I chose to follow Christ as a young girl at the age of ten. I'll never forget that day - it will always be a sweet reminder of the day that God's Spirit made me spiritually alive, the day eternal life began for me, the day I was made new. I remember the faith that rose within me, empowering me to believe that what Jesus did on the cross was really true for me. I remember my Dad being very instrumental in my life that day as he walked with me, hand in hand, to an altar where I asked Jesus to come and live in me. I'll never forget how clean I felt inside - something that to this day I can't adequately explain.
And that's exactly what baptism is all about. An ancient ritual that began in the Jordan River, symbolizing the cleansing of sin and the new life that Jesus gives to those who choose to follow him.
I guess (so my mom says) I didn't want to be put under water after my conversion and so on a Sunday morning I was sprinkled with water as a sign of baptism. In my heart I knew what it meant and so it was a meaningful experience for me. But while we were in Israel we went to the Jordan River where we could be baptized if we so desired. Since I was never immersed, it seemed an appropriate time and place for me to be baptized as Jesus and the early disciples were. And so it was after 41 years of walking with Christ that I was again baptized remembering the new life I began as a young girl. It was even more special to be baptized by Dennis and Pastor Pete.
Brought to life . . . then, now and tomorrow . . . God's work of grace still renewing me day by day.
2 comments:
Enjoying your writings. You make it come alive. Mom J.
Congrats Gwen. That would have been very special.
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