Baptism

[AmandaC]

I am going to get Baptized on Sunday and I am very nervous because I have to do it in front of the whole congregation. :o I am 20 years old and I don't really know a whole lot about Christianity. I wasn't raised in church and I have never even seen a Baptism before. I am also kind of upset because my future Mother-In-Law was supposed to be there but, she wont be able to go now and I have no family that will be there other than my fiance. I was just needing some reassurance and possibly someone to explain what typically goes on at a Baptism. I know that I will be submerged in the water but other than that I dont know anything. What am I supposed to do?

 

[Defender of the Faith 777]

Baptism is an outward manifestation of an inward cleansing of when Christ's blood washed sin away from the soul. Depending on what church you go to, it's different for different churches. I am going to be baptized this summer, and thanks (!), you're making me nervous! In the Baptist church that I sometimes go to, the pastor explains who you are, how you came to know Christ, and so on. You tell him this stuff beforehand and you don't say anything. You are submerged in water and come out, visibly showing others that you were saved. It's a symbol for what really happened. Don't worry about it. Romans 8:28. Seriously now, you're making ME nervous! lol

 

[AngelAmidala]

LOL...neither of you be nervous! It's wonderful to hear that you're both going to be baptized.

Amanda, I will keep you in my prayers on Sunday. Don't be nervous! The church family will support you in your learning process and will love you for who you are. Take joy in that.

 

[Josiah]

I was baptized when I was 13. I did it basically "because it was about that time". I grew up in a church that was very, um, antiseptic. Very rigid and unemotional. When I was baptized, I knew what I was doing, but only with my head and yes, I was afraid (I'm not sure of what).

Maybe you should pray for God to enlighten you, and help you to fully comprehend (with your heart) what you are doing - showing openly that you are giving your life to someone who gave His life for you. It's hard for us to comprehend how great God is and how great Jesus' sacrifice and love is. I can't comprehend it.

But may God help you to be able to put all your fears aside (as natural as they are) and understand His mercy and goodness.

I love these lyrics from Philips, Craig and Dean. They help me understand God's love a little better:

Almighty God, the Great I Am
Immovable Rock, Omnipotent, Powerful, Awesome Lord
Victorious Warrior Commanding King of kings, Mighty Conqueror

And the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run

(chorus)
Is when He ran to me, He took me in his arms
Held my head to his chest, and said my son's come home again
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in his voice he said son, do you know I still love you
It caught me by surprise
When God ran

The day I left home, I knew I had broken his heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night, I remembered his love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run

(chorus)


It caught me by surprise
and it brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me

I was so afraid all alone and so far away
But now I know, He's been waiting for this day,
I saw Him run to me

(Chorus)

 

[amie]

Hi Amanda,
no need to be nervous love...we will all be there in spirit...and you'll have a far greater audience than you could ever realize I am praying for you and for your peace of mind...it will be beautiful! Praying always...
Amie

 

[EpicTeen]

yeah dont worry you aare only doing what god wants you to do.

 

[allieisme]

Aww Amanda, I'm sorry that all of your family couldnt be there with you! I wish I could be there to give you a hug...well here's one now, hope this will do.. oh alright here's a couple..




Allison

 

[altya]

Hi Amanda,

I write this ‘poem’ a while ago and love to share it with you.

We are not saved by our own goodness,
but by the goodness, and the love of God.
We are not saved by our own merit,
but by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus shed his precious blood
and as the remorseful believes in Christ
we get in touch with his saving blood
by going through a likeness to His death, His burial,
and His resurrection by being baptized into His death.