In the Presence of the Gospel

Today was a very special day. I went to church with my daughter and family. My oldest grandsons, Seth and Everett, were going to be baptized. They had been working hard on the baptism booklet the Pastor had given them as well as writing out their own testimonies. They were nervous but so were my son-in-law, daughter and I. The nerves also held a lot of excitement as we were all anticipating this event.

There were going to be 10 people baptized today at Evident Church. The Pastor said that there would be worship and baptism today only. This was the baptism celebration Sunday. After the first group of worship songs, Seth was to be first of the group with Everett following him. Since Evident meets in a school, a portable round tub was brought in with the chairs in a semi-circle all around it.

As Seth stepped into the tub he dropped his testimony into the water which brought laughter as the Pastor pulled it carefully apart so that he could read it. Seth gave a clear indication of his belief in Christ alone for his salvation. He spoke of Christ dying for him and the blood shed paying for his sins. He made it clear that he wanted to please God in his life. Just before the Pastor put him under the water, I looked over to see Everett giving Seth a thumbs up (both thumbs). I was trying to hold them back but the tears came by the time Seth came out of the water. When he was coming out of the tub and down the steps, there was Everett patting him on the back and smiling as people clapped and cheered.

Then it was Everett's turn. He has never been know as a subtle child. He went up the steps and jumped into the tub splashing water everywhere. The Pastor likened it to a cannonball! Everett read his testimony which was full of language about his sin and his need of Jesus. He talked about what God did for him through Jesus and made it clear that he wanted to live for the Lord. Before the Pastor baptized Everett, he shared that he had a conversation with both boys through Skype. During that conversation they had talked about the testimonies but then talked a bit about the superbowl. He said that Everett said, "Can we get back to talking about the Lord now?". What a joy to know Everett's priorities! When he came up out of the water, he raised both hands in excitement and praise.

These two boys have committed themselves to follow Christ. I know they will not be perfect but they know the conviction of the Spirit and can repent. What does the Lord have for them in the future? I don't know but I do know He has called them to Himself to be younger brothers of Jesus, co-heirs with Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit and set apart to be Holy. What a joy for me to have been witness to this. Praise be to our God and Father who continues to call people to Himself!! May these two boys be the instruments He uses for His purposes in the future!