The following entry is for those who may have still had some questions about the baptisms at Kerns Campus on Sunday. Here is a bit more information, but If you have any questions feel free to fire away.
It is always a privilege and an honour to be a part of a baptism service. I am truly humbled to watch how God moves and acts in the lives of people. Every story I hear gives me additional strength and courage to follow after God. The first thing that you will see as you watched the baptisms at Compass Point is that each of the participants have all affirmed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation, and they are trusting in him as they strive to grow and develop as His faithful followers. Every time someone is baptized, they are identifying with millions of believers who have taken this same step for thousands of years.
Here are some of the reasons for the Baptisms on Sunday
First they were following the example of Christ who was immersed (baptized) by John the Baptist before he began to share the good news of the Kingdom of God. It symbolically shows our desire to follow God’s plan for our lives.
Second they were also responding obediently to Christ’s instructions for new believers. In Matthew 28:18-20 we read that his disciples were told to baptize new followers of Christ. It shows a clear shift in our loyalties
Third it is a symbolic demonstration of their new life as Children of God. The Apostle Paul describes this picture of baptism in Romans 6:3,4:
“…don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Baptism reminds us that when we come to Jesus in faith, we bury our old life, and because of his resurrection, we can enjoy a new life that is being redeemed with meaning and purpose.
Here is what Baptism is not.
Baptism is not about fulfilling a religious requirement for membership in a particular church.
It is not done to make sure that we go to heaven when we die. We believe the words of scripture – we are saved by faith alone in Jesus – not in rituals.
It does not mean that we will live perfectly as a result. We all still struggle, but we know that in Christ we can find forgiveness and mercy.
The bottom line is that Baptism is about demonstrating to God, yourself, and to those around you, that you want to live a life surrendered to Him. We do this publically because it’s a lot easier for us to live this Christian live together than trying to do it on our own. We are designed to grow and serve in community.
Thank you for being there to witness these baptisms, if you have any questions, or if you would like to participate in our next baptism service please contact me at paul@compaspointonline.ca
Discussion
No comments yet.