As a pastor there is very little that brings me more joy than to see individuals commit their life to Jesus Christ and be baptized. There isn't a greater honor to be a part of. This past weekend our church had 5 baptisms: One on Friday and 4 today (on Sunday). Ages ranged anywhere from 12 years old, to teenagers, to a man that took over half a lifetime to come to grips with his Creator and make him his Savior. Sometimes it takes time, it takes friends investing in and praying for you, an impacting sermon, or who knows what. God can use any situation or any people (or in some cases animals) to communicate with people.
In the book of Acts in the second chapter we see the apostle Peter giving a great sermon on who Jesus Christ was and how He fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament. People were cut to the core! They saw the error of their ways and wanted to know how to (essentially) get right with God.
"When the people heard this, they were cut tot he heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be BAPTIZED, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"Acts 2:37-38
Also the apostle Paul says in Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.'"
You see… Baptism is an ancient tradition that essentially means 'to dip' in something. In this case water. Now there's nothing magical or extra holy about the water, but it's what it symbolizes. I always describe it as an 'outward expression of an inward decision.' These seeking people have the opportunity to repent, confess with their mouths that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, and be baptized each week. And it's such a blessing to be a small part of it any time someone is 'going under'. Have you done it yet? What are you waiting for?
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