That’s right, I got dunked today. On purpose, I got baptized. It was my choice. Before I explain, let me share an old joke that my mom and grandma used to know:
A old drunk stumbles upon a baptismal service one Sunday afternoon down by the river. He proceeds to walk down into the water and stand next to the Preacher.
The preacher turns and notices the man and says, “Mister, Are you ready to find Jesus?”
The man looks back and says, “Yes, Preacher, I sure am.”
The preacher then dunks the fellow under the water and pulls him right
back up. “Have you found Jesus?” the preacher asked.“No, I didn’t!”
The preacher then dunks him under for quite a bit longer, then brings him up and says, “Now, brother, have you found Jesus?”
“No, I did not Reverend.”
The preacher in disgust holds the man under for at least 30 seconds. This time he brings him out of the water and says in a harsh tone, “Have you found Jesus yet?”
The old man wipes his eyes and says to the preacher…”Are you sure
this is where he fell in ’cause I keep looking and I don’t see anybody down here?”
No, I didn’t see Jesus under the water! I had already found Jesus before my baptism. I had made my decision to be a Christ-follower, a Christian, a New-believer, a Fisher-of-men, a Bible-thumping card-carrying Christian who believed that Jesus died for me; saving me from my sins (both past & future – since no one is perfect), and that He is now my Lord, my King, the One who I will trust & obey. I am now His (follower) & He is mine (King).
For me, baptism was obeying Jesus. In fact, Jesus was also baptized; showing us how and what he expects of His followers. Baptism is an outward expression to everyone around of an inward personal decision. According to the Bible it’s simply a pledge…
“and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience towards God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” – 1 Peter 3:21
For me, Salvation came the day I invited Jesus into my heart and believed that He is God’s Son and that He came to save me, as the ultimate sacrifice, from my sins. By Jesus shedding His blood, I didn’t (& don’t) need to continue to find a blemish-free lamb to lay my hand on (transfer my sins to), and then sacrifice (spill it’s blood) to be cleansed (washed in the blood) from sin according to Old Testament law. If Jesus had not come, I’d be going daily to sacrifice a dwindling flock of sheep. I wouldn’t even have to say a word to the Priest, he & I would just nod to each other. I’d probably have to steal sheep (another sin) in order to sacrifice them. It would be a never-ending loop of bloodshed. That, or I’d be excommunicated as unclean – living way, way, WAY out beyond the chosen people and from God’s presence.
So, I hope to share with you my journey as a Newbie Christian. I realize at some point in the future, I won’t be a Newbie (not quite sure when that is) I guess it’s when I’ve learned all the basics and then can share or explain them with others. For know I will continue to grow & learn:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
 | Here is a listing of songs that I requested & the church actually played today: Casting Crowns ~ Glorious Day (Living He loved Me) North Point Inside Out ~ Death was Arrested Jeremy Camp ~ Beautiful One |
- Related – How to Become a Card-Carrying Christian
- Related – So Now What? First Steps as a New Christian
- Related – The B-I-B-L-E: Truth or Dare
