Riverbank Baptisms

A crowd of over a hundred strong gathered last evening on the banks of the Juniata River to witness the baptisms of Emily Foltz, Susan Bailey, Meaghan Mills, and Maggi Bailey. With only minor prompting from me, the crowd cheered wildly and loudly every time Derek and I lifted one from beneath the waters. The sounds rivaled those heard at sporting events.

I woke up early yesterday morning with one thought, "I get to baptize people today!" Baptism never get old. It's one way I know the church is succeeding in its efforts to connect the Gospel with people. All heaven had to be stoked last night as each lady shared her story of the difference Christ has made in her life. Maggie acknowledged a new peace in her life. Susan has realized God's real companionship despite real loss. Meaghan championed God's help as she overcame some significant problems.

Eight-year old Emily had this to say,

"Throughout my life, I have learned about God at church, during Sunday school and at home with my parents. I believe there is only one God and he sent his son, Jesus, to earth. I have read how wonderful he is in the Bible. Because he died for me to get rid of my sins, I have decided to follow him. I decided to get baptized today because Jesus is my Lord and I want to trust him with the rest of my life!"

Attagirl, Emily! And, congratulations to Susan, Meaghan, and Maggi. Your decisions to follow Christ will never be a disappointment. Devonshire is so proud to be part of your lives and grateful that God has used our lives to encourage you in some significant way.

Stay tuned to DevonshireDiaries as a pictures will be posted soon.

Wanted: Dead but Alive

"In the same way, count yourselves DEAD to sin

BUT ALIVE to God in Christ Jesus."

(Romans 6:11)

I've been privilege to baptize Christ-followers for 22 years. And, the experience never gets old. Chills run down my spine every time I hear a believer say, "I want people to know that Jesus is my Lord and I will follow Him for the rest of my life." Four individuals were baptized yesterday at Devonshire Church. It was so encouraging!

Yet, it was also very challenging. Every time a believer is baptized it reminds me of my baptism. I made the same profession. And, there's the challenge. Every baptism I witness, I'm forced to ask the question,

"Am I living up to my baptism?"

You've heard the old slogan, "Wanted: Dead or Alive." But Saint Paul offers a different slogan for all of us who used to be spiritual outlaws, "Wanted: Dead BUT Alive!" In Christ, we can be both dead and alive. It's mysterious and it's real. When we were baptized into Christ, Saint Paul says we "were baptized into [Christ's] death" (Romans 6:3). He goes on to explain the mysterious benefit, "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).

Today, let me encourage you to live up to your baptism. "Count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11). Say "no" to wickedness and "yes" to righteousness (Romans 6:11-14).

Mistaken Identity

“…for all of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)

Sometimes it’s fun to be considered something or someone that you’re not. While serving as a driver for Senator McCain's motorcade last week, I was mistaken on several occassions for secret service. As stated in a previous post, it was humorous to be perceived other than I actually was. And, when your own son is gets your identity wrong...that's really funny. I'll explain.

Once the drivers' photo-op with Senator McCain was done, three of us immediately followed a staffer out of the venue. We had to hurry up and get back to our vans...and wait. (The rhythm of the day). As we exited the Forum, we emerged quickly from behind the hedges onto the lawn, seemingly popping up to the public out of nowhere.

We were walking like blazes to our vans. Janis Creason (who was key to me having this opportunity), her daughter, Sandy, and my son, Jordan had found our vans, hoping to see us in action. (Jordan was a "Student-for-McCain" volunteer inside the Forum). Later, Janis told me that while they were waiting beside our vans, Jordan suddenly commented, “Senator McCain must be on his way because here come four secret service agents.” Janis got all excited, looking for the camera she forgot. Then my son said, “Oh...no he isn’t. That’s just my dad.”

As fun as it was to assume the mistaken identity of a secret service agent, there is, however, only one identity for whom I want to and should be mistaken: Jesus!

When I was baptized, I donned the "clothes of Christ." I stripped off my vices (Galatians 5:19-21) and put on Jesus' virtues (Galatians 5:22-23). So, what does that mean to me? In simplest terms it means that when people see me, they should mistake me for Jesus. Such a mistaken identity is a good thing. I can't think of anything more disappointing than hearing, "O look! Here comes Jesus! Oh, wait. No. It's just Todd."

If you've been baptized as a Christ-follower, let me encourage you to putting on the "clothes of Christ."

(Click here to listen to the message I shared with the folks at Devonshire. I think you'll be encouraged...and challenged).