Making Disciples and Baptizing
Scripture Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostles’ Creed summarizes the truth about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit revealed in the Bible. Following Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” and to baptize them, the early church developed this brief “I believe” (Credo) statement as a guide in teaching new believers about the Christian faith.
For example, it became a tradition for new believers to learn about the faith and be baptized when the church celebrated Easter in springtime. In the weeks leading up to Easter, new believers studied the Apostles’ Creed. On Easter eve, they confessed it together, and then on Easter morning they were baptized and broke bread together, celebrating their first Lord’s Supper as members of the church.
Of course, it was important to keep learning by reading and meditating on God’s Word, but not everyone had access to the Scriptures. So the Apostles’ Creed, in its simple, straightforward way, helped people immensely. It gave everyone a clear statement of the Christian faith.
The creed is still helpful today as the church continues to make disciples and baptize them. We can depend on the bedrock truths of this creed; these are words to stand on as we trust and serve our loving God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in any situation.
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we worship you. Help us to grow in your knowledge and grace as we serve you today. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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