THE BLESSING OF BAPTISM
I have had the privilege of baptizing many folks. With every baptism there is a story. Baptizing in baptistries that are cold or over filled, or in the river with slippery rocks and fish, even jumping fish, or even comments made when coming up from the water. All are unique and special. With my story, I can remember at age nine waiting almost a full year to be baptized - mainly because our Pastor was old and forgetful and I did not want him to forget me while being under the water. (Obviously he did not). However, for me personally, the most special baptisms were when I had the privilege to baptize my children. What a special time. Every baptism is a celebration and a true blessing for all involved.
This Sunday we will conclude our Worship with a short walk to the Grace Center to celebrate Believer's Baptism. Believer's Baptism is when a person who is at the age of accountability, which means they are capable of making decisions, decides that they want to give their life to Christ. They have realized they have fallen short, thus "sinners", and have acknowledged and accepted the gift of salvation because of Jesus being our sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins and then conquering death by rising from the dead on the third day. They realize they are forgiven and can now live a life of purpose. This purpose being that Christ is the Lord of their Life and they want to live for and serve Him. It is a public celebration of professing our faith in Christ and committing oneself to HIm.
There are several reasons that we practice Believer's Baptism. The first is that Christ himself was baptized by his cousin John the Baptist in the Jordan River. So Jesus set the example for us to follow. The second reason is that we have been commissioned by Christ to spread the Good News. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19. The resurrected Jesus gathered with his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Here Jesus tells the disciples (and us):
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
By participating in this ordinance, celebration, we are publicly professing our faith in Christ and our commitment to following Him, thus being a part of his people, or family. It is a symbolic act of one "dying" to one's old sinful self and rising with a new, forgiven, life to live and share. It is truly a celebration and a blessing.
What better way to end the year and enter into the new one than to publicly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. If you have never experienced this special celebration and would like to, please let me know. You can join us this Sunday, or we can plan for another celebration, probably in the river, later in the year. (Again, just let me know).
Our Advent Season celebrations have been so special. Last week between our Morning Service and our Candlelight Celebration we had over 155 folks participate in celebrating Immanuel, God became man and dwelt among us. Thank you to all who helped make this time so special. On Christmas Eve we lit the Christ Candle. Now, every time we come to Worship, we will have the Christ candle lit, symbolically reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World. And that He is always with us.
This Sunday we will Celebrate with Believer's Baptism. I hope to see you there...and Always Remember...
YOU ARE TRULY LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)