Boundless Daily: Global Micro-Study - The Step of Obedience

Whether you are catching this during a quick break on a 12-hour shift, reading while a loved one sleeps under your care, or joining us from a place where following Jesus has to stay quiet, this space is for you.

Today, we are looking at something called an "ordinance." That sounds like a big, technical church word, but it really just means a special practice that Jesus told us to do. Specifically, we are talking about Water Baptism.

In the Assemblies of God, this is our 6th Fundamental Truth. It’s not just a ritual or a tradition; it’s a powerful step of obedience that tells the world, and reminds our own hearts, that we belong to Him.

The Heart of the Matter: Romans 6:4

Let’s look at a beautiful verse that explains what happens when someone is baptized.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4, NIV)

Imagine that for a second.

When you go under the water, it’s like a burial. The "old you", the version of you that was weighed down by guilt, defined by past mistakes, or wandering without hope, is left behind.

When you come up out of the water, it’s a picture of a resurrection. You are rising to walk in a brand-new life.

It is a public "yes" to a private miracle.

Why Do We Take This Step?

If you’ve already asked Jesus to be the leader of your life, you might wonder, "Why do I need to get dunked in water?"

It’s a fair question. Especially if you are a caregiver who barely has time to shower, or a shift worker whose schedule never aligns with a Sunday morning service.

We do it because Jesus asked us to. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gave a clear instruction: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change.

Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married; the commitment and the legal covenant do that. But the ring tells everyone who sees you that you are taken. You belong to someone else.

Baptism is your "ring." It tells the world: "I belong to Jesus now."

An Outward Sign of an Inward Change

The most important thing to remember is the order of events.

Water baptism doesn’t "save" you. You aren't saved by the water; you are saved by the grace of God through your faith in Jesus Christ.

Salvation happens the moment you realize you can’t do life on your own, you turn away from your old ways, and you trust that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for your sins.

That is the inward change.

Baptism follows that change. It is your first major act of obedience as a follower of Christ. It’s you saying, "I'm not ashamed. I'm with Him."

For many of our friends in persecuted areas, this step is incredibly brave. In some places, being baptized is the moment your community realizes you’ve truly changed your path. It is a moment of profound courage.

If that is you, know that your Boundless family is standing with you in spirit.

For the Isolated and the Busy

We know that for many of you, getting to a physical church building feels impossible.

Maybe you are disabled and leaving the house is a major physical challenge.

Maybe you are working the night shift and sleeping when the doors of the local chapel are open.

Maybe you are in a hospital room right now, providing round-the-clock care for a parent or a child.

You might feel like you’re "missing out" on the big moments of faith because you aren't in a pew.

We want to encourage you: God sees exactly where you are. He is not confined to a building with a steeple. He is with you in the breakroom, in the quiet hospital corridor, and in the living room where you are balancing a dozen responsibilities.

If you have made the decision to follow Jesus but haven't been able to take the step of baptism because of your circumstances, don't let the enemy tell you that you are "less than."

Your faith is real. Your salvation is secure.

However, we do believe that finding a way to obey this command is important for your growth. We encourage you to reach out to us. We would love to help you think through how you can make this public declaration, even if your life looks a little different than the "traditional" churchgoer.

The Invitation

If you are reading this and you haven’t yet made that inward change, today is a great day to start.

Following Jesus isn't about being perfect. It’s not about having all your questions answered first. It’s about realizing that He loves you exactly as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way.

He offers you a new life, one where you are forgiven, seen, and never alone.

If you want to start that journey, you can simply talk to God right now. Tell Him you need Him. Ask Him to forgive your past and lead your future. That’s the inward change.

Once that happens, the "new life" mentioned in Romans 6:4 begins.

Growing Together

This Global Micro-Study is all about taking small, manageable steps in our faith every day.

Obedience isn't always about one big, heroic act. Most of the time, it’s about a series of small "yesses."

• Saying "yes" to reading a few verses of Scripture.

• Saying "yes" to praying for a coworker.

• Saying "yes" to being kind when you're exhausted.

And, when the time is right, saying "yes" to the water.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.

We are here to walk with you through these 16 Fundamental Truths. We don't want you to just know the facts; we want you to experience the freedom that comes from knowing the Truth.

Next Steps

Do you have questions about baptism? Maybe you were baptized as a child and wonder if you should do it again now that you’ve made a personal decision for Christ. Or maybe you’re wondering how to explain your faith to your family.

We would love to hear from you. You can find more resources and connect with our community on our website at https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

If you want to dive deeper into how to stay connected with a community even when life is chaotic, check out our guide on how to get plugged in fast.

Keep moving forward, one step of obedience at a time. You are doing better than you think, and you are more loved than you can imagine.

Make sure to follow our blog so you don't miss Day 13! We are on this journey together, and we can't wait to see what God does in your life.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). This is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911.

Dr. Layne Mcdonald