Photo by Sean MacDonald.
It also just happens that this was my first performed baptism. Our lead pastor and elder Josh Dryer did the teaching on baptism that day, but I performed confession / profession and act itself at my wife's request. It was a wonderful day where I was surprisingly less emotional than expected. I also have to say that I am so very blessed to have a woman who desires with all her heart to be sanctified in Christ. Having a godly woman at his side is God's greatest earthly gift to man that transcends earthly measure. To be in a continuous and daily relationship where each person helps the other become more Christ-like is an AMAZING institute of God! I know it would be much harder to do what I am doing and will continue to do without her.
Photo by Sean MacDonald.
As a man called to be a pastor I reflected on four passages of Scripture the night before. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) gives me my instruction to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For my wife Trista, she is commanded to follow Christ's example and be baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). Paul teaches us in Romans 6:1-15 that we are to be buried with Jesus in death so that we may also be raised with him in new life - following his example and command; atoned by his sacrifice. Both the passages in Romans and in John 3:1-15 show us some more detail about the nature of what it means to be baptized and the symbolism behind it. We are to be buried and this by itself implies that we are to go underneath (the Greek baptizo confirms this directly meaning, "to immerse"). Going under the water allows us to show in our hearts that we desire be raised to new life and washed clean of our old earthly ways. This is also what it means to be "born again," - born out of water in physical life and reborn out of water for our new spiritual life. A new life that may glorify Christ.
Photo by Sean MacDonald.
Photo by Sean MacDonald.
Photo by Sean MacDonald.