First post. Baptizing the entire family this weekend.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Hello all!

This is my first introductory post, and have big news I'd like to share.

I'm a "forty something" and have been absent from the Church since I was about ten years old. The same can be said for my lovely wife of twenty-plus years. That is, until about one year ago we both agreed we should return to God, and introduce our young children (Boy 14, girl 9). During this time, we've grown with our Church and the members within it. To the point that when our Pastor mentioned he'd like to perform an "old school river Baptism", we jumped at the chance. As it turns out, not just our family of four will be submerged, but a total of 18 (or so) will be showing our faith.
The day after tomorrow will be the day.

As a sinner with the best of intentions who is still a bit rough around the edges, I'd like to hang out with you folks here to gain wisdom and inspiration. Between the guidance of The Good Book, my Pastor, and (hopefully) your answers to my silly questions, I'll place my family and myself firmly on the proper path to The Lord.

Admittedly, I've struggled with multiple attempts to read The Bible. Our Church was handing out copies of a book called "The Story", and I'm making my way through it. I'm about 1/3 into the pages.

Please pray for my family, and think about us at 6:00pm CST Sunday evening. :smilewinkgrin:

Thanks!
Bob

 

[SolaSaint]

Hello all!

This is my first introductory post, and have big news I'd like to share.

I'm a "forty something" and have been absent from the Church since I was about ten years old. The same can be said for my lovely wife of twenty-plus years. That is, until about one year ago we both agreed we should return to God, and introduce our young children (Boy 14, girl 9). During this time, we've grown with our Church and the members within it. To the point that when our Pastor mentioned he'd like to perform an "old school river Baptism", we jumped at the chance. As it turns out, not just our family of four will be submerged, but a total of 18 (or so) will be showing our faith.
The day after tomorrow will be the day.

As a sinner with the best of intentions who is still a bit rough around the edges, I'd like to hang out with you folks here to gain wisdom and inspiration. Between the guidance of The Good Book, my Pastor, and (hopefully) your answers to my silly questions, I'll place my family and myself firmly on the proper path to The Lord.

Admittedly, I've struggled with multiple attempts to read The Bible. Our Church was handing out copies of a book called "The Story", and I'm making my way through it. I'm about 1/3 into the pages.

Please pray for my family, and think about us at 6:00pm CST Sunday evening. :smilewinkgrin:

Thanks!
Bob

Wonderful news Bob, but I must ask, you said you are returning to God. Are you born again, have you ever been convicted of your sin by the preaching of scripture and turning to Jesus to save you from your sins and also to be your Lord?

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

I would say with (a cautious) confidence "yes" to all of the above.
I have confessed with my mouth that Jesus died on the cross for my (our) sins and I do believe it with my heart.
Although being "convicted of my sin" is a new phrase to me and I'm unsure of the true meaning. Do I believe I am a sinner? "Yes". Maybe I misunderstand?

 

[SolaSaint]

I would say with (a cautious) confidence "yes" to all of the above.
I have confessed with my mouth that Jesus died on the cross for my (our) sins and I do believe it with my heart.
Although being "convicted of my sin" is a new phrase to me and I'm unsure of the true meaning. Do I believe I am a sinner? "Yes". Maybe I misunderstand?

All I'm saying is don't believe in baptism as the cure for your condition. You have already admitted you are a sinner and I'll assume this was confirmed through the preaching/teaching the gospel to you by your church and by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory(Romans 3:23) and this separate's us from Him. Jesus is the only way to bridge that separation and by placing your trust upon Jesus and his death as the punishment for your sin. This is truly believing He will save you. I would ask you to read John chapter 3 and Romans, the first 10 chapters and ask God for wisdom. Whatever you do, don't just get baptized without first knowing you are saved. Talk to your Pastor about it. And pray to God about it. I'm praying right now for you and your family. God bless.

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

In my weak mind, I thought I had enough of this figured out that I was doing the right thing for my family and myself. I told my Pastor months ago that I wasn't going to do things like I was was simply "checking them off the list", that it had to feel like the right thing to do.

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

.......by the way....the Pastor came to the house last week to chat with the family. Although we weren't "tested", I'm sure that in his way we were at least being "checked" that this was the right thing at the right time.

In him I trust, and in Him, I trust.

 

[Ed B]

In my weak mind, I thought I had enough of this figured out that I was doing the right thing for my family and myself. I told my Pastor months ago that I wasn't going to do things like I was was simply "checking them off the list", that it had to feel like the right thing to do.

Welcome Bob

What a wonderful testimony and profession of your faith as you lead your family in obedience to our Lord in baptism. It sounds like you and your wife are really do well in leading your family in the faith!

Blessings to you and your family.

Ed B

 

[SolaSaint]

Awesome, I was just worried you might think baptism had a magical power or as you said, "just an item to be checked off". Baptism is very important and I pray it is a wonderful weekend for your family.

 

[Zaac]

.......by the way....the Pastor came to the house last week to chat with the family. Although we weren't "tested", I'm sure that in his way we were at least being "checked" that this was the right thing at the right time.

In him I trust, and in Him, I trust.

Welcome Bob. Good to have you here with us.

I'm excited for you and the family. Has the entire family repented and trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior? You mentioned you and your wife and I pray that you both have examined yourselves to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

But I noticed you didn't say anything about the kids and their faith. Have they too been saved?

