Baptism is an outward expression of inward faith. It lets the world know that you’ve made a conscious decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and live your life through a relationship with your Heavenly Father and led by His Holy Spirit.
I was baptized at seven years old by my dad after my mom led me to the Lord at age five. But later, as an adult, I wrestled with doubts. I had wandered far from the Lord as a young adult, chasing selfish desires, and I began to wonder, was I truly saved at such a young age? Did I really understand it? Or was it just something I did because it was “time”?
Over the years, I wrestled with those questions. But one day, on a trip to the Holy Land, I had the opportunity to be baptized again, this time in the Jordan River where Jesus Himself was baptized. I was so excited. And as I came up out of the water, I sensed the Holy Spirit whispering deep within: That answers that question. No need to wonder any longer about being saved before you were baptized. You’re mine. This is your yes.
That moment became a turning point in my life. I didn’t just get wet, it marked my decision to follow Jesus with boldness and clarity. That point in time became my anchor in my relationship with Him.
In today’s passage, Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household. They believed, the Holy Spirit fell on them and what happens next? Peter immediately commanded that they be baptized in the name of Jesus. No delay. No prerequisites. No class. Just faith followed by obedience. That’s the example they followed then and it still holds true today.
Salvation is just the beginning. As followers of Jesus, we never stop taking steps of obedience. Maybe baptism is your next step, or maybe it’s something else. It could be starting a daily time in God’s Word and prayer, growing closer on a personal level. Seeking His direction in every area of your life. It might be getting planted in a local church and attending weekly. Maybe it’s joining a small group, serving in ministry, sharing your testimony with someone, giving generously, or going on a mission trip. The Christian life is a walk, not a standstill. Each step you take leads to deeper growth, stronger faith, and greater purpose.
Here are some ides to consider for your next step:
- Have a conversation.
If you’ve received Jesus but have never been baptized as a conscious decision, talk to your pastor or small group leader today. Ask how you can take that next step. - Get honest with God.
Maybe you were baptized as a child and didn’t understand what it meant. That’s okay, but now that you do understand, it’s time to make it your own choice. - Go public with your faith.
Baptism is a bold declaration that says: I belong to Jesus. It’s not about perfection, it’s about direction. When you say yes to baptism, you’re telling the world that you’re following Jesus, no matter what. Delaying obedience or staying stuck in doubt only prolongs the battle in your heart. Baptism doesn’t save you, but it strengthens your walk by sealing your “yes” with action. - Stay planted and growing.
After baptism, it’s time to grow roots in your walk with God. This might look like joining a small group, serving in a ministry, getting discipled, or being mentored. You were never meant to do faith alone, being part of the body strengthens you for the journey ahead.
Start here: Ask God to show you your next spiritual step after baptism. Where can you grow? Who can you walk with? Take one intentional action this week to go deeper. Treating baptism like a finish line rather than a starting point leaves your faith underdeveloped and vulnerable.
Today I want to encourage you to take your next step. It may feel simple, but it’s sacred. Baptism doesn’t mean you’ve arrived, it means you’re moving forward. Don’t let doubt or delay hold you back from the joy of obedience. If you’ve made Jesus Lord of your life, it’s time to go all in. Make the choice. Take the plunge. Mark your “yes” with action.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered,
47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Journal:
- What has kept you from being baptized or recommitting that decision as your own?
- What would taking this step mean for your journey with Jesus today?
The Daily Dose 