This Saturday is our third annual lake/baptism day.  I've spoken with all our candidates and feel certain they're all the real deal.  As of now 12 are being baptized for sure and possibly three more.  Praise God for the life's being changed at 5 Point.

Speaking of changed life's, I was almost in tears this past Tuesday as I was speaking to a few of the people being baptized.  They shared their testimonies with me and how God has changed their life while attending 5 Point.  That is why everything we do is worth it. 

Several of these people began coming with a friend or family member that was already attending 5 Point.  This is the way it supposed to work.  Christan's invite nonbelievers and God begins working on them.  Once they give their life to Christ they are baptized.

The majority of our baptisms come after an unchurched person accepts Christ.  As we discuss their salvation and the importance of baptism, many ask why they should get baptized.  That is an awesome question. 
Jesus Christ laid out the formula for us.  It's a very simple three part plan:
1.  Repent - turn away from your sin
2.  Be saved - accept Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour
3.  Be baptized

When we're baptized were doing two things:
   a.  being obedient to Christ command
   b.  it's our public testimony of our new life in Christ

Peter puts it this way in scripture:

Acts 2:38 
Peter replied, "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.

Every time I step into a lake, pool, baptismal, river or watering trough to baptize I get jacked up.  It always reminds me what I left behind (sin) so I could follow Jesus. 

If you've accepted Christ but haven't been baptized, I'd encourage you to step out and be obedient.