 

[ktn4eg]

Bob,

Welcome aboard!! :wavey:

May all go well with you and your family this coming Sunday.

What you wrote in the conversion experience part of your "About Me" introduction would lead me to believe that you have by faith already trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior (Rom 10:9-10). OTOH, I do urge you (& each of your family members as well) to consider what SolaSaint has already tried to point out to you about the primary need for you (& each individual member of your family) to know for sure that each of you has already trusted Jesus as your personal savior. Otherwise, in the eyes of God, you've just gotten yourselves wet.

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Ed, Thank you very much!

Rick, Our Pastor says on a regular basis that the simple act of Baptism is nothing more than being dunked in water. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then it doesn't mean anything. It's nothing more than symbolism.

Zaac, "Yes", the kids are very understanding and eager. I can only hope and pray they're telling the truth!

 

[Zaac]

Ed, Thank you very much!

Rick, Our Pastor says on a regular basis that the simple act of Baptism is nothing more than being dunked in water. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then it doesn't mean anything. It's nothing more than symbolism.

Zaac, "Yes", the kids are very understanding and eager. I can only hope and pray they're telling the truth!

Awesome! Will be praying for you guys and that God continues to grow you in the love and knowledge of Him.

Waaaaaaaaaaay back when, we used to get baptized in the Crick ( that's CREEK for all you Yankees :laugh during the Summer after two weeks of revival meetings. That water was deceptively deep. I still remember the deacons beating the water with sticks before they took folks into the water. Didn't understand it at the time, but it clicked later that they were trying to scare away any possible "visitors" of the slithering kind. If they had told me that, they probably never would have gotten me in there at 10 years old.

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

........... to know for sure that each of you has already trusted Jesus as your personal savior. Otherwise, in the eyes of God, you've just gotten yourselves wet.

Bingo!!
Despite the pushing and prodding by the Pastor, I flat out told him I wasnt' going to do this like I was checking things off the list:

- Go to church ("check")
- Sing Hymns ("check")
- Pray ("check")
- Volunteer time and money to the church ("check")
- Get Baptized .......

I told him that when I felt like we as a family, one "unit", was ready that we'd go through with the act. My biggest worry is whether what I feel is what I'm (we're) supposed to feel. Or am I just "ready enough" to consider what I (we're) feel is ready.... ready?

He says we're ready, so I'm putting my faith in the Pastor and The Lord to hold our hand through this and guide us. Through it all, still, I feel like I'm walking on egg shells unsure if I'm doing it right.

 

[JPPT1974]

Great news Bob. As this is just only the beginning of your Christian walk. With the Lord. As praying for your family. As they take their Christian walk with the Lord. And how He can provide and give you all strength and guidance!:godisgood:

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Thank you JPPT. Much appreciated.

Zaac, I'm right at that fine line where a Creek is called a Crick and top of your house is called the ruuf and just over there is also prit-near yonder. :laugh:

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Hello all!

This is my first introductory post, and have big news I'd like to share.

I'm a "forty something" and have been absent from the Church since I was about ten years old. The same can be said for my lovely wife of twenty-plus years. That is, until about one year ago we both agreed we should return to God, and introduce our young children (Boy 14, girl 9). During this time, we've grown with our Church and the members within it. To the point that when our Pastor mentioned he'd like to perform an "old school river Baptism", we jumped at the chance. As it turns out, not just our family of four will be submerged, but a total of 18 (or so) will be showing our faith.
The day after tomorrow will be the day.

As a sinner with the best of intentions who is still a bit rough around the edges, I'd like to hang out with you folks here to gain wisdom and inspiration. Between the guidance of The Good Book, my Pastor, and (hopefully) your answers to my silly questions, I'll place my family and myself firmly on the proper path to The Lord.

Admittedly, I've struggled with multiple attempts to read The Bible. Our Church was handing out copies of a book called "The Story", and I'm making my way through it. I'm about 1/3 into the pages.

Please pray for my family, and think about us at 6:00pm CST Sunday evening. :smilewinkgrin:

Thanks!
Bob

Bob,

I'm in Overland Park, Kansas, less than two and a half miles from my native state of Missouri (if I was further away, I'd likely develop a rash!) and I want to congratulate you and your family on becoming brothers and sisters in Christ with us. We will indeed by praying for you, and thinking of you, at the appointed time. Praise the Lord!

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Nice!
I adopted my first child from Overland Park KS. Y'all make some great kids over there. :thumbs:
Thank you for the warm welcome, words of encouragement, and prayers.

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Just got home from Sunday Service.

True to his form, the Pastor says that the rain we're having this morning is "God filling up the Baptismal". :applause: :thumbs:

The river service will continue come rain or shine. All that will keep us away is lightning.

4.5 hours to go!

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Nice!
I adopted my first child from Overland Park KS. Y'all make some great kids over there. :thumbs:

Thanks. I made two pretty good ones of my own here. :laugh:

Thank you for the warm welcome, words of encouragement, and prayers.

You're most welcome. Counting down with you. I'll be going into my men's Bible study at your appointed hour. Here's my tip of the day for you: Keep your nose pinched. Don't breathe underwater.

How helpful was that! :smilewinkgrin:

 

[Bob in St. Louis]

HAHA Thank you. I forgot to pinch the nose, but "natural selection" kept me from inhaling underwater. :laugh:


In case you're curious, I've got some photos.
Because, as they say "Pictures or it didn't happen".

My Daughter;


My Son: