I have been focusing on the baptism of Jesus this year. There, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were present. The Father speaks, the Holy Spirit descends, and the Son is baptized. In the vernacular of church folk, they "showed up and showed out!" This is the best example of the Trinity in the bible. Hallelujah! Glory to God!
In an age when too many children are fatherless and/or parents choose not to attend major events in their children's lives, it is significant that not only is the Father present at the baptism of Jesus, but that He speaks. He acknowledges His love for His Son and how proud (well pleased) He is of Him, "And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:18). Our children need our love and support. They need the confidence that only parents and guardians can give. It says to me that with baptisms being of such significance in the lives of our children and family members, that if God and the Holy Spirit can take the time to show up for Jesus' baptism, we ought show up for our children's baptisms, birthdays, graduations, weddings, recitals, award ceremonies, and other events, for that matter, -- and, moreover, as born-again believers we ought get in the baptismal pool with them. Many churches allow their church members to assist in the baptism of their family members. This makes the baptism a special moment not just for the person being baptized, but for the family.
It is significant, too that the Holy Spirit is present, "...and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him" (Matt. 3:17). We are reassured that Jesus was well qualified to do what God sent Him here to do. He was given the authority and He the power. Immediately after, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, and He begins his ministry (Matt 4:12-22). At salvation, we are sealed with the Spirit of God. This means we have all we need to do what God has called us to do. Glory to God!
I pray now, in the name of Jesus, that more people will be dipped this year, that they will repent of their sins, accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and be baptized (Act 2:38). For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). I pray, too, that parents will resolve to do the right thing in 2011 by their children -- make time for them, explain to them who Jesus is, and talk with them about accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray, Lord, that parents will show up with their children at church, and at their baptism. And then, Father, my prayer is that parents will begin to show up for their children at school, and at all those important events in their lives, show out even! Our children need their parents, Oh Lord, guardians, grandparents, God parents, mentors, and the adults in their lives to acknowledge and support them. Help us to give our young people the love, support, confidence, and tools they need to succeed as Christians and in this world. Amen.
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Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!
This Christmas we had 13 new members to be baptized on Christmas Day at St. Stephen Church! Look at God and HIs perfect timing! Those 13 can say for the rest of their lives that they were baptized on Jesus' birthday. Min. Amanda Adams' son, Isaac Bridgewaters was one of the baptism candidates at our Indiana campus. Min. Amanda participated in baptizing her son. God blessed her also. What wonderful gifts God has given, His Son who died for their sins, spiritual gifts for the work of ministry, and a Christmas baptism anniversary to these new members. Glory to God in the Highest!In addition, we had nine new members to get baptized last weekend. That was also special. Rev. Keith Love, a member here, assisted in baptizing his daughter. and her best friend. Rev. Geoff Ellis, Pastor, Greater St. James AME assisted in baptizing his daughter also.
ReplyDeleteTo sum it all up, God granted me the awesome assignment of overseeing baptisms, teaching baptism class in Indiana, and reading baptism statements this year. I had great help from Deacon Karen Childress who taught classes on the Louisville campus. I remember praying to God at the beginning of the year for more people to get baptized in the blog, Parents, It's Time to Show Up and Show Out! God answered this prayer and then some! Hallelujah! Glory to God!