Fifty years in the past yesterday, August 25, 1974, a pastor in southwest Ohio baptized me as a brand new believer. A 12-year-old classmate shared the gospel with me a few yr in the past, and God’s Spirit labored in my coronary heart for all of the intervening months. Every week earlier than my baptism, God made me His little one once I gave my life to Him as I knew it at 13 years previous. After I take into consideration these life-changing days, listed here are some reflections that come to thoughts:
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- I’ll at all times be thankful for the primary church I attended. I wasn’t raised in a Christian dwelling, however that church household shortly invited me. Adults taught me phrases. The household invited me for lunch. Individuals inspired me repeatedly. In my manner, that congregation grew to become my household—in actual fact, typically nearer than my household of origin. They have been a present to me.
- I’m grateful for my baptism. My very own theology is that baptism just isn’t essential for salvation, however that compulsory act was undoubtedly a marker second in my life. Greater than as soon as in occasions of battle, I’ve recalled God’s saving, remodeling grace in my life—and I am unable to assist however consider my baptism, which was probably the most public occupation of my younger religion.
- I hope somebody will deliberately and strategically disciple me as a brand new believer. The church made an enormous distinction in my life, however they did not systematically disciple me. The final view of my church was, “Come to all of us, and you’ll grow to be a disciple of Jesus” – however I did not know how one can join all of the dots alone. Consequently, I struggled to develop as a brand new believer with none Christian witnesses in my dwelling.
- I now understand how simple it’s for me to assemble as a congregation. Going to church on Sunday (and different days of the week) was the norm for me and I did so with out worry. After these a few years, I do know there are believers all around the world who don’t have the identical freedom. They put their lives on the road to assemble – however they collect nonetheless. Fellowship is actually life-giving to those individuals.
- I remorse that my ardour for telling others about Jesus typically waned in these early days of my Christian stroll. In these days, I advised everybody, and I used to be telling them. I am certain, in actual fact, I used to be offensive at occasions. Some days although, I’ve to work to evangelize my life – a lot in order that I pray nearly on daily basis, “God, give me a deep love for you that compels me to inform the gospel story.”
- Fifty years later, I’m extra amazed by grace than ever. It was superb to me then that God beloved me sufficient to ship His Son to die for me. Now, I’m much more amazed as I understand what number of occasions I’ll fail within the intervening years understanding God has referred to as me to Himself. He knew me, and he beloved me anyway. I usually converse of others who’ve been “trophies of God’s grace” for me and I pray that I would be the similar for others within the years to come back.
God is solely merciful and good. amen
Posted on August 26, 2024
Dr. Chuck Lawless is a number one skilled in religious counseling, discipleship and mentoring. As a former pastor, he understands the presentation challenges of ministry and works with Church Solutions to advise and counsel church leaders.
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