πεποιθως αυτο τουτο οτι ο εναρξαμενος εν υμιν εργον αγαθον επιτελεσει αχρις ημερας ιησου χριστ;
Philippians 1:6 (New King James Version)
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
So Grady, Ashley and I were baptized in a mega-church back in 2000. We had pre-recorded testimonies which were played on a huge screen on the wall of the church during our baptisms. Looking back, the three of us know we were not saved at the time.. We all felt a bit pressured to be baptized before really even understanding what it signified in our lives. Also, Mandy and Ryan had the same sort of baptism back a few years ago.
The Lord had been leading each of us individually for quite a while that it was *time* for a believer's baptism. (while we do not believe that baptism *saves* us, we do know that it is an outward obedience to our Lord and Saviour who asks that we do so. We believe that there is power in baptism in which we may not fully understand nor do we necessarily think at this point we need to fully understand. For our family the sybolizm of being buried with Christ, includes a complete commitment to living for Him for the rest of our lives.. 'Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.' KJV
At our Sunday meeting, Stephanie felt the Lord prompt her to ask us "Shouldn't you be baptized?" (now that you believe?)
Our family went home that night and all fell on our knees, crying out to the Lord in prayer. We had originally thought we would wait until we got to Belize but after praying, we knew the Lord wanted us to do it now. We couldn't get baptized soon enough as soon as we heard from him! What a special time as a family with the Lord.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27
Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16
There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) 1 Peter 3:21
On the day of the baptism, the weather was just horrid. Heavy rain and 48 degrees outside. The kids were undeterred but we were concerned that it might be too much braving the torrential downpours, hiking down a slippery hill with our 2 families; 4 adults and 10 children. After praying,we decided to go ahead and meet at the trail which leads to the river as previously planned. As we arrived to the meeting place and as we got our of our cars, the rain stopped and the clouds literally parted and a patch of blue sky appeared just above the river where we were headed to! It took 15 minutes for us to hike in and clamber down the bank to the river. The clearing held. We had a very lovely baptism with our 3 oldest children, Praise the Lord! 45 minutes later after we hiked back to the cars and as we all got into our various vehicles, it started pouring rain again! It really was a miracle and gift! We invited brother Steve over for a late dinner and to our utter amazement, a florescent double rainbow appeared in our backyard. None of us had ever seen anything like it! Our children were amazed and all who were there were left speechless and in awe of our Lord and Saviour! He has shown himself so mightily to our family..
We cry Holy, Holy Holy is our Lord almighty!
Walking down to the river
being baptized by his closest brother
This was a long time coming. Thank you Lord Jesus ♥
Mama with Sister Stephanie
Ryan is first of the children to be baptized. His testimony is strong and true.
Ryan with Dad before the baptism
Grant decided that he was not quite ready to be baptized. Praise the Lord for his honesty and sincere love for the Lord~
The Chehalis River
Ashley loves Jesus!
with Sister Stephanie
Ashley with Daddy and Brother Steve.
His obedient Lamb, Amanda
She was shaking, not because it was cold but rather out of joy
Hiking our way back up to the cars
Our Gift from the Lord ♥
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