Baptism

For years I have underestimated the power of water baptism.  Water baptism was something that I did occasionally and not very often.  Growing up and in my early years at church, baptism was considered a spiritual achievement rather than a first step in someone's walk with Christ.  These past few years, God has been impressing upon my heart that baptism is someone first step of obedience that should be an immediate part of our acceptance of the gift of grace offered by Jesus Christ.  Baptism doesn't save anyone, but it is an outward confession of the inward work of Jesus.  

On Sunday, June 6th, I had the privilege of baptizing 33 people on a Sunday morning at Trinity Church.  It was an amazing day and an expression of what God has been doing these past several months at Trinity.  33 people went public with their faith and 33 people made a decision to become followers of Christ.  What was equally amazing was the 12 or so people that spontaneously were baptized on the spot!  With their clothes on, they took the plunge and were baptized in Jesus name. 

Jesus tells us that we are to Go, Baptize and Teach.  It's that simple.  I'm afraid that many churches make the mistake of Staying, Not Baptizing, and just Teaching.  Teaching is only 1/3 of what Jesus wanted us to do as followers of Christ.  If you are a Pastor or Church Leader and have not baptized anyone this past year, What are you waiting for?  If you have recently made a decision to follow Christ and have not been baptized, What are you waiting for?  This is exactly what Ananias told Paul when he made a decision to follow Christ.  Ananias said, "And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name."  Acts 22:16