THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Virginia Beach, Virginia- Regent University, a private Christian university, was the site of a powerful night of ministry. Tonight, six students were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This meant much more than just getting wet in a small pool; it signified that these young men and women have put to death their old, sinful, lifestyles and have instead committed their lives to the Lord God Almighty.
And while this was considered this event’smain attraction(for just this evening), the worship and message were not to be overlooked. The Campus Ministries worship team expressed their love and gratitude to their heavenly Father. They made a joyful and, at the same time, powerful noise unto the Lord. When the worship concluded, the director of Campus Ministries, Rev. Jason Peaks shared what God had laid on his heart in regards to the topic of baptism. The Holy Spirit worked in wonderful, exciting ways, all throughout the service.
Once the message concluded, it was time for students to be baptized. There were six students who signed up to get dunked in the baptismal, but there were more students who, through the influence and motivation of the Holy Spirit,chose to come up and become re-born into God’s family. While students were getting baptized, the worship team played and sang to commemorate the joyous occasion. It was a privilege being at UnChapel, witnessing the powerful, life-changing act of sacrifice and commitment known as baptism.
The concept of baptism, both by water and by the Holy Spirit, is not new. Throughout the New Testament, the words “baptizing,” “baptize,” “baptized,” and “baptism” appear. For instance, in Acts 2:38, the Apostle Peter challenges a large group of people to “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (NIV). Baptism, in the end, is much more about being prayed over and getting dunked in a small pool. Baptism is about committing oneself to Jesus Christ and getting rid of the old, selfish, sinful, past life. The bottom line: don’t take baptism lightly.
