So, my friends and I got high the other day… we were on a spiritual high, a baptism high that affected our lives for most of the day… and beyond!
Our church had baptisms at the beach. Many people stepped up to the waters and declared themselves followers of Christ. That’s what baptism is, an act of obedience and yielding to the Lordship of Christ in one’s life.
Of course, when you live in Central Florida and do something like what we did, there are always a few concerns: sharks, available parking spaces, and a rough surf. But our brave brushed off their worries, showed up, and celebrated. I was really excited about the several that were baptized but I noticed something beyond the actual water-dunking that can give anyone’s life the boost it needs. It has to do with being a part of a good fellowship of believers.
Just before putting a person under water I would yell out (because of the noise of the surf and crashing waves) his or her name to our crowd that was watching. Then, almost as an immediate response, a few people would call out loud the name of the person being baptized along with words like, “Yeah, Bill, go” or “You can do it.”
The last time I heard this kind of positive affirmation happened at an AA meeting I attended with a friend. In that setting, before someone speaks, he/she says, for example, “Hello, I am Bill…and I am an alcoholic.” Then, the crowd in the room responds by saying Bill’s name out loud and cheers for Bill. That sort of thing was happening at the beach for the folks in the water.
Feeling accepted is one of those psychological needs we all have. Our church group that had gathered was definitely making the person in the water feel loved!
We all need cheering on! A good fellowship of believers who love Jesus will not only provide you that kind of affirmation but will also give you an opportunity to do the same for someone else.
There was also a sense of community at our beach baptisms. It was like a big family gathering but with people from different backgrounds and culture. What unites us is our love for God.
You may have had a bad experience at a church at one time or another that left a sour taste in your heart and soul like I have. But, trust me, not all churches are like that! Many churches that preach Jesus crucified, buried, and resurrected are warm, welcoming, and accepting. Give one a try soon!
One more thing, there was a definite sense of anticipation permeating the gathering. The people coming out of the water would either raise their hands in victory and/or give a loud cheer. And, if nothing else, their faces were smiling and radiant. It was as if they all had found a new hope in life. The people on the shore, friends and family members, were as also excited, giving hugs and cheers as they walked out of the ocean.
God is all about second chances!
Maybe I am spoiled because of an extended spiritual family that does what I just described. I can tell you that I am blessed! But, those folks are a real clear picture of what believers are to be like.
By the way, sharks were seen in those waters a little while after we left and beach goers got out of the water in a hurry. But no one got bit. It was just another day at the beach for many but for those in our group it was a day that left a lasting memory!!
Thanks for reading. Leave me a message if you’d like.
Praise God He shut up the mouths of the sharks just like He did for Daniel in the lions den. His Glory was known while the believers were baptized.
Great comparison to Daniel’s lions!!! Thanks, Patricia.
To enjoy the fellowship and friendship of your church family is truly a blessing from God! They laugh or cry with you, pray for and with you, embrace and support you; they are always there for you.
All of that was present during our day of baptisms at the beach! What an awesome church family we have!
And what an awesome God we serve! His angels surrounded our group in the water and kept all potential dangers away1
GOD IS GOOD!
YES!!