Baptism

To update you a little bit, I am beginning to seek out another church, body of believers, to be apart of. FBC Midland is a solid church, but I was not getting connected to the people there. My main connection to the church, Dennis Perry, is no longer on staff at the church due to some unfortunate circumstances with church politics. Being the son of a pastor, I have seen the good and bad of ‘church people’ over the years and the pettiness of people exists in all places. Dennis’ leaving is not the only reason I am leaving, but a catalyst for the move. I have made my way back to Stonegate Fellowship, which is a place that I feel I can become connected to the people there. The church is also aligned well with what I believe Scripture teaches.

This morning at Stonegate they had what they call their ‘Element’ service. This service consists of the basic elements of the faith; community, worship through song, prayer, reflection, communion and baptism.

I enjoyed the patience of the service. It was not a rush to try to get everything done, but instead time was given to allow for personal and corporate reflection. I think this is especially important when taking communion, considering the warnings given in Scripture concerning flippantly approaching these sacred gatherings. Repeatedly Scripture stresses the importance of examining the heart and motives before entering the house of God. This finds its roots in the Old Testament of being clean (physically, spiritually, etc.) before entering the Tabernacle or other places of worship. I was thankful that time was given to consider the weight of what communion stands for; remembering the perfect, costly sacrifice of Jesus’ blood, remembering God’s Grace, and worshiping Him because of His great love.

We also celebrated the baptism of about 15 new believers. Stonegate does not have a typical baptistery, so they brought in a portable pool type thing. The pastor spent time describing the significance and meaning of baptism.

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit after being baptized.

Baptism symbolizes being washed clean from sin, as Christ’s blood has done to us.

Baptism symbolizes the old passing away, and the new coming.

Baptism also has implications of putting to death sin and putting on the new life in Christ.

Baptism is identifying oneself with Christ and His death.

Baptism is publicly proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.

For early believers, and believers today, baptism meant suffering or a death sentence.

I found myself deeply moved watching many adults publicly professing Jesus’ as Lord of their life. I could not help but think about those in other countries who have secretly done this under the cover of night, or used a simple dug out hole in the ground, or have been excommunicated from their families for identifying themselves with Jesus Christ through baptism. I could not help but be moved by the family and friends that stood around the pool with joy on their faces. What a sweetness to see family members and deep friends come to know Jesus like we know Him! It was a sweet Sunday to be apart of. I am finding myself more and more thankful when baptisms take place.