On Saturday we had our first church baptism. Baptism is an act of obedience that symbolizes faith in Jesus as Christ and Lord. It is a public declaration of repentance from false lords and faith in Jesus gracious, sovereign lordship. We wanted our public declaration of Jesus as Lord to be in a public place, so we chose Barton Springs in Austin.
It was about 100 degrees, the springs were packed with people “keeping Austin wierd.” Topless women, pot-smoking hippies, dogs and dog owners, families, and right in the middle of it all—people being baptized proclaiming their faith in Jesus as Christ and Lord!
It was a great joy to baptise Kristin and Chris, to celebrate the gift of new life in Christ together! We followed the baptism with a time of prayer and singing. Afterwards, we had a big church cookout, played games, and just enjoyed one another.
More reflections on the baptism here.