42 Redeemed!!

The Lord Jesus did an amazing thing yesterday at CrossPoint. During our third worship celebration more than 650 people watched in wonder as 42 redeemed students followed through with the biblical command to be baptized.

We had enough seats for 605 worshippers. Within minutes of the worship encounter beginning we were adding chairs to the worship center. Several students were sitting on the floor near the front of the room. People were standing in the back doorway entrances. It was an incredible sight.

I attended two PROJECT ONE Fellowships last night, and the center of everyone’s conversation were the 42 baptisms.

I was particularly impressed with two elements associated with the baptisms. First, I was impressed with the confessions of faith our students made. I know Jason and his team of counselors worked overtime counseling each student. I think the counseling combined with the commitment our students made showed as they professed why they were coming to be baptized. Another impression from the day came from the great number of guest attending. I estimate that 50% of our worship crowd included guests. It was significant watching each family gather around the baptistery to watch the baptism of their child. I am so glad we started that tradition.

Speaking of starting traditions, I think we are going to use the REDEEMED t-shirts as our normal mode of operations when it comes to baptism from now on. I really liked the message. Plus I think the person being baptized in the shirt can wear it from then on as a symbol of their faith and as a tool of witnessing. (I wonder how many students are wearing their REDEEMED t-shirt today at school!).

Wow, what a day. I cannot find the words adequate enough to describe it for the rest of you who were not there. For those who were there, I would like to hear your thoughts.