Proclaiming Christ as My Savior

Proclaiming Christ as Our Savior

My husband and I have recently made the decision to both get baptized. Some would say that being baptized is an outward expression of an inward change in someone’s life. That is how I viewed it. Once I surrendered my heart, my life to Jesus Christ I was born again.

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5

                                                     

However, as I prepared myself the morning of my baptism I began questioning if I was worthy enough to take this huge step in proclaiming Christ as my savior. I had fear that I would disappoint Him. That I would not do with myself or my life what He intended me to do. How could I be worthy of this amazing unconditional love? I have been far from obedient to Jesus Christ for way too many years. With all of the sinful things I had done throughout my life, why do I deserve forgiveness and love from Jesus Christ. Then I thought back on the beginning months of my journey to give my life to Christ. When I found myself lost, I reluctantly ran to Him. I found He was there for me with wide open arms ready to embrace every part of me. Not just the good parts, but all parts. He embraced my fears, my struggles, and my shame. He not only embraced the parts of me I did not like, but He was willing to make me knew again.   

At that moment I realized I am worthy. God knows that I cannot walk perfectly, but that I can walk perfectly in His grace and mercy. God knows all things. He knows the next step or decision I am going to make before I do; therefore, in that case I cannot disappointment Him. I was more than ready at that moment to give it all, my life, my heart, my word, to Jesus Christ. I wanted to work for Him in every way possible.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

That morning, as my Pastor and I prepared for my baptism, I felt the Lord’s love consume my body. I felt His presence more than I ever had before, almost paralyzing. I knew at that moment I was ready. I was ready to be made new again. I was ready to give my life to Him.

Moments later my Pastor and I began to prepare for my baptism in front of our rather small congregation. The same congregation that taught me the remarkable things Christ can do for you if my faith is where it belongs. The people of my church had been my crutch throughout this journey my husband and I had begun. The love and support I received from them was yet another testimony of how the Lord can and does work through people. I wanted that. I wanted to help people the same way I was helped. I wanted to testify about this amazing savior that I had given my life too.

I walked into the water that morning as a shameful, hurt, confused lost soul. Even after all I had accomplished over the months of turning my life around and revolving it around Jesus Christ, I still felt somewhat lost. However, I am glad to tell you that the woman who walked out of the water that morning was no longer hurt, confused, or shameful. I was the furthest from it. I was complete. I was born again!

This past Sunday, I asked my Pastor if I could have a few minutes of his time after service to ask him a few questions about my baptism. As he always is, he was more than willing to answer any question I had. My relationship with Christ was still building, as it always will be. I asked Pastor Doug Allen what I could do to strengthen my faith, my love for Jesus Christ. I explained to him how on the day of my baptism I felt closer to Christ then I ever had before, but that feeling was fading. “How can I strengthen my faith?” I asked. Pastor Doug Allen responded with the biggest smile I had seen all morning, “You have to be willing, as I can tell you are. This is great!” Then he hugged me and said, “Testify.” He explained that I can help spread the word of God. I can reach out to next person I pass in the grocery store, or maybe a lost family member.

I took his advice to heart. I have decided to make reaching my new mission. I want to share how wonderful my God has been to me. I want to help someone see what life is really all about. I cannot wait to share that experience with you on my next blog. God bless!

Works Cited

Allen, Doug. Personal interview. 05 May 2013.

Ephesians. The Holy Bible New International Version. Colorado Springs: International Bible Society, 1984. Print.

Johnson, Theresa. Personal interview. 03 May 2013.

Romans. The Holy Bible New International Version. Colorado Springs: International Bible Society, 1984. Print.