A day of spiritual transformation

We come together to glorify God for the incredible works He has done. We gathered for a Baptism service that left a lasting impact in which a total of 38 souls took the sacred plunge into the waters of Baptism, with 27 in Dar es Salaam and 11 in Mwanza.  It marks the beginning of a Christian walk with Christ.  It is typically followed by ongoing spiritual growth  and living out the principles of love, as  taught by our Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism brings the following to the life of the believer.

Declaration of faith

Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public declaration of faith and discipleship. It marks the transition from a seeker to a follower and disciple of Christ. As we read in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissioned us to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age’’ (NIV).

Identification with Christ

 

The Bible interprets the immersion in water during baptism is the burial of the old self. It symbolizes the believer’s recognition of their need for forgiveness of sins and their decision to leave behind their former way of life. Rising from the water represents the believer’s identification with Christ’s resurrection, signifying a new life in Him.  Galatians 3:27 says ”For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (NIV). All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus. We were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Receiving the Holy Spirit through Baptism

Baptism enables you to receive the Holy Spirit. The Jews asked Peter what should we do? Especially after seeing that they were speaking in a new language.  He answered them “Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, get forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” We also read in Acts 19:1-22, when Paul was in Ephesus, he met several pilgrims and asked them if they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They said that we had never heard of him. He asked them if they had been baptized and they answered Yes, he asked them what baptism they said John’s baptism. Then he baptized them again and when he laid hands on them they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
However, Baptism should not be delayed for a person who has decided to believe in the Lord Jesus. Acts 16: 33 says “At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ‘’ (NIV)

 

 

Are you one among those who desire to get this gracious chance of being baptized? We invite you to the next baptism expected to be held in November this year. It is a great step in your spiritual journey, a declaration of your faith in Christ, and an act that brings you closer to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.