A Baptism to Remember
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:27,28
This past Sunday we had a special service at church. Actually, we had church poolside so we could witness the baptism of 3 of God’s children. Regardless of your belief on the proper form of baptism, I assure you, we met most everyone’s criteria because it was pouring down rain! So, each person baptized was technically, dipped, sprinkled and poured upon.
The first to enter the backyard pool was a young man from our church, 10 or 11 years old. The next was a young girl, around the same age. They both gave testimony to the saving work of Christ in their life and how they wanted to do this as a symbol of walking with Him.
We all cheered and clapped for these two young Christ followers and recognized our role in continuing to encourage and equip them over their remaining years at our church.
The next to enter the water needed a little help. As much as I love the two children that were baptized, this was the baptism of the day for me and probably most everyone else.
Three years ago our pastor and his brother in law went to visit a neighbor to get to know him better. The man was widowed twice in his life time, never had children and he had a real brashness to him, including cussing like a sailor. As the course of the conversation turned to wanting to know what his views on God were, he was very outspoken and clear. “I’ve got no use for God, I’m an atheist/agnostic.”
The three men hit it off, however and began to meet on a regular basis, just to discuss books they’d read and to pass the time. Almost a year later, it was the week before Easter and our pastor invited the man to church. “NO! I’ve never darkened the doors of a church and I don’t intend to start now!” When our pastor explained we meet in a store front and not a regular church building it peaked his interest. Easter Sunday, in walks the man who made it clear to all he’s an atheist/agnostic, but really likes Bo (our pastor) and Mark, so he thought he’d come and see what a non-church church is like.
For 2 years he rarely missed a Sunday. Each of us prayed for him, looked for opportunities to love on him and show love through acts of kindness like painting his house and fixing an occasional meal or inviting him into our home.
Because he loves reading, I invited him to come up to the reservation and help me with the summer reading program. The children loved him and so did all the staff.
There was a real battle going on for the soul of this man. On a couple of occasions he was coming to church just to tell everyone he’d had it, no more of this for him. But both times he was greeted and embraced and told how much he was loved before he could even get the words out. So he stayed.
Recently, the battle ended. Satan lost and the victory belongs to the Lord! He placed his faith in Christ alone for his eternal salvation. Two weeks ago it was announced that he wanted to make a public profession of his faith by being baptized.
And so it was, this past Sunday Wesley, a former atheist/agnostic and now a believer in Christ, at the ripe old age of 81 entered the waters of baptism. There he stood in the teeming rain grinning from ear to ear as he publicly stated he loved Jesus more than anything and will be living with Him for forever! And now to symbolize his faith he was buried with Christ through baptism into death, and raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so he might now walk in newness of life.
Wesley summed up his day by saying, “This has been the greatest day of my life! You all are my family.”
It didn’t matter that it was raining, there still wouldn’t have been a dry eye poolside this past Sunday.
You’re never too young or too old to begin your walk with Christ.
Not a dry eye here either. Oh how good God is. And you all did so well to just love on him unconditionally! Praise the Lord. It’s never to late and we should NEVER give up on anyone and say it will never happen.
Big blessings to you today!!
Kim
Oh, Marsha, what a wonderful story. Adult baptism always brings tears to my ears, especially Wesley’s story!!!! God is good – all the time. Wesley was blessed by a wonderful family this side of heaven…
Thank you so much for sharing Wesley’s story and the work of God redemption for all people…
Amen…I agree that we should never give up….someone quoted a while back…“saying a person or situation is hopeless is like slamming the door in the face of God”….thank the Lord your people kept the door wide open for Wesley….loved your story!
Oh Marsha,
I have tears girl. This story is all about our Great God and His glory. One day my friend, it will be my husband who says, “it’s the greatest day of my life.”
Oh how I pray it will be soon. May the Lord be honored. Thank you for sharing this beautiful man and His Savior with me. Hugs.
Beautiful story. He was won to Christ through love the way it’s suppose to be. Not having it drilled into them. Get them to church and let the Lord change them.
Humorous opening statement Marsha. Some don’t get wet at all during baptism. ;O)
Wow – I think I’m done reading blogs for the day…that has to be the best thing I’ve read in a long time. GOD IS SO AWESOME…there’s not a dry eye in my house either.
Beautiful!
So very precious, praise God.
Marsha, this is the best. I have tears. Thank you, Jesus. Gives us all hope for those loved ones we are praying for. I wish I could’ve been there. I love baptisms. They bring such joy to my heart. I cry every time.
Thank you for sharing the story. I can’t wait to meet my new brother someday.
Praise the Lord!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story!
Bren
Thank for sharing a beautiful story, Marsha. God bless you.
Bren
Oh Marsha, that made me cry. God bless this sweet man (and the others as well of course). Hallelujah!
Baptism services always bring a tear to my eye and a jump in my spirit. What a wonderful testimony of God’s saving Grace and changing power today. -blessings.
Oh Marsha, you don’t know how much this encouraged me. Sometimes it’s hard to deal with people like this, especially those you are very close to. PTW; 81 isn’t too late.
I love what your pastor and brother in law did though. Too many people would not pursue IN LOVE. What an excellent example of how to love unlovable (human ways) people to the Lord. And your church joined in on loving him too.
What a beautiful story, Marsha! And a wonderful lesson to us as Christians that we should never stop reaching out to those around us… regardless of the circumstances!
I am doing some catching up tonight, I meant to read this all week.
Praise God! I’m thankful you shared this story of never giving up on someone who needs to know the Lord.
What an awesome testimony. PTL