That's Why

This morning I woke up to a downpour that delayed my church mission but could not foil the joy in my heart. I would get BAPTIZED later in the day, and O, I'm thankful it happened!Paul tells Galatians that all who have been united with Christ in BAPTISM have been made like Him; their old sins are washed away and they begin to live new lives. So when I was immersed in water at about 4 p.m., a joy –too immense for words –bubbled within me and I was convinced beyond any doubt that this was the best decision after my complete surrender to Jesus on January 1, 2008. I'm glad that the Lord has spared me this far to take the step the Jews and Judeans from every corner took when they attended to the cry of John the Baptist, confessed their sins and got BAPTIZED in the Jordan River. Some of my 'friends' who know the strong catholic family I come from will scoff and say but you were baptized as child. And they will rebuke me for "changing religion." But the Word of God is clear. Jesus was NOT A BABY when He was BAPTIZED. But I was, when my parents took me to a priest who then sprinkled water down my brow. Today, old and saved, I followed the example of my master and was SUBMERGED just as He was. I had spent weeks sparring with my conscience: should I or should I not get BAPTIZED? Mark 16: 16: "Anyone who believes and is BAPTIZED will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." Who wants condemnation when it's evident from the way my generation has strayed that the disastrous Day of Judgment is near? I had to heed Peter's counsel by believing and getting BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins. Acts 2: 38. I'm so lucky I've been granted the grace to obey, for the Bible says disobeying God's command e.g., by shunning BAPTISM, is like engaging in witchcraft. And stubbornness is as bad as worshipping idols. 1 Samuel 15:23. John the Baptist challenged the Pharisees and the Sadducees who came to be BAPTIZED to prove by the way they live that they have really cursed their sins and turned to God. It's a challenge for me as well but a welcome one because the Jesus who BAPTIZES with the Holy Spirit and with fire, and gave Himself for me, now lives within me, and will direct all my next moves. As for tonight, let me rejoice because He has made me glad. Wanna advertise of this site, contact Adsense on google.com