MK040 Sermons
Baptism Testimonies-Second Service (Audio)
My name is Jess. When I was 13 years old, I was adopted out of an abusive home. My new parents were Christians and believed in Jesus, but I didn't understand why that was so important. After a few years, and because of my new parents' influence, I began to understand what being a Christian meant. My parents knew Jesus personally, and they encouraged me to accept Jesus into my life personally as well. When I was 15, my new brothers and sisters wanted to be baptized. I wanted to be part of my new family, and I wanted the same kind of relationship they had with Jesus, and so I got baptized too. I thought my life would change. I really wanted it too, but it didn't. I wanted the kind of relationship that I never had with my natural mother and father. When I met Omar, I was hoping that I would have that kind of relationship with him. He loved me, and I wanted love. When I got pregnant, I ran away with him. I was unhappy with my life, and wanted something more. I didn't realize that what I needed was Jesus. One day, when I was feeling especially lonely, I saw a Bible in my house and reached for it and held it close to me. I knew that God could give me what I was longing for if I really wanted to give him my life. When my son was born, I decided to go back to church, but I wasn't ready to change, and the churches I attended felt empty to me. After I had my second son, we moved back to Denver, and I knew where God wanted me to go to church. I went back to CCC. My mom and dad were very happy about that, and I felt that I was back home again. I was ready to give my life to Jesus, and so when I heard the truth from the Bible, I gave my life to him. I knew I was ready to change, and Jesus started to speak to me again through the great people at church and through my small group. I know that day by day, Jesus is taking a bigger part of my life and little by little he's making me new. Psalm 51 verses 1 through 7 are very important to me because they helped me realize that I need God's forgiveness and that Jesus will remove my past and give me a new future filled with joy. I want to step out and show my family and everyone else, through baptism, that I am a follower of Jesus. I am very happy that Mike is in the water with me today because my small group is a big part of why I want to follow Jesus. I love Psalm 9, it says, "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoicing you. I will sing praises to your name, O, Most High." Just you have an amazing story. Not only what God brought you out of, as you were here with us for a while, I had to go your own way and I forgot to bring you back and we're so glad you did. So today just before your family and friends, because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we baptize you in the name of the Father and in the name of the Son and the name of the Holy Spirit. Good night, God. Hello, my name is Mallory Weaver. I live in Narvan with my husband Tyler and our two children, Liana and Landon. I work part-time as an LPN at a local nursing home. I remember at the young age of five praying the believer's prayer and accepting Jesus into my heart. My walk with the Lord has been a journey filled with highs and lows. I often attempted to do things my way and have learned during those times that nothing on the earth can give contentment or true joy, and that God's will for my life will always be better than following my own. These words have remained true in my life, Ezekiel 34, 16. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strength in the weak. I'm so thankful for the Lord's unconditional love and faithfulness to me. He has loved me at my worst and has given his life for me. Because of him, I no longer have to search for joy and love. I always knew baptism was something I needed to do as a Christ follower, and I suppose fear is what stood in my way. But God has promised a spirit of courage, not fear, and that is why I am here today. I want to thank my parents for the sacrifices they made in order to send me to a Christian school and the biblical foundations that were invested in me as a child. I also would like to thank my husband Tyler, who is standing here with me today, supporting me in my walk with Christ. Today, I'm here to be baptized because I want all to know that I am a Christ follower and have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Well, Mallory, you were here with us for a little while, and then you and Tyler went away and God brought you back, and as you came back, you felt prompted by God to take this step. Well, today it's my privilege because of your declared faith and allegiance to Jesus as your Savior and Lord to baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Congratulations. Hello, my name is Tyler Weaver. Here with me today is my wife Mallory, and we live in Narvahn with our two wonderful children. I am a sales rep for Frito-Lay. I enjoy bowling and golfing during my free time. Growing up, my family and I attended a Protestant church, and I was baptized as an infant. I believed in God growing up, but was unaware of what a personal relationship with Christ really was. At the age of 18, a friend invited me to a production of Heaven's Gates' Hell's Flames. After it ended, I began to question where I would spend eternity and what was missing in my life. I met with the pastor that night and prayed for my sins to be forgiven and accepted Jesus into my heart. From then on, I sought after a relationship with Jesus and His guidance for my life. It comforts me knowing that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me unconditionally and cares for my every need. Psalms 94-22 says, "But the Lord has become my fortress and my God, the rock in whom I take refuge." I want to thank my parents for their faithfulness in attending church when I was young, and my wife Mallory who encourages me in my walk with Christ. Today I am here to be baptized because I want to publicly declare that I have accepted the Lord as my Savior and I desire His will for my life. It's an amazing story of where God has brought you, and for you to take this step publicly as a dad and as a father and as a husband to lead by example. Today, based upon your testimony of your faith and your allegiance to Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Lord, we baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Congratulations. I hope you see these