2. I got baptized and became a member at a church!
So, to give you a timeline: the day before I broke up with my ex-boyfriend the church I attend (Bull Street Baptist Church) held their new member class. I wasn't going to go, but one of my brothers was going to become a member and I was planning on becoming a member later in the year. Another one of my brothers told me I should not wait and instead become a member immediately. So, because I often listen to the advice of my brothers and sisters, I went to the new member class.
When I started attending Bull Street Baptist, I felt at home. In the new member class, I felt like I had an explanation for why I felt like home. The Spirit is moving in this church! Every time I go to church, I feel spiritually and intellectually challenged. I don't feel like the bible is being simplified for me, but rather I am being imparted with great wisdom.*
That week the college pastor (this guy gets some wisdom from the Lord) asked me if I would like to be baptized on Sunday (the week after my brother had been baptized) and I said, "YEAH!"
So, I was baptized and it was really exciting. I got to stand up in front of about 200+ people and declare, "Jesus is Lord!" Okay, so I may have shouted it and been so happy I was crying, sources are unclear.
And no, The Holy Spirit didn't descend like a dove, but my roommate was there. That was probably the best part about that day. My roommate had told me the weekend before that she was no longer a Christian. She came into the church though, right as I was wading out into the water (a verse too early, OOPS). That made my baptism one of the most special things. I started to cry because she was there. My roommate means a lot to me. I really truly love her as a sister and her being there--even though she's not a believer--was amazing.
But, I think the combined public confession of faith (after following earnestly Christ for 5 years) and ending my relationship with my ex-boyfriend has left the Spirit room to move mountains.
Again I proclaim GOD IS GOOD!
I can see the Fruits of the Spirit in my life, I looked for them this summer, but I couldn't find them. Now, I feel as if proclaiming God's word is on the tip of my tongue much of the time, because that's where my brain is residing. My thoughts are with the Lord. God has granted me wisdom to care and guide my brothers and sisters. God has granted me peace. God has granted me love and encouragement. God has granted me joy. He's working on the self-control one, I know. But it's been so encouraging to see the Lord's provision in my spirit!
*Also, everything we do at the church seeks to give glory to God first! I love that. I think a prime example is this financial campaign currently. Each week one of our church leaders (same one, each week) gets up and shares what the Lord has provided through the church family. Because all of our gain is because of the Lord! Alleluia!
Titus 2:11-14, NLT
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
So, to give you a timeline: the day before I broke up with my ex-boyfriend the church I attend (Bull Street Baptist Church) held their new member class. I wasn't going to go, but one of my brothers was going to become a member and I was planning on becoming a member later in the year. Another one of my brothers told me I should not wait and instead become a member immediately. So, because I often listen to the advice of my brothers and sisters, I went to the new member class.
When I started attending Bull Street Baptist, I felt at home. In the new member class, I felt like I had an explanation for why I felt like home. The Spirit is moving in this church! Every time I go to church, I feel spiritually and intellectually challenged. I don't feel like the bible is being simplified for me, but rather I am being imparted with great wisdom.*
That week the college pastor (this guy gets some wisdom from the Lord) asked me if I would like to be baptized on Sunday (the week after my brother had been baptized) and I said, "YEAH!"
So, I was baptized and it was really exciting. I got to stand up in front of about 200+ people and declare, "Jesus is Lord!" Okay, so I may have shouted it and been so happy I was crying, sources are unclear.
And no, The Holy Spirit didn't descend like a dove, but my roommate was there. That was probably the best part about that day. My roommate had told me the weekend before that she was no longer a Christian. She came into the church though, right as I was wading out into the water (a verse too early, OOPS). That made my baptism one of the most special things. I started to cry because she was there. My roommate means a lot to me. I really truly love her as a sister and her being there--even though she's not a believer--was amazing.
But, I think the combined public confession of faith (after following earnestly Christ for 5 years) and ending my relationship with my ex-boyfriend has left the Spirit room to move mountains.
Again I proclaim GOD IS GOOD!
I can see the Fruits of the Spirit in my life, I looked for them this summer, but I couldn't find them. Now, I feel as if proclaiming God's word is on the tip of my tongue much of the time, because that's where my brain is residing. My thoughts are with the Lord. God has granted me wisdom to care and guide my brothers and sisters. God has granted me peace. God has granted me love and encouragement. God has granted me joy. He's working on the self-control one, I know. But it's been so encouraging to see the Lord's provision in my spirit!
*Also, everything we do at the church seeks to give glory to God first! I love that. I think a prime example is this financial campaign currently. Each week one of our church leaders (same one, each week) gets up and shares what the Lord has provided through the church family. Because all of our gain is because of the Lord! Alleluia!
Titus 2:11-14, NLT
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
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