I sat in the back of the auditorium with tears welled up in my eyes, watching as 35 people were baptized at campus church, professing their love for Jesus and their dedication to be public with it. It was one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life, as thousands of people watched, cheered and were even using noise makers to celebrate with those making their profession of faith. One instant really stinks out in my mind, when a guy was baptized and all of his buddies sitting in the crowd all stood up after the preacher said “raised to walk in newness of life” and starting cheering and jumping up and down in happiness for him. I couldnt hold it in anymore, the tears ran down my face, and I thanked God for this church service when we could glorify and bring Him praise for all that he has done for us.
It had been a while since I had seen a baptism, but it would be tough to top this one. I think for the first time, I truly realized the beauty of baptism, and all that it means. It was incredible to see people professing their love for Christ. I immediately thanked God for the freedom in our country to be public about our faith and not experience persecution. Then I immediately began to think of Christians around the world who are persecuted relentlessly for professing their love for Christ. The pastor last night shared about a man in Afghanistan that became a Christian and now is on trial to be killed for renouncing his Islamic faith. My mind did not pay attention to the rest of the sermon as God hit me, like really hit me and asked “Would you be willing to go through anything, I mean ANYTHING for me? Would you be willing to be skinned alive while your persecutors try to get you to renounce your faith in Christ. Would you go through what any of those people in your Foxe’s book of martyr’s when through?” I simply cried and told God I want to, I really do. I struggled with this thought for the whole service, and finally through a worship song, God comforted me and helped me to remember He is EVERYTHING. No matter what happens, no matter what persecution, trials, or tests come, for GOD’S glory, I will impact the world for Him! not for me, but HIM!!!
