No pun intended…we taught in depth on baptism for the first time last weekend in a message entitled Immerse Them and for me it was a watershed moment. At least as far as I understand what watershed means. I’m going with: Momentus.
It was a big deal because Christians, churches and denominations make a big deal out of baptism. Well, it IS a big deal, but we tend to make the wrong things the big deals, when it is the new believers declaration to associate with and put their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life that is the big deal!
Next week we are, as a result, doing a mass baptism! It promises to be a wonderful celebration with 15-20 folks already committed to participate! If your still praying and considering taking the step, let us know when you decide so we can plan on it. Remember my invitation: Don’t take the step of baptism unless you are compelled by Jesus and in response to his command, not the pressure of others, even a pastor. God forces no one to follow his Son, nor should we. Until it’s a real move of your own conscience, it’s not likely real.
But, even if you are undecided…on the fence…even coming into next Sunday’s service, I would suggest you bring a change of clothes and a towel. God may move you in the moment…that wouldn’t be unlike Him!
I’m still praying for many more of you to follow Jesus in this way as a way to get our own “house” in order as we step out in faith as a church and begin our season of two sites! Let’s never find ourselves in a predicament where we are hesitant to challenge others to obey because we know in our own soul we haven’t responded to God where he has called us.
I look forward with great anticipation for last weeks watershed moment to be eclipsed by a God-burst this Sunday!
Nancy, what an amazing morning that was! We talk about the “ice water” baptisms all the time around the office. We continue to thank God for the step you [and the others] took that day.
It should be a great Sunday with so many professing their faith in baptism. I am one of the “ice mountain girls” and I will never forget that beautiful Sunday morning. I was putting on my make-up that morning, thinking of how I wished I could be baptised as an adult even though I had already been baptised as an infant. My grandson was about to be baptised, and I had been in a Bible study for a number of years and I had finally “got it.” Then Pastor Mike shows up with a jug of Ice Mountain water and asked if anyone cared to be baptised that morning. Coincidence? I don’t think so. It still amazes me. Looking forward to witnessing more baptisms on Sunday:)
“…when it is the new believers declaration to associate with and put their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life that is the big deal!” Alleluia! Gospel!