Sunday, October 29, 2006

I'm Getting Baptized...

I was baptized almost 20 years ago... But I have come to the conclusion that I was not a Christian when was baptized. This is something I have battled with, prayed about, talked to my pastor about, and talked with my wife about for about 6+ months. During today's service at Church I realized that I was not a Christian when I was "baptized". I came to the front of the church during the invitation today to tell my pastors I need to be Baptized, but I had been saved for several years.

Let me clear this up for so some of you... I have been saved for several years now. I can't remember the "exact" date that I asked Jesus for forgiveness and accepted him into my life, but I know it happened about 8 years ago. At some point in college I stopped playing Christian and became a Christian. I started asking for forgiveness instead of just praying for help. I started believing Jesus was a Savior and not just a nice guy. I started realizing that the Bible was a REAL historical account of the past and not just some made up stories that we listen to in Sunday School.

I owe my wife and her father a big "thanks" for truly showing me who Jesus is and what he did for all of us.

I'm not sure why I waited so long to address this issue. I think I fooled myself into thinking I became a Christian when I was baptized and that I did not take it any further until I was much older. In reality, I had not become a true Christian until I was much older. Now it's time to put my Baptism on the right side of my salvation!

If anyone else has ever been in this position or you are battling this same issue... feel free to email me. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Take care and have a great day!
Ryan

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are very proud for you and are proud that you have realized this and actually followed Gods word and calling. I am also proud of you for posting your decision to do this on the blog! In this age of pollitical correctness, people do not and/or are scared to talk about the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for everyone,so kudos my brother we are proud of you!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

We are very proud for you and are proud that you have realized this and actually followed Gods word and calling. I am also proud of you for posting your decision to do this on the blog! In this age of pollitical correctness, people do not and/or are scared to talk about the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for everyone,so kudos my brother we are proud of you!!!!!!!!

Stacy said...

Awesome, Ryan :) I like the way you said you want to get the baptism on the right side of salvation...that's exactly what it will be. I know there are MANY who believe that the baptism itself is a KEY to salvation when it isn't. Praise God for your openness and sharing and for the opportunity for others to think about whether or not they have believed the same as you did in the past.

Salvation is an act of obedience AFTER salvation. It's always exciting to see God working in the lives of Christian brothers and sisters. Thanks for the opportunity to praise God with you!

Anonymous said...

Ryan that was one of the best testimonies I have ever heard. You have grown into an awesome spirit filled man. You truly are a spiritual leader in your home and I know that your wife and children are very proud of you. Your obedience to GOD, truly is a blessing to us all. Thank you for being a wittness to your church, friends and especially to your family.

Anonymous said...

One other thing....Now it's time for Israel!!!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like God has been working in all our lives lately....I know this will give you peace in your heart and your spirit, and God will rejoice in your obedience. As far as being shown what Jesus really is all about, you have been shown by the best. I've known three people in my life that live their witness, Benny, Jennifer, and my Memaw. What a blessing!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow!! That is an awesome testimony. I know that all of your family and friends are so proud of you.

You are a wonderful member of the Kait 8 team. We are so lucky to have you in Region 8.

Keep up the good work.

God Bless you.