Go Deeper | Baptism Sunday
Do What It Says.
—
This past Sunday, we had the privilege of watching 20 people be baptized at the Ridge (insert cheering and hollering here!). It was so inspiring to witness this step in the journey of faith for so many people, and in such a public way. Each person shared a bit about their journey and what has led them to this point. I was overwhelmed to hear such personal, raw stories being told.
Several moments in these stories hit home for me. The ones that resonated most had to do with the person feeling like they had been a “lukewarm” Christian. It can be easy to settle into a routine of showing up on Sunday, singing the songs, and maybe even being moved by the message… and then going home and not thinking about it again until next Sunday. One of those being baptized mentioned that she found herself only praying when things were hard — when she needed something.
The real work begins when we take the message and let it start changing us throughout the week and throughout our lives. To truly sit with those life-changing moments and internalize their meaning to us. To admit when we have fallen short, when we have taken advantage of the goodness and faithfulness of God. To feel the need to change our lives for the better, by taking steps to become more than just someone who attends church.
So, how can we change our hearts and minds to allow God to overcome our selfishness and sin? James 1:22 reads:
“Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
For some, the public declaration of baptism, of creating a new life in Christ, is what we need to do to move toward a closer relationship with Him. For others, we can simply pray to renew our dedication to Him and His Word. Some of us may need to seek out new relationships and communities of faith, to surround ourselves with like-minded Christians who can help us stay on this path.
Whatever your needs, I encourage you to take a step closer to Him. Follow the example of those 20 brave people who shared with us their own intentions in devoting themselves to Christ. Seek to study the Word, enabling yourself to better enact its teachings. Reach out to the church, and allow others to join you and surround you with the love of God and the family of faith.
Do What It Says.
—
This past Sunday, we had the privilege of watching 20 people be baptized at the Ridge (insert cheering and hollering here!). It was so inspiring to witness this step in the journey of faith for so many people, and in such a public way. Each person shared a bit about their journey and what has led them to this point. I was overwhelmed to hear such personal, raw stories being told.
Several moments in these stories hit home for me. The ones that resonated most had to do with the person feeling like they had been a “lukewarm” Christian. It can be easy to settle into a routine of showing up on Sunday, singing the songs, and maybe even being moved by the message… and then going home and not thinking about it again until next Sunday. One of those being baptized mentioned that she found herself only praying when things were hard — when she needed something.
The real work begins when we take the message and let it start changing us throughout the week and throughout our lives. To truly sit with those life-changing moments and internalize their meaning to us. To admit when we have fallen short, when we have taken advantage of the goodness and faithfulness of God. To feel the need to change our lives for the better, by taking steps to become more than just someone who attends church.
So, how can we change our hearts and minds to allow God to overcome our selfishness and sin? James 1:22 reads:
“Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
For some, the public declaration of baptism, of creating a new life in Christ, is what we need to do to move toward a closer relationship with Him. For others, we can simply pray to renew our dedication to Him and His Word. Some of us may need to seek out new relationships and communities of faith, to surround ourselves with like-minded Christians who can help us stay on this path.
Whatever your needs, I encourage you to take a step closer to Him. Follow the example of those 20 brave people who shared with us their own intentions in devoting themselves to Christ. Seek to study the Word, enabling yourself to better enact its teachings. Reach out to the church, and allow others to join you and surround you with the love of God and the family of faith.
Author: Michelle Lemley, Nursery Coordinator
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