Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash
A day to celebrate professions of faith
I enjoy going to church on Sundays. But there are certain Sundays that I especially look forward to.
Baptism Sunday.
Recently, we had three people baptized. One young woman and a middle-aged couple. They had decided to make a public declaration of their faith in God.
In Matthew, we read about Jesus’ baptism.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13–17 NIV)
Although I had been baptized as an infant, I chose to follow the example of Jesus and be fully immersed as an adult. I wanted to show the world I’d chosen to be all in with Jesus Christ.
When I was saved, Jesus changed me. My baptism told the world that Jesus changed me.
I remember when the pastor lifted me out of the water. My joy overflowed into a visceral response of laughter.
The words, “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see” rang through my mind.
When I witness another person’s baptism, I am reminded of the joy I experienced 20 years ago.
When I watch a believer’s baptism, I’m taken back to my own answer when asked the question, “Tell us how you got to this point today. Share your faith journey and why you chose to be baptized today.”
It brings me such joy to have the entire congregation stand and pray for new believers.
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27 NIV).
As our small church grows, I am hopeful for more Baptismal Sundays.
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