Frigid Baptism | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Frigid Baptism | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donald Ford
10/19/07
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At our church one day we watched as a member was baptized by pouring. But what is that all about? I thought John the Baptist had it down pat when he held them under water for a minute. No one drowns, you only think you’re going to. But they always bring you up just in time. Some baptisms are more difficult, as we witness a rather large person going down for the third time before a couple more elders have to assist and get them up out of the murky deep.

There never were any accidental drownings, just people coming back up out with a cleaner disposition and white, pure white on the inside. It must do the Lord’s heart good to see his people want to fully clean up there acts by doing the next step after being born again. Now they must die to themselves as they call to witness there own death and burial followed by resurrection in the whole baptism process.

But I can still see that earlier person getting a bit of water poured over them. How can that feel like a complete work like the cross and resurrection represents? If they poured water over or sprinkled me, I would feel cheated. I want the whole enchilada.

A real highlight for me is when a family member decides to take the plunge. Wow, I almost feel like I am right in there with them. One time I watched an entire family go down under and come back up. No greater feeling than to see a new person born again and then to follow it up with an amazing baptism. They weren’t even my family, and I could not hold back my tears.

I am just an old softy when it comes to watching Jesus getting a hold of another life and turning it around. God must have been on the edge of His seat like we were that day, watching this whole family of seven all give their hearts to Him, and now to view their baptisms. You could almost hear a big chorus playing, and why not, it says the angels rejoice and get all excited when one sinner comes to repentance – here are seven.

The most spectacular baptism I have ever watched was that of my son. We were going to witness a baptism in the spring. Now it was that time of the year but it also was a water spring where the service was being held. A cold water spring, mind you. It was early spring and I couldn’t believe this was happening – burr. Our breath was still hanging in the air it was so chilly out. It was early in the day, so the sun hadn’t warmed things up at all.

I had on an extra shirt and a light winter coat. Are they mad? But instead they were all determined like lemmings headed for the sea. They all had the same agenda, and not one of them was complaining. No I guess that was my job. But I soon calmed down when I saw the bright eyes of the next group to go under. My son was one of them. Tears, yes they were flowing all around. This is one time when it is ok, actually customary for the guys to all lose their masculinity and practically baptize themselves in their own tears.

All of this ceremony is taking place just below one of New York States few remaining covered bridges in Salisbury Center, N.Y. And as a reminder of this great day in our family’s life, I purchased a picture, complete with glass and frame that hangs in our living room today. Somehow I never really see the bridge in the picture at all, just the chilly but wonderful reminder of one of our family’s greatest moments.

This was such a cold day but left such a warm feeling and reminder in our hearts. One we will never ever forget. Turning blue wasn’t what we remember as much as his turning over the control of His life that day to His Savior.

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