On Sunday Aug 24th, 2008 Pastor Lorne's message was on why we were holding a Baptismal service that afternoon. He used scriptural references including Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River. His message explained why a person would want to get baptized. He told us that
'Baptism is an outward example to people who witness it that the person has decided to follow Christ in their life and they’re going to dedicate their life to him and whatever direction in life He will lead them.'
After the morning service concluded, the congregation went out to Wes and Lori's farm for the Baptismal Service where six members would take the plunge for Christ.
Here, Pastor Lorne explains that getting baptized is following Christ's direction and the only criteria for baptism is that you believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and ask Him into your heart.
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| Preparing for the Plunge, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
The physical act of being baptized is when the pastor lowers you in the water, holds you under for several moments, and then brings you up. It sounds like a weird thing to do, but it symbolizes that you are yielding to Christ and are going to live your life for Him.
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| Who's First?, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Lori Leads in Prayer, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| JJ Being Baptized, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Nick Before, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Nick Being Baptized, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Nick After Baptism, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Maurice Before, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Maurice Being Baptized, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Celine Being Baptized, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Sam Before, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Sam Being Baptized, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Tammy Before, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
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| Tammy After, COTH Baptismal Service 2008 |
As you can see from these images, there is no age requirement for water baptism, merely an understanding of what it symbolizes and an agreement to comply. On this day, 10 yr old JJ was the youngest to take the plunge. He told me before the event that he'd been practicing holding his head under water. Clearly, he was ready for this momentous occasion in his young life.
Are you?
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