Last year one of the people being baptized at our baptism service had come to Westbrook as a musician who we needed for the band. He said this about why he wanted to get baptized:
I came to Westbrook as a musician, became a Christian musician while playing in the band, and as I result of the love and acceptance of this community, now I am a Christian.
He went public with his faith. He publicly proclaim his faith in Christ. In Psalm 107:2 it says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary.” Baptism is a way to, “say so.” Baptism is a way to go public with your decision to follow Christ. To publicly drive a stake in the ground and say, “I’m going to follow Jesus with all my heart.” When we stand up and publicly state that we are following Jesus it solidifies that commitment and encourages us in our faith. There is nothing magical about baptism, but it is an acknowledgement of what God has already done in your life. It is an outward expression of an inward reality.
On Sunday, August 22 we are doing a baptism service. If you would like to be baptized let us know or attend a Baptism Class on Thursday night August 12th.
If you are a follower of Jesus and have not been baptized we would strongly encourage you to do it. Many have been baptized as infants and you wonder should I do it as an adult? Should you be baptized as a believer if you’ve been baptized as an infant? This is your decision. Some people have a strong sense that God is calling them to do be baptized, or they really want to make a public stand for their faith. They appreciate their parents’ decision to have them baptized but they want to make their own decision. If you are feeling that way I would strongly encourage you to take that small step of faith. Follow that leading of the Spirit and take that small step of faith to proclaim your faith in Christ.
Others may say, no my infant baptism was significant, and I feel good about that. If that is where you are that fine. Our tradition baptizes believers and other Christian traditions baptize infants. It doesn’t mean that we are right, and they are wrong. I know people that love Jesus on both sides of the issue. It is just different traditions. What I like about Westbrook is that we are a community with lots of different Christian traditions represented and we want to respect each other. So, no matter what your view on baptism you are welcome here.
If you are feeling the nudging of the Holy Spirit I would encourage you to take that step of faith! You will be glad you did.