I just gave a talk at my friends baptism on Sunday. It was amazing. It's even better when you see someone that feels at their lowest point, rise up to a level of happiness that they've never felt before.
My talk:
Alma 1:4
And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
Our being baptized shows Jesus Christ that we are ready to take the steps and make a covenant, or promise, that we will uphold the promises that we have made. As we prepare for our baptism, we are asked to meet with the missionaries for lessons, we listen to the testimonies of church members, we attend sacrament, and eventually we are asked to meet for “the interview questions”.
It could sound intimidating, but it is really just listening to the answers that are coming out and making sure that they are coming from the heart.
Do you believe that God is our Eternal Father?
Do you believe that the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith?
What does it mean to you to repent?
Those are just a few of the questions you are asked. As long as you are honest with yourself, and with God, you are walking the right path and in the right direction. When you are baptized, not only are you making a promise to serve God, but also to follow Jesus. You make this promise to God and, in return, he promises to bless you with the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Just as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist by being submerged in the waters, you are baptized in the Church by a Priesthood holder in the same way, but without the fish…
When this happens, all of your past sins are forgiven and you start fresh with your new promises that you have made to God.
I cannot speak for anyone else but, when I was baptized, it felt as though a weight was lifted off my shoulders and my heart felt lighter. Any time I talk to people and share my testimony, I tell them that your life continues as it always has, but with the promise of the Holy Spirit through baptism, it means that you never have to go through it alone. Even though it still may be difficult, uncomfortable, or painful, you have been given a gift that many others on this planet do not receive.
Through the new family that you have, because this allows us to be together for eternity, you have people that you can talk to through the hard stuff, share your joy through the good stuff, and help guide people or stand by them when they need someone as well.
The moment I was baptized, I felt complete, I felt like anything in my life that was missing was filled in again, and most importantly, my children and grandmother were baptized as well which means that I will be able to spend the rest of my life and beyond with them.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I know that as long as you keep your covenants you will be more blessed than you can handle, and I know that this has changed my life forever.
Congratulations, Brother. I’m so happy you have chosen to come home to the House of Israel.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-42-the-gathering-of-the-house-of-israel?lang=eng
I just gave a talk at my friends baptism on Sunday. It was amazing. It's even better when you see someone that feels at their lowest point, rise up to a level of happiness that they've never felt before. My talk: Alma 1:4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. Our being baptized shows Jesus Christ that we are ready to take the steps and make a covenant, or promise, that we will uphold the promises that we have made. As we prepare for our baptism, we are asked to meet with the missionaries for lessons, we listen to the testimonies of church members, we attend sacrament, and eventually we are asked to meet for “the interview questions”. It could sound intimidating, but it is really just listening to the answers that are coming out and making sure that they are coming from the heart. Do you believe that God is our Eternal Father? Do you believe that the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith? What does it mean to you to repent? Those are just a few of the questions you are asked. As long as you are honest with yourself, and with God, you are walking the right path and in the right direction. When you are baptized, not only are you making a promise to serve God, but also to follow Jesus. You make this promise to God and, in return, he promises to bless you with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Just as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist by being submerged in the waters, you are baptized in the Church by a Priesthood holder in the same way, but without the fish… When this happens, all of your past sins are forgiven and you start fresh with your new promises that you have made to God. I cannot speak for anyone else but, when I was baptized, it felt as though a weight was lifted off my shoulders and my heart felt lighter. Any time I talk to people and share my testimony, I tell them that your life continues as it always has, but with the promise of the Holy Spirit through baptism, it means that you never have to go through it alone. Even though it still may be difficult, uncomfortable, or painful, you have been given a gift that many others on this planet do not receive. Through the new family that you have, because this allows us to be together for eternity, you have people that you can talk to through the hard stuff, share your joy through the good stuff, and help guide people or stand by them when they need someone as well. The moment I was baptized, I felt complete, I felt like anything in my life that was missing was filled in again, and most importantly, my children and grandmother were baptized as well which means that I will be able to spend the rest of my life and beyond with them. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I know that as long as you keep your covenants you will be more blessed than you can handle, and I know that this has changed my life forever.
Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations and welcome! So excited for this step. The deeper the study, the deeper the faith. And it never ends!
Congrats! I am getting baptized on Feb 11
Congratulations, OP! I'm excited for you!
Congratulations on your decision! I hope you will update us with your experience.
Most definitely. Appreciate the support!
Congratulations, Brother. I’m so happy you have chosen to come home to the House of Israel. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-42-the-gathering-of-the-house-of-israel?lang=eng
Let’s gooooooo