April 16, Jayden declared her faith in church through baptism. We are so proud of this girl and know that she is choosing to walk with the Lord. A month ago Jayden told me," I want to be baptized, I want it to be at Cornerstone church, and I want it to be when I come back for Easter." I was thrilled and so happy and thankful we got to be there for her special day. Not only was our family there, we also had the grandparents, two cousins Jaynie & Rylie, Blake, Ali, and Titus, and our close friends the Buhr's. I mentioned Jayden being baptized and they were so excited and wanted to be there and said they wouldn't miss it! We also invited all the aunt's and uncle's, but we were happy to have those that were there. It is a great reason to celebrate and something that should get as much celebration as a graduation or wedding. It is the most important step a person makes in their life. We started by meeting at El Azteca, Jayden's favorite restaurant. Jadyen had to be to the church early to go over details, so I took her right when she finished eating. The church service was so alive with enthusiastic loud worship singing, a choir on stage, and a short powerful message on our hope in Christ. To finish the service, the 8 who were being baptized at this service gave a short testimony and then one by one were baptized. Jayden was the first to give her short testimony as to why she chose to be baptized and to be baptized in the water. Jayden did not chose a specific person to baptize her, she checked a box for sign up for one of the pastors. Most people had a parent or person in their life that led them to Christ baptize them. Arriving early for her baptism, she got to meet the pastor named Kip, who would baptize her. God was working at that very moment as they talked. She spoke to him about attending "The Emmaus Walk". He said that he had attended one 15 years ago in Ogden, Iowa! He was from Texas and is new on staff at Cornerstone, just in the past few weeks. Jayden is from Ogden and went to "The Walk" in Texas. What are the odds!! They talked together for a long time before and after. The lyrics of the song during the baptism and the energy coming form the stage was awesome. It was a very joyful service with lots to praise! I had to laugh, my parents and Orrie wanted to be up front and close to get the best photos and video, even though it was all recorded and online and on the webstie. They sure got an ear full, front and center is loud! It was pretty embarrassing to see Orrie's video camera recording the pastor standing 4 feet in front of him. The entire congregation could see it. Nobody records on video cameras these days??! After the service, we gathered around for lots of pictures. I got everybody in one big photo. The church had the perfect photo display set up for it. We also ate at Jayden's favorite Mexican restaurant before the service and the cousins hung out at the house after the service.
On Baptism, Max Lucado writes -We are never told to be baptized and then believe, but to come to belief, to trusting faith, and then display that decision by associating ourselves with Christ in baptism. Baptism is the initial step of a faithful heart. This decision requires significant levels of maturity. It is appropriate to dedicate a baby (though more appropriate to dedicate the parents). But these are dedication ceremonies, not baptisms. Don’t allow baptism to be something it is not. Apart from the cross it has no significance. If you are trusting a dunk in the water to save you, you have missed the message of grace. Beware of dogmatism. No one this side of heaven can fully understand the majesty of baptism. Watch out for the one who claims to have a corner on the issue, especially if that person is in your mirror. Don’t prevent baptism from being what God intended. This is no optional command. This is no trivial issue. It is a willing plunge into the power and promise of Christ. Baptism is the first step of a believer. If it was important enough for Jesus to command, isn’t it important enough for you to obey? And if it was important enough for Jesus to do, isn’t it important enough for you to follow? In baptism God signs and seals our conversion to him. For all we may not understand about baptism, we can be sure of one thing—it is a holy moment. There is also the case of the disciples of John the Baptist in Acts 19:1-6. They had been baptized by John but were unacquainted with the role of the Holy Spirit. Upon receiving instruction, they sought to be baptized in the name of Jesus. Max Lucado
Comments