Water baptism is not a requirement, but it is a decision. It is a public confession—a confirmation that one has decided to follow Jesus and receive Him into his life as his personal Lord and Savior. It is a stand that one has come out of one life (the old life) and resurrected into another (new life). Every last Sunday of the month at San Fernando Christian Community is a joyous occasion. This is when Fun Sunday and Water Baptism Sunday is being held. This July, there were thirteen (!) people who made the decision to turn their lives over to Jesus. Being baptized is equivalent to making a public statement of change—change of authority, change of lifestyle and old habits, change of mindset. It is turning away from the old life and allowing Christ to lead you into becoming a new creation. Baptism is like a wedding vow. We become His bride. We are proclaiming that we no longer permit sin to have dominion over us.
Tim Warden orients the 13 people about to be baptized. ” The Holy Spirit will move inside of you. Doon Siya titira. He will move as a permanent resident inside your heart.”
Rosemarie Pilon: “Para akong nahugasan. Nakipag-isa na ako kay Christ. Dati, wala akong kilalang Jesus. Ngayon, alam kong nasa akin na Siya.” (“I feel cleansed. I am already one with Christ. Before, I did not know Jesus, but now, I know that He is in me.” )
Jenny Mayo: “Dati, ang lamya-lamya ko. Ang lungkot-lungkot ko. Pero ngayon nabuhayan ako dahil kay Lord. Magpapatuloy ako sa Kaniya.” (“Before, I was sad and I did not have the drive. But because of God, I feel alive. I will continue living for Him.”)
