As a pastor, I have the privilege of serving people at different stages of their lives and faith journey's and one of the most joyful milestones is their baptism! It is such a joy to take new Christians through the waters of baptism and see their faith grow. As a pastor of Baptist church we follow the New Testament practice of baptizing believers by full immersion, which basically means that we baptize those who clearly profess their new faith in Jesus Christ, from head to toe by laying them down under the water and raising them out in a matter of a second or so.
For the believer, this is a tremendous occasion as their share in one of the sacraments that identifies them with Christ, as they profess their faith to all around, and signify the 'death' of their old life as they go under the water, and their new life in Christ as they are raised up. For most, it is a deeply spiritual moment marking a change in their lives for ever.
For Jesus, his baptism by John the Baptist, marked the start of his 40 days in the wilderness to be tested by the devil. And it seems that after such a spiritual 'high' comes times of trial and testing.
I am always careful to warn 'baptisees' that sometimes after baptism comes a time of trial, temptation or persecution. You see, when the devil loses out on a soul, he tends to fight back, but the good news is that he is a defeated foe! The way to win a battle is to know your enemy, and so if you know where the attack is coming from, you can guard yourself against it!
Baptism is the start of an incredible journey of faith where God's promises come alive and bestowes an abundant life of meaning and purpose. His Holy Spirit guides us and empowers us to be effective witnesses to His grace and mercy, and to a life of mission in the name of Jesus Christ.
I can't imagine a life without Him!
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