Tag: baptism

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#6- Examples of Courage

By Kathy Pollard

This past Sunday, a man rolled his wheelchair-bound mother into the auditorium of our church building. As she passed by our pew, I leaned over to tell my young friend Collins that the sweet lady in the wheelchair recently got baptized. Collins said, “Was it hard for her to get in the water?” I answered, “Yes, it was.” It was actually very difficult for her. A couple of nights earlier I watched her slowly make her way up a few stairs to the changing room, flanked by her son and daughter-in-law. Halfway up, they had to give her an inhaler and let her rest. Several of us watched a little later as she came up out of the baptistry water, happy, but hanging on to Neal’s arm and gasping for breath. Her conviction led her to get in the water. Her bravery moved the rest of us to tears.

I’ve seen many other baptisms where it was ‘hard for them to get in the water’ but it had nothing to do with physical limitations. I knew a very vocal atheist who surprised everyone when he embraced and obeyed the Truth. I met a young couple who obeyed the gospel knowing their family wouldn’t approve. (They were actually disowned by their family.) I’ve seen individuals put on Christ only after painfully acknowledging that what they’d always been taught was wrong. I’ve seen people willing to get baptized knowing full well they were going to have to significantly change their worldly lifestyle. You can’t help but be moved by such examples of humility and faith!

These memorable moments have been happening since the very beginning of the church. Can you imagine what Paul must’ve felt as he went from “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” to becoming one of them (Acts 9)?

Every single baptism is special, but I’m especially thankful for those who were willing to overcome obstacles. Perhaps your own conversion story involved something that made it hard to get in the water. If so, I hope you realize that, in addition to making the very best decision of your life, you also inspired others by your courage!

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

Revive Me #17–Think About Your Baptism

Revive Me, Week #17– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Think About Your Baptism

In ladies’ Bible class last week, Deanna Brant taught us about the covenant relationship we have with God.  As she discussed the fact that those who are in this relationship will strive to be holy and a light to the nations, she suggested a way to make that easier.  She said, “Think about your baptism…a lot.”  What wisdom!

Remember what happened at the moment of your baptism:

  • Your life became new (Rom. 6:4).
  • You were saved (1 Pet. 3:21).
  • Every spiritual blessing is found in Christ (Eph. 1:3) and you gained access to those blessings when you put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
  • You also became an “heir according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).
  • You “received the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
  • You gained access to the Father (Eph. 2:13,18).
  • You became a “member of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).
  • Every one of your sins was washed away (Acts 22:16).

This is just a sampling of the beautiful blessings that resulted from your baptism.  The list could be much longer!  Your baptism truly was the greatest and most important moment of your life.

I admit that I usually only recall the day of my baptism when someone else is being baptized.  Deanna made me realize that thinking about it more often could make a difference in my Christian walk.  Consider what thinking about your baptism each day can do for you:

  • You are more likely to “go on your way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).
  • You will desire to sin less and be more holy.
  • If it’s on your heart, you will share it with others.
  • You will maintain an attitude of gratitude.
  • You will want to grow ever closer to your Father.

Suggestions for the Week:

  1.  Spend a few minutes thinking back to the day of your baptism.  Write down why you did it and how you felt.  If you did that already when you were baptized, read it.
  2. Contact the person who led you to Christ and thank them.
  3. Determine to begin each new day thinking about the moment you became a child of God.
  4. Thank God for all the blessings that came from your baptism.  Be mindful of them each day.
  5. Be on the lookout for the newest Bible-marking topic at Come Fill Your Cup which will be “What Baptism Does.”

12080259_10207422476538246_3392227498708528891_o

*Brett Petrillo baptizing Deanna Philippus for the remission of her sins!

The Greatest Circle

During worship on Sunday, 70-year-old Janice went forward to put on her Lord in baptism (Gal. 3:27).  As is our custom, we all gathered around into a large circle around the auditorium after worship.  This “welcome circle” is meant to represent Christians all over the world who have put on Christ and are now united.  It represents Janice’s new spiritual family who stands ready to support, encourage, and help her in any way we can.  We sang songs like “God is So Good” and “I’m Happy Today.”  One of our elders prayed for Janice, and then we each went up and hugged and welcomed our new sister into the Lord’s body.  Her shining face was truly a beautiful sight to behold.

But here’s what I really love about the welcome circle:

I love being able to look around and make eye contact with every member.  It’s a treat to be able to look at the faces around the circle and think about my relationship with them, how thankful I am for them, or what prayer needs they may have.

I love seeing the expressions on their faces.  No heart is untouched by a baptism.  Whether young or old, each face reflects emotion.  Everyone is smiling, and many are doing so through tears.  I imagine most of us are recalling the day we obeyed the gospel ourselves.

I love the sense of connection.  In an increasingly disconnected society, I’m especially grateful for the sweet tie that binds us together in Christ.  These relationships are real and everlasting.

I love the joy.  After the circle broke up, I looked around in every direction.  The building was filled with groups of people whose faces were bright.  There were no polite or half-hearted smiles, but genuine teeth-showing grins.  Our hearts were encouraged and our strength was renewed.  This happiness can’t be fabricated or bought or forced.  It’s simply the unique joy experienced by those who love God and love His people.

“And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation” (Psalm 35:9).

10382251_10203536729717004_6619716939848293744_o