I spent some time reading many of your stories posted on the doors.  What an incredible blessing to read stories of how lives have been changed because of Jesus!  I don’t think I will ever get tired of reading these stories.

 Have you ever publicly shared that you follow Jesus.  A beautiful way to share that you love and trust Jesus is through baptism!  Yes, I used the “B” word.  I realize this can create a little bit of stress for some.  In Matthew 3:13-17, we see Jesus as an adult (30 years old) go to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.  “Let us do this to fulfill all righteousness,” said Jesus.  When Jesus came up out of the water God showered his pleasure upon him, “This is my son, who I am well pleased.”  Baptism is not salvation, but it is an important step in our spiritual story.  It is the way to declare when someone has made a personal decision to follow Jesus.  Baptism also reveals our identity with Jesus, and with others who follow Him!  “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 2:38·        Have you made a decision to follow Jesus?·        Have you shared that personal decision through believer’s baptism?·        What is keeping you from sharing publicly? 

The time is now!  Good Friday March 21 at 7:00pm in our Worship Center (FLC), we will be holding a special baptism service.  It is for anyone who is ready to publicly declare Jesus as Lord!  It is time to stop making excuses.  “It is time to be glad and celebrate!” Luke 15:32.  Make this Easter, one you will never forget. 

I don’t know who will respond to this call, but we will gather next Friday whether we baptize one person or fifty.  Everyone is welcome to this party!  Email Pastor Juan Rivera at jrivera@mtararat.org or call Deb Anderson at the church office (540-659-2554 x 0) to get your name on the list!

It is time to Come Home!

PS: It is not too late to write your story.  You never know who is waiting to hear how Jesus has changed you!