It's March and cold, but the day was beautiful! Five people in our church (Hannah included) decided it was time to be baptized and make that outward profession of their inward committment to Christ Jesus their Savior.
Hannah shared her testimony of what God has done in her life - calling her to Himself and growing her in His Word.
No one put a thermometer in the water, but suffice it to say, wetsuits were in order instead of shorts and t-shirts! (We surf, we have wetsuits...the four others were mighty cold!)
Pastor Cary asked Eric if he'd like to be there by Hannah's side. Eric considered it such an honor and privilege. Hannah's eyes sparkled at the idea.
Baptism is a beautiful picture of what Christ has done for us.
Water...the universal symbol of cleansing.
We are dead in our trespasses and sins {Ephesians 2:1}
Through His death
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. {1 John 1:9}
Through His burial
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. {Romans 6:4}
and through His resurrection
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. {1 Corinthians 5:17}
A new creature in Christ!
Pastor Cary congratulating Hannah. Mr. Luse giving Hannah a new MacArthur Study Bible.
Hannah, Collin, Jon, Sarah, and Isaac.
After the baptism the families all went to Pastor Cary and Lois's home to celebrate and share a warm meal and sweet fellowship.
Rejoicing with you! There is no greater joy. I love you Hannah!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you Hannah! What a great post and memory!Miss you all!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Hannah!! That is so exciting! Baptism is such a beautiful proclamation of our decision to follow Christ for the rest of our lives. God's most abundant blessings on you dear!
ReplyDeleteLove Grace