In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul said,
"And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:4b, NLT)
I very clearly remember the day I prayed, "God, I have everything the world says I need to be happy, but I am miserable. I give you my life." He responded very quickly by having an old friend call me out of the blue to invite me to church. What I received that weekend was a NEW LIFE.
I had hesitated to make a commitment to follow Jesus previously because I was afraid I would have to give up a bunch of stuff that I liked. What I discovered instead was that I wasn't asked to give up ANYTHING, but instead I was GIVEN everything. In an instant and with a prayer, I received a new life that included meaning, purpose, calling, blessings, understanding, patience, deeper relationships, and more.
My new life began for me that weekend and it was clear to me that God had demonstrated His love and forgiveness of me. I was to demonstrate my faith and commitment by doing something I had never done before and that frankly seemed a bit odd -- baptism. The scriptures say in Acts 2:37-38 (GW),
They asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Peter answered them, "All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ..."
Baptism is actually very profound. Walking into the water represents our old life, apart from God. Going under the water represents the death of our old life. Coming back up from the water represents our new cleansed and forgiven life with Jesus Christ. Awesomeness!
Did you make the decision for a new life through Jesus Christ this year? Is it time for you to be baptized? If you're uncertain, here's who should be baptized:
Those who have never been baptized.
Those who are mature enough to make a life-long decision (10 or 12 years of age or more).
Those who were baptized as infants, who have decided as adults to follow Jesus.
Those who were baptized years ago but wandered off and have made a new commitment to follow Christ.
New Year's Day Baptism Celebration -- You're Invited!
If one of these apply to you, here's your chance to start 2017 in an amazing way. This New Year's Day, you are invited to be baptized! We are doing baptisms in a Roseville home with a nice heated spa at 2:00 p.m. for anyone who wants to experience new life. All you need to do is just RSVP at michaelb@ptlb.com and I'll send you the address. You will want to invite friends, family, and anybody you like. A short discussion about the baptism will begin at 2:15, and then the baptisms will start soon after. Coffee, drinks, and light appetizers will be available and you'll want to wear a swim suit and tee shirt. Make sure to bring a camera and towel!
Celebrate your new life in the New Year by getting baptized. It'll be the best thing you ever do.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you,
Pastor Michael Baggett
Please Consider PTLB in Your Year-End-Giving Plans!
We would welcome your tax deductible end-of-year gifts. We will be creating more books and video curriculum this year to help husbands, wives, singles, families, and more. Video curriculum will make many of the live classes we teach accessible to anyone, anywhere, when it is needed. That means people won't have to wait for the next class or workshop to get the help they need, or live in the area! We also will be publishing several new books, including a new marriage book by Gil Stieglitz, and several other projects. To read more about our plans, please click the link below. Thank you again for your generosity and support. To make a tax deductible, end-of-year donation, click HERE! We appreciate your support!