Ask any Christian and they will probably tell you that the most meaningful moments are witnessing someone put on their Lord in baptism. It never gets old!
Here are just a few reasons why baptisms bring such joy:
- Memories. You can’t help but think back to your own baptism, that very pivotal moment when you obeyed the gospel and had your sins washed away (Ac. 22:16).
- Family. A new brother, a new sister. Whoever came up out of that water is now a part of your family, thanks to the uniting blood of Christ (1 Tim. 3:15; 5:1-2).
- Priority. Sometimes a soul is ready to obey the gospel late at night (Ac. 8:25-33). We experienced just such an occasion this week as a dear lady didn’t want to wait a moment longer. It was after 10 pm when she arrived at the church building. I loved seeing the individuals who were willing to come at a moment’s notice to be there for her!
- Rejoicing. The best pictures are the ones that capture that first moment out of the water. They’re experiencing that beautiful “new life” promise (Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17) and you can see it in their eyes. And what a contagious joy it is! When you look around at those gathered, you see it on their faces, too (as you see in the photo below).
- Encouragement. Negativity is all around us and sometimes it seems like things are going downhill fast. But every baptism is a reminder that the Word is still powerful, that hearts are still searching, that the church is still growing, and that God’s purpose is still reigning (Mk. 16:15-16)!
We often look forward to the happiness of Heaven. Surely baptisms are a taste of the joy to come and make us long for it even more!
“Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
(Acts 8:36)
Look at those amazing smiles!