Austin City Life Baptism
On Saturday we had our first church baptism. Baptism is an act of obedience that symbolizes faith in Jesus as Christ and Lord. It is a public declaration of repentance from false lords and faith in Jesus gracious, sovereign lordship. We wanted our public declaration of Jesus as Lord to be in a public place, so we chose Barton Springs in Austin.
It was about 100 degrees, the springs were packed with people “keeping Austin wierd.” Topless women, pot-smoking hippies, dogs and dog owners, families, and right in the middle of it all—people being baptized proclaiming their faith in Jesus as Christ and Lord!
It was a great joy to baptise Kristin and Chris, to celebrate the gift of new life in Christ together! We followed the baptism with a time of prayer and singing. Afterwards, we had a big church cookout, played games, and just enjoyed one another.
More reflections on the baptism here.
Those pics are beautiful!
MAD props to ACL for public profession of faith in the most literal way. Totally awesome.
Praise God
Congrats Jonathan,
It makes it all worth it!
What did the folks around think about the baptisms?
The baptism has really stuck with me…the fact that it was so public…right in the middle of one of Austin’s most popular sites (and on a 100 degree day…I would argue ‘Austin’s MOST popular site). To be amongst hippies, agnostics, hedonists, and the unaware…professing our faith in Christ…not weird for weird sake…but weird for Christ’s sake! What a joy to be apart of this community.
I must admit that my Baptism at Barton Springs was more powerful, for me, than I had thought it would be.
From the somewhat painful barefoot, stone stumbling walk to the ledge, to the immediacy of the actual act. I just felt enveloped in God’s grace.
My personal journey to that moment has been a rocky one, as some may know, but lifted up by Grace and the open hearted people of Austin City Life, the likes I have not known before, it was as literal and symbolic an act of confession and dedication, as I had hoped. Thank you ACL.
I am thankful for Christ. For the relationship as a son that He affords me with my Creator and for His ministry that is blossoming here in Austin under God’s grace with ACL.
We are able to and can change lives, neighborhoods and each other through the power of God’s grace through the Gospel. We already are. I know I am changed.
Amen.
I love you all. Thanks for being there Sat.
Chris
Fantastic!
to God be the glory forever and ever!
Very exciting a great witness and public identification with faith in Christ for those who were there. Praise God! Thanks Chris for sharing how meaningful it was to you.