The big question: What is baptism? My mind went blank when Pastor Will popped the question in Baptism class. I have been coming to church here at SICCC for as long as I can remember; fellowship, children's choir, Sunday school. But the question always stayed the same: Why Jesus?
I spent years never taking Christianity seriously. It was routine, like any other activity. Yet, deep down, I felt no presence of God and Jesus. I accepted Christ during quarantine when a church mentor came to visit me. I told her I wanted to accept Christ, and she led me to pray to confess my sins and invite Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. Accepting Christ didn’t bring immediate change; instead of prioritizing Him, I slowly drifted myself apart. It was a moment in my life years later when I encountered many broken relationships, confronted with isolation and remorse for my wrongdoings. I felt empty, yearning to fill the void in my life. I realized that my life needed a change, a transformation only possible through firm faith in Christ. I prayed with my church mentor again, asking Jesus to guide me as my Lord and Savior. And the church became my refuge, a sanctuary where I could seek support. It was during those challenging times that I turned towards a commitment to Jesus, not as a routine practice but as a genuine cry for help.
Seeking Jesus was a journey that began with self-reflection and humility. It meant confessing my sins, understanding the impact of my actions, and striving to be compassionate and forgiving, just like Jesus. He died on the cross for every one of our sins. His ability to forgive, even when I
felt unworthy, became my sense of hope and redemption.
As I went deeper into my faith, I acknowledged the power of love and the importance of extending it to others. Jesus's teachings emphasized love as a fundamental principle, not just for those who agree with us, but even for those who may oppose or misunderstand us. I sought to apply this to my relationships and interactions with others.
Placing my faith in Jesus, I trusted that He had a plan for me and that His love was unconditional. My faith in Him provides me strength during difficult times and a sense of purpose in my daily life.
So, when I was asked about baptism, it was not just a ritual; it was a representation of my journey: a public declaration of my commitment to following Jesus. Baptism is a mark of rebirth and my overwhelming commitment to live a life that reflects the teachings and love of Jesus Christ!