Our church baptized 15 people at the beach last Sunday.  It was a glorious time.  We can all learn a few lessons from what happened that day.

First, the weather was cool and very windy.  The surf was very choppy and rough.   Funny, the day before was warm with calm seas.  The 15 were determined to obey Christ and get baptized regardless of the conditions.  I guess it’s easier to obey Christ when conditions are favorable.  But what happens when contrary winds blow, the warmth is gone and our environment becomes turbulent?  Will we obey Jesus Christ as Lord on our “bad days”?  If we might suffer if we follow Christ, will we choose not to follow?

Second, I reminded the candidates that this was the beginning of a journey, not the end of one.  Immediately after His baptism, Jesus was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1).  Don’t be surprised if the devil comes after you get baptized.  Once we cross that line of obedience, the demons take notice.  Thankfully, we have all the resources and power to fend off Satanic attacks.  Just be prepared.  Brace yourself for a battle.  As Jesus did, counter the attack with “It is written,… (Luke 4:4,8,10).  Clutch the word of God and don’t let go.

Lastly, everybody had friends or family present to support them.  Stay closely connected with fellow believers.  Right before the baptisms as we gathered in a circle, I had everyone imagine that we were surrounding a fire pit with hot coals. If I plucked one coal from the fire pit and placed it on the sand, how long would it stay hot?  Not long, was the answer.  But hot coals will stay hot for hours in the pit, feeding off the warmth of other coals.  God wants us to stay hot (Revelation 3:15), be zealous (Revelation 3:19), and be fervent (hot) in spirit (Romans 12:11.  Keep the fire going by staying in fellowship.