Acts 8:12 (KJV) But when they believed
Philip preaching the things concerning
the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,
they were baptized, both men and women.
There are moments in the life of a fellowship where it seems the outside world stands still in order that all may fully comprehend the magnitude of the event being witnessed. Such was the experience this Sunday at the Stanley Union Church. An overflowing congregation warmed the edge of their pews as the Holy Spirit percolated within the bounds of their hearts. What could possibly be so grand to bring this humble country church to such soaring heights? It was the baptism of eight of their fellow believers!
At the piano’s note, introducing the praise song, the voices rung through the air, “we will enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts; we will enter His courts with praise!” The overwhelming joy was uncontainable. This hand-clapping gathering was exhibiting the pure abundance of their spirit filled lives. An old fashioned, Stanley-style baptism was underway. Action taken upon decisions made. Lives change as the old is washed away. The new is afresh in the air!
One by one, Pastor John Nash immersed each candidate into the chilly glistening pool, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The baptism, the public display of their personal conversion, represents the act previously performed by the Holy Spirit when each chose Christ as Lord. A condemned, cursed, and sin-filled body became new ~ washed white as snow and cleansed by the precious blood of their redeemer, Jesus.
Walk through time with me and take the seat from the vantage point of the angelic host this past Sunday. Imagine the rustling of wings and anticipation of wringing of hands as they hovered over this glorious sight on a crisp sunlit day in a quaint stucco chapel nestled on the golden plains of New Mexico. Hear the silver trumpets resounding Heaven’s pleasure. Whispers from The Creator’s messengers tickle the lips of the collective chorus as spiritual breaths fill the natural air declaring, “They are new, they have come, they are His”. Pure delight. Pure approval. Pure, clean, fresh, and yes, new!
A young baptism cadidate watches on
as a member recieves baptism.
Witness the joy on the face of the wife as she
and her daughter are able to be first hand observers
to the baptism of the children's father.
Ginger Nash watches on with delight as the baptisms begin.
Despite the cold temperature of the water,
the joy on the faces could not be chilled.
