This weekend, I had the honor of witnessing several baptisms. They were held in the serene backyard (pool) of a couple who lives close to my mentor’s prophetic church. Water baptism usually comes after the formal baptism that someone receives when they accept Christ as their Lord and Savior (Matt 3:16-17). Baptism in salvation is their ticket to Heaven, but a water baptism represents more. It’s a washing away of old sins (past wrongs and baggage) and an emergence into the fullness of Christ (all that he died to give us). It’s a public declaration of our commitment to walk in Christ-like fashion (not just talk the talk). We put Him on, like new clothes (Gal 3:27).
This pool had actual water from the river Jordan where Jesus himself was baptized! The homeowners collected a few bottles of water from the River on their last trip to Israel. They poured one in right before the ceremony.
The Lord’s presence surrounds us when we seek him, especially where two or more are gathered in his name. You could feel the warmth of his pride radiate off the sun that morning. His glory was hot. Those who were scheduled to get baptized did, but then several impromptu immersions took place. Everyone moved according the Spirit. I loved watching so many answer the call to pledge and renew their faith.
Baptism in salvation is just the beginning of what our father in heaven wants to offer us, friends. Truth is, it’s not enough. Many Christians may go to heaven when they die, but they miss the cruise ship (walking out their God-given purpose with Jesus) when they don’t step out of the dinghy. It’s time to declare, “Jesus, we want to live in the fullness of all that you died to give us. We pick up our crosses and walk alongside you. We love you. We want to be like you. We want more of you.”
Are you ready to walk with Christ and make it known before others? Many people who got baptized yesterday did so as a form of renewal. Some have been saved and walking with Jesus for years but simply needed a refreshing. Sometimes we get off track and disconnected from the Lord (happens to the best of us). When that happens, it’s a good idea to rededicate ourselves. Or, we can lose our faith altogether. All the more reason to find refuge from the storms of life in his calm waters.
If you feel called to renew or reestablish your faith, I exhort you to talk to your church leader. Jesus doesn’t care how messed up or derailed you are. He’ll welcome you with open arms in your defeated state, drench you in his living water, and help you rise up like an eagle. Just bring your repentant heart, desire to change, and a towel.
