Baptism?

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6—NIV)   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,.. (Matthew 28:19)

The Fayetteville Church’s suggested devotional for today to use during your ‘quiet time’ (why do they call it quiet time, when one ‘communes with God’ sometimes verbally out loud????..sorry, I digressed…) with God is titled ‘Remember your Baptism’.  This week we are in a ‘remember and reflect’ mode as we close out the year 2011.  As each of you look back on the past twelve months and try to recall the major events in your life during this year, you will probably go through every single emotion from the range possible.  My family has certainly experienced some very sad events during this time period.  Probably some of you have as well, and I know many in The Fayetteville Church have because of the deaths of some loved Disciples.  There have also been plenty of ‘good’ things to pack away in the memory cells which happened in the past 52 weeks, as well as plenty of anxious ones.  We moved from Atlanta to Fayetteville.  We bought and moved to a new house.  We joined a new church. We met new family members as my son got married.  There are lots of things to recall from 2011; so why remember an event that occurred (in my life) FIFTEEN years ago?

I was baptized in June 1996. Oh yes, I was also probably ‘baptized’ in our home town church when I was just a baby---I don’t recall, but I can guarantee you, it just wasn’t the same.  I don’t know if I was ‘dunked’, sprinkled or bathed with water as a kid for my infant baptism, but I do know that is was not the ‘one baptism’ to which the Apostle Paul referred when he wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus (quote from above).  Nor was it the act that Jesus commanded as recorded by the tax collector, Matthew.  And, as I stated, I don’t even remember that act.

The one I DO remember, however, is the baptism I underwent fifteen years ago.  It was a glorious event, but one without much fanfare.  Our spiritual baptisms, the ones during which we receive the Holy Spirit into our very souls, is NOT for the spectators, is NOT an event that needs balloons and cake and candles.  No, save that for regular birthday celebrations.  THE baptism of a repentant believer is indeed glorious, but it is really glorious for two beings, the’ baptee’ (you) and God.  God places part of Himself into everyone who agrees to follow Christ – part of The Trinity, The Holy Spirit, begins a life-long journey inside a baptized believer. How could ANYONE forget that event?  It is truly a NEW BIRTH, a new way of life, a newly discovered way (and the only way) to get to Heaven.

Have you been baptized after believing in Christ?  Have you decided to obey the commands (and suggestions) of Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you changed your life, trying to stop living in sinful manners?  If you have, what a glorious thing to conjure back up into your mind as the year 2011 coasts into history.  Not only will a new year be with us soon, but a new YOU was created when you underwent the one baptism, the only baptism, the act that saves souls and opens the door to Heaven.  Remember that event often, as it truly was the greatest single occasion in your life.