Last year my son, Jacob, asked me if he could get baptized. We were about to swing on a Tarzan rope we had strung over a big gully in our back yard, and I'm pretty sure the fear of dying was weighing heavy on his mind. I talked to him about Jesus and what he believed, and felt confident that he was ready to make that decision for himself. Later that month he met with our pastor and together we all decided that he was to be baptized on his birthday, Feb. 3, 2008. He turned 11 that day...so now that is his birthday on a couple different levels.
Last Sunday after church my daughter, who's 7, asked me if she could get baptized. I said yes, but had intentions of quizzing her later in the week about what she believed about Jesus. Last night was her quiz. I asked her why she wanted to get baptized. She said, because she believes in Jesus. I asked her why she believed in Jesus and she said she just always has. I asked her what Jesus did?, and she answered that He came to Earth and died because of our sins. I asked her what sin was?.. how she knew what sin was?.. and if she was aware of her own sins? She answered all question correct. She then said Jesus came to Earth and died for everyone's sin. Then I asked "who else's?"...she wasn't sure what I was getting at. I said "Jesus died for everyone, but who else?"...she still wasn't sure what I was talking about, after all who's left after "everyone"? Then I said, "Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for you!"(as I was pointing at her). I said, "Jesus loves Carley so much that He came to earth, was beaten, and died on the cross so Carley's sins would be forgiven and Carley could live in heaven with God forever...He did it all for everyone, and He also did it all for Carley." Her eyes began to fill up with tears...so I think she understands and is ready to be baptized.
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6 comments:
As a mother and grandmother, there's no greater blessing than watching your children and grandchildren come into the Kingdom. Having 3 children, 3 son-in-laws and 8 grandchildren, it's just a Blessing and Answer to Prayer that fills me to the brim. I'm so proud of all!
As the other grandmother, I, too, am so very thankful that our Carley has joined the family of believers!!
There just isn't a more wonderful experience in life than to know and follow JESUS!!
Carley, this is a very special day! We love you so very much!This, indeed, is a beautiful answer to prayer. Gramma and Grandpa
We are so proud of you Carley with the wonderful decision you have made! We are looking forward to watching you be baptized! We all love you so much!
Jim, Kim, Joshua and Jordan
Jordan cant wait to see you "Car Key!"
The way I read Colossians 2:9-15, baptism, among other things, is an affront to our defeated enemy as we remind him of how our big brother Jesus knocked out his teeth and "made a public spectacle" of him and his cronies. Through the watergrave we identify with Jesus in his death and resurrection and also with his "disarming" and subsequent humiliation of the enemy of our souls. Baptism is spiritual warfare. Go Carley...warrior princess!
There's something cool about watching a 3 ft. tall 7 year-old girl boldly stand up and walk to the front of a church filled with 150+ people to confess her faith in Jesus. This being the same girl who struggles to respond to any "stranger's" questions because of the shyness she inherited from her folks. But this was a decision she made on her own and although she respectfully asked our permission, I'm confident there would have been a battle if we had told her that she wasn't ready. So she inspired even the bravest people in our church as she let her desire to follow Jesus overcome her anxiety of being put on public display. That's the power of God working through a faith in Christ!
WONDERFUL AND EXCITING, CARLEY!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOUR DECISION AND THANKFUL TO GOD THAT HE HAS TOUCHED YOUR HEART!!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR YOU AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY!
WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! GRAMMA AND GRANDPA
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