WHY BAPTISM?

"Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:13

"Being included in God's family is the highest honour and the greatest privilege you will ever receive." (1)

Not only do I feel it is an honour and privilege to be a child of God, but I want everyone to know it. One of the first steps I took to show that I was not `ashamed' of my Lord was to be BAPTIZED.

It seemed like such a simple act at the time, but over the years the significance of what I did has become more real to me.  I knew as a small child that being baptized was a declaration of my faith, and I wanted everyone to know that I was committing myself to a life of service to my Lord.

I grew up in a loving family, with a single dad and two sisters.  Dad worked hard, not just to provide for our physical needs, but to make sure our spiritual needs were met too. My best memory of childhood was sitting around Dad's knee every night as he read to us from the Bible and our children's devotional book. The night always ended with a prayer, a hug and the promise of his love.

But when I was baptized the realization that I was now a member of GOD'S FAMILY and that God was my FATHER was overwhelming. His love, over the years has not kept me from trials and falling into deep depressions, but it has helped me to come through them.

One thing I didn't think about much at the time - it was a little too heavy for an 11 year old - was that by being baptized I was sharing in Christ's burial and resurrection. It symbolized the death of my old life and announced to everyone that I was ready to live my new life in Christ. I was reborn as a beautiful child of God.

BUTTERFLIES - that's what I always think about when I remember my baptism; because as a child this is the understanding I had of new birth and new life. I still love them as I continually need reminding that this new birth came through the death and resurrection of Christ's, and it is my responsibility to live this new life, obedient to the will of my Father.

"Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Be sure of this: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS."  Matthew 28:19&20

I am going to surprise you today and go all modern.  Recently I was listening to Hillsong's most recent Live Worship album, `Cornerstone'. One of the first songs on the album is all about BAPTISM: `Beneath the Waters'.  I missed my son's baptism. I was devastated, as nothing is more special to a parent than seeing their child publicly confess they want to be a child of God, be `cleaned', and to rise up into a new life where they will share the same inheritance as you - as a member of GOD'S FAMILY.

BENEATH THE WATERS (2)

"This is my revelation, Christ Jesus crucified.
Salvation, through repentance, at the cross which He died.
Now hear my absolution, forgiveness for my sin
As I sink beneath the waters that Christ was buried in.

I will rise, I will rise, as Christ was raised to life.
Now in Him, now in Him, I live.

I stand a new creation, baptized in blood and fire
No fear of condemnation, by faith I'm justified.

Now I rise, I rise, as Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him, I live. 

I rise as you are risen, declare your rule and reign.
My life confess your Lordship and glorify your name.
Your Word it stands eternal, Your Kingdom knows no end
Your praise goes on forever, and on and on again.

No power can stand against you, no curse assault your throne
No one can steal your glory, for it is yours alone.
I stand to sing your praises, I stand to testify,
For I was dead to sin but now I rise.

I rise, I rise, as Christ was raised to life.
Now in Him, now in Him, I live.


"Baptism does not make you a member of God's family, only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God's family, as you declare your faith and announce your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion into God's family." 3

1&3 - Rick Warren -`The Purpose Driven Life' (2002) Zondervan.

2 - "Beneath the Waters" - Brooke & Scott Ligertwood (2012), Hillsong.