Branded With Divine Ownership

Day 218 of Photo Inspirations -- Branded with Divine Ownership
Witnessing water baptisms is one of my favorite "life" experiences, so of course, this would be my photo inspiration for today.  There is nothing more inspiring and beautiful than witnessing people being baptized in water and openly declaring their total trust and reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as a commitment to live obediently to Him. We are baptized because our Lord commanded it and because we obey Him. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).  Once we've made the decision to follow Christ, baptism is one of the most meaningful "next steps" we can take.  It's a public celebration of our decision to follow Christ.

I love how, at LifeChurch.tv, there is celebration each time someone is baptized.  Not only does the congregation applaud and cheer, but the ushers and greeters stand in two lines (like a football team running onto a football field through the lines of cheerleaders and fans) iwelcoming and giving high-5s to those who have just been baptized.  It's such a beautiful time of celebrating their new lives.  Over 1700 people were baptized this weekend at LifeChurches (100 at the Jenks campus).   Now that's something to celebrate!

I remember my sweet husband's teaching on baptism.  He compared it to a  calf or other animals being branded.  That branding proved ownership of lost or stolen animals.  Being baptized declares that we have been purchased with a great price (Christ's death, burial and resurrection), and we are no longer our own.  We are branded as His.  What a great reminder of His love for us and being His.

My baptism changed my life forever, and it wasn't just a one-time action.  I recall my baptism on a daily basis to remind me that the "old" Donna died and my guilt, shame and mistakes were buried with Christ and I arose to a fresh new life in Him.  NOTHING can ever take that away from me -- and I'm branded for LIFE here and up THERE!  I am His and He is mine.
#baptism

Marked & Branded in Baptism

Day 40 of Photo Inspirations -- Baptism Weekend
Over 150 people were baptized at the LifeChurch.tv Jenks Campus​ this weekend. There are few things as significant and inspiring as witnessing precious people expressing their faith in Christ by being baptized.   They've  put the past behind them and they openly confessed they're brand new, clean, forgiven and living in the "Jesus" camp now.   Being a follower of Christ has so many benefits --  acceptance into the family of God, limitless love, God's unmerited favor, grace, forgiveness of sins and purpose in life.

It's quite humbling to get into the water in front of everyone. There's a huge pool that is set up at the front of the auditorum.  Those being baptized climb a ladder and descend down the other side into the water of the pool.  A huge crowd of people are witnessing this beautiful act and are enthusiastically cheering them on.   We're identified with Christ, and just like He was baptized to identify with us, we're baptized to identify with Him. He was buried and rose again, and guess what? We get buried under the water and we rise again. This baptism experience is our way of publicly witnessing our faith in Christ, being forgiven of sin and expressing our willingness to be a fully devoted follower of Christ.  

When Jesus was baptized, He came out of the water, (Matthew  3:16-18), the heavens suddenly opened for Him, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and came down on Him. And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him!"   And, for all those 150 who were baptized this weekend at LifeChurch.tv Jenks -- they received God's "stamp of approval" and God was more than likely saying about each one...."This is my beloved son. This is my beloved daughter.  I take delight in in them!"  

I'm so thrilled that I received that stamp of approval, myself, many years ago and it is my greatest defense against the enemy when He tries to tell me I'm unworthy or not forgiven, or not loved.  Too bad for him -- I've been MARKED & BRANDED with that "stamp of approval"!  How about you?