The Great Commission includes baptism as part of our mandate from Christ. It is the means by which a new believer publicly confesses their faith, connects with a local church, and communicates the Gospel visually. We are Baptists, aren't we?
Each year, many churches observe Baptism Sunday the Sunday after Easter. The NC Baptist State Convention promotes this as "Fill the Tank!" I will attach a link at the bottom of this page.
A dry and dusty baptistery communicates a church in poor spiritual health. I have seen some used to store artificial flowers and Christmas decorations! Whether you have anyone scheduled to baptize, I want to encourage you to fill the baptistery!
It communicates expectancy. Do you believe a sovereign God is able to call people to salvation? Do you believe God has called you to evangelism and prayer for the conversion of souls? Paul believed in the Gospel's dynamic power and so should we (Rom.1:16).
It expresses practicality. Will the baptistery hold water? Does the heater work? If you haven't used it in a while, how do you know?
It demonstrates urgency. When was the last time there was a sermon about baptism? There ought to be a passion for this vital ordinance. Last year, I stood in the baptismal font and preached on the subject of baptism, in a church that needed to be confronted with the urgency of reaching, baptizing, and teaching people the truth.
So, fill the tank! https://ncbaptist.org/events/fill-the-tank/
Yours for the Gospel,
Dennis Thurman, Mission Strategist
