Baptism

Dear class,

Today's readings:
Genesis 35,36; Mark 6; Job 2; Romans 6

Romans 6:3-4
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

If there's one chapter that sums it all up about the vital and significant nature of baptism, it would probably be Romans 6.
The message is plain and unmistakeable. The case for baptism is clear and indisputable. And it all makes perfect sense when we compare it with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, which is the essence of the Gospel (c.f. 1Cor 15:1-4).
It is through baptism -
1) that we are freed from sin, in that our sins are washed away (v.7)
2) that our old selves are buried that we no longer live to sin (v.6, 12,13)
3) that we are raised up unto newness of life to serve righteousness (v. 18,19)
4) that we have the hope of everlasting life and not death (v.22,23)
It is not optional, it is not an "outward expression of an inward faith", it is not a mere ceremony, but the very purpose and commandment of God (Mark 16:16), the very essence of obedience (Rom 6:17), the act that brings us in direct contact with the soul cleansing blood of Christ (Acts 22:16), without which, we will have no part in Him.

in Him
Paul

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
~ Ephesians 2:19-22

Caesar to Caesar

Dear Class,

Today's readings:
Genesis 23; Matthew 21; Nehemiah 12; Acts 21

Matthew 22:21
They said to Him, “Caesar's.”
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

An interesting verse that people sometimes misuse to justify actions "allowed" in specific contexts.
First of all, it was Jesus' keen wit to deflect the trickery of the Pharisees. Jesus knew where they were coming from (v. 15,18).
Yet secondly, the Master Teacher as usual weaves in profound truths within. The basic message is, render to honor to whom honor is due. Render obedience to where there's authority or to what's authorized. Paul later on elaborated in Romans 13:1-7, summing up perfectly in v.7 -
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

More importantly, we realize there is always an authorized manner. One cannot simply substitute. This is most crucial and yet oft neglected in spiritual matters. We render obedience to God, in fact it only makes sense to talk of obedience, ONLY if the obedience is rendered in accordance to what is demanded!
Let us be careful that we take heed to follow exactly what He has commanded.