Ok...I'll be honest...I'm a little pumped about the upcoming baptism service on Sunday, December 7th, at Gateway Community Church. Why?? What's the big deal?
As I've been explaining to everyone who has two legs (I haven't seen too many people without 2 legs - but I'd tell them too), this is one of the most exciting services a church can host.
This act of getting fully immersed (baptized) in water, is a powerful and dramatic spiritual act that shows a person has decided to follow Jesus.
*Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 "Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." There is no question, the church is supposed to baptize people who are following him. Once they believe, they should be baptized!
So often, we are willing to wear the colors of our favourite team, or designer, but here's an public display where someone is identifying themself with Jesus. Going down under the water, represents how they are dying to their sins, just as Christ died for our sins, and the coming out of the water, reveals how they are going to be raised from the dead (because God raised Jesus from the dead).
It will be very moving to hear adults share why they decided to follow Jesus. I'm sure we have all heard of the show, "Biggest Loser." These people enter a work-out program and diet plan to see their life change. Throughout the show, they share what they used to look like, feel like, and now....what they weight, act like and feel.
So...what does this TV show have to do with Baptism....on Sunday, people will share the changes Jesus has made in their life! They'll share what their life was like before (ie. worried about life, unsure about their purpose, scared about their marriage, and after meeting Jesus --- they have peace, their is hope about their future, they can trust God to lead them in raising their children).
*So watch out Satan....God is moving people to stand up for him. It's going to be a celebration in heaven and in Port Alberni on Sunday!!
Come out....everyone is invited!
