Baptized Into Christ
Author: Pastor Miguel Verazas
June 13, 2024
My favorite scene in the movie Jesus Revolution is when Greg Laurie decides to give his life to Jesus and be baptized. In the early part of the film, young Greg has been in search of all the right things in all the wrong places—until he encounters Jesus. I was moved by the scene where Greg steps into the water from the Southern California beach, experiences a symbolic death as he is lowered into the ocean, and then comes up out of the water, gasping for air, to a new life in Jesus. Baptism is an absolutely incredible part of our spiritual journey with Jesus—one that I have never regretted!
One of my favorite parts of being a pastor is studying the Bible and preparing people for baptism. When we are baptized, we show that we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. We identify with his death, his burial, and, of course, his resurrection on the third day when He rose from the grave.
We not only accept that gift of salvation that Jesus offers, but also our lives make a change to repentance. The Hebrew word “teshuvah” means repentance, to return as if turning back to something you've strayed or looked away from and rising to a new life in Christ. This is such a great reminder that—although because of sin we have been separated from God—He makes a way for us to return back to Him. Amen!
Once again, this Sabbath, we are privileged to witness two more students give their lives to this new life in Christ. Ania Janiszewske and Jenna Peterson will follow the example that Christ set for us in the Jordan River. Everyone is invited to attend both baptisms! After the baptisms, a special spread of light refreshments will be served in the courtyard to extend the celebration!
As you consider the example of these two students, I pray that if you have yet to make this decision, today you will be encouraged to take a step closer to giving your life to Him. The pastors are ready to begin that journey with you. I love the reminder that baptism is the start of a life of study with Jesus!
"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Romans 6:3-4
Pastor Miguel
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