Born and raised in the Methodist church, I got "Baptized" as a baby. To which I later "Confirmed" it at the age of 9. I went to the front answered yes to a few questions, was prayed over, and my forehead was sprinkled with water. This was a REAL decision and I've always just considered it my baptism. At that age, I chose to give my life to the Lord. Of course I didn't fully understand the significance of that choice, and I'm sure I never will 100%. But that's part of the beauty of following the Lord, there is always more to discover…even eternity from now!!! Anyways, that was a significant moment in my life and it has been a long growing process since then, as it always will be.
As I went to college I knew I would have to make my faith "my own" as I stepped out of the community I had been in literally my entire life. And I was excited about this challenge…little did I know, there was WAY MORE to my Father than I ever could and ever will imagine. I started to learn so many different things and in so many ways than I had in the past. I had to learn how to go to the Bible for clarification and truth and trust the Spirit in discernment. I also learned the third part of the trinity that is often ignored in churches (one of the biggest tragedies that ever happened)….the Spirit is incredible! If you don't know Him, ask the Father that you may get to know the Spirit cause He will blow your mind!
I GOT BAPTIZED!!!
On Easter Sunday in Latvia, the Spirit was moving and I got baptized! What better time to get baptized than on Easter! I died to my old self as I was dipped in the water, washed white as snow from my sin, I raised out the water stepping into my new life in Christ just as He died and was raised to life! Baptism is the pronouncing of your faith in Christ/the dedication your life to Christ, repentance, and the symbol of your old self dying with Christ and being raised into a new life washed clean from your sin by the blood of Jesus. I have felt for a while now that the Lord was placing it on my heart to actually be baptized. When I was younger, the only thing I understood was pronouncing my faith and dedication of my life to Christ…however, I didn't yet know the weight of my sin or the sacrifices it entailed, I didn't really know what exactly I was repenting from. Still, this is only half of what baptism is…
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
John baptized in water. This was a symbol of what Christ would come to do….baptise in the HOLY SPIRIT. This is something I never got before, as most American Christians don't. I never remember learning about the Spirit growing up. I didn't know 1/3 of God until the past 6 years. The Spirit is a gift that the Father gives us through Christ and it brings us to a understanding and a closeness with God that we cannot obtain in any other way. It is a free gift from God and the most vital part of being a Christian (a Christ follower). Christ even said "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" John 16:7. I can't express this enough to you. My prayer is that the Spirit would do the work, cause my words are void without Him.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
One Name lyrics:
One name under Heaven whereby we must be saved
Forgiven of my sins, baptized in the water
Filled with the Holy Spirit, and
Washed in the blood of the Lamb
I'm free, really free my friends,
freed by the blood of the lamb.
God's gonna move in this pla-a-a-ace,
God's gonna move in this pla-a-a-ace,
God's gonna turn the world upside down.
God has come into my life, washed me clean of my sins, literally filled me with His Spirit, is moving in my new life, and is turning my world upside down….
I have been given the greatest gift know to all of ETERNITY!
