Big Current Summer 2013

“But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe-Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” – Galatians 3:25-27 (Message)

The word “baptism” literally means submerging or dipping. Imagine a piece of white cloth being fully and completely submerged into purple dye. When the cloth is removed it would now be identified with the purple dye because it was immersed and overwhelmed by the dye and, therefore, changed.

When someone is baptized they go public with their trust in Jesus and their decision to follow Him. They are submerged into the water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I love this passage in Galatians because it makes an important point. When someone is raised out of the water they now identify themselves with Jesus. Baptism is proclaiming that the old life is gone and, in Jesus, the new life has arrived!

This powerful public act was experienced by Jesus, commanded by Jesus, and carried out for two thousand years by followers of Jesus. Have you put your hope and trust in Jesus? Have you gone public with your faith? Have you been baptized?

Baptism is not for people with perfect lives. Baptism is the starting line of faith-not the finish line of perfection. Therefore, if you’ve experienced the grace and forgiveness of God through Jesus, baptism is for you. Don’t wait to get better before going public with what God has done for you in Jesus!

The baptism gathering is always a time of tremendous celebration. Please celebrate with us on Sunday, August 25th, at 10:30am at Grand Haven State Park. If you would like to be baptized or have questions, please fill out the ConnectMe Card or contact Angela at: angela@sentonmission.com.