“Why would anyone want to be baptized in the dirty water of a creek?” I was asked that question by a member of a church that has a baptismal pool in their church. I responded that our creek baptism service is one of the most uplifting services for our church body. There is something special about the unique nature of being baptized in a creek setting, especially because our church is located and named for Clark’s Valley which includes Clark’s Creek.

The act of baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that happens when one chooses to accept salvation in Christ Jesus. This public declaration through baptism has tremendous symbolism. Scripture connects the act of baptism with various aspects of being a disciple of Jesus – “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12) – “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized in Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4) – “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” (Galatians 3:26-27) – “And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21).

This Sunday, at 2:00pm eighteen people will be baptized in Clark’s Creek. I have spoken to each of them and they have answered the questions I require of them: To write of their salvation experience and Why they want to be baptized. I always want to make sure every person I baptize realizes that baptism is not a means to salvation but it is a visual testimony to the world of their salvation – a conscious decision of accepting Jesus as their Savior.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you thank God for these eighteen people, some involve entire families, who will be publicly declaring their faith is Jesus as their Savior and declaring Him as Lord of their life.  May you plan to attend and support them and God’s Kingdom as they boldly proclaim their dedication to Christ Jesus through the act of baptism.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike