This weekend is going to be fantastic! I call it “Swim Sunday” for lack of a better name, but it’s a lot more than just meeting at a swimming pool. First of all we’re going to be baptizing. Secondly, since we’re not going to be meeting at the gym, we won’t be setting up all the normal gear. I hope our volunteers will enjoy the break. And last, but not least, this is another chance to eat together! Remember, last Sunday, I asked everyone to make dinner or lunch plans with another family…This is at least one way you can get a chance to sit and talk over a meal with someone new.

As for the baptism, let me explain a little about that. In the last section of the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus told exactly what believers ought to be doing. I call this “Jesus’ Great Purpose:”

Jesus came to them[the disciples] and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Baptism seems to be something that Jesus desires for everyone who comes to put their trust in Him as Savior, and makes Him Lord of their life. That’s when you become a disciple, and you see that He also intends for every disciple to be taught to obey and experience the everlasting presence of Jesus.

The baptism itself looks like the disciple going under the water for just a moment and coming up.  That symbolizes that the disciple has died to him or herself by being buried in a watery grave, and then, just like the resurrection, the disciple is brought up again out of the water to symbolize the new life Jesus gives us.

To be honest, it’s not the easiest thing to explain, but it’s one of those things that you get it when you see it.  I hope you’ll come ready to experience a really unique Sunday morning. You can find more info on our style of baptism at www.teamchurch.com/baptism.

See you then!  Bring your sunscreen, a folding chair, and lots of friends!