I am going to get baptised next Sunday at church (9/11). I have to write a short testimony that they will read before it happens. AHHH-I have no idea what to write. What are your suggestions? I just don't know where to start. It needs to be a paragraph long.
Be honest and tell how and when you felt God calling you to be saved. That is all a testimony is. It may be years ago and you ran from Him or it may be just one night and that was when you accepted Him. Praise God for you and with you, Jen.
Jen, Baptism is an outward expression of an inward cleansing... an act of obedience... It isn't much help, but might get you thinking... When I was baptised two years ago - it was the most amazing experience for me... I had been SO stressed over various things (hubby's accident had been less than a year earlier and we were still adjusting BIG TIME to changes. When I came home that night, I felt absolutely NOTHING but peace... what an awesome feeling it was.
I am very excited about it. I have been wanting to do it for awhile but wanted to find a home church first. I didn't want to do it just anywhere. It just didn't feel right until now. I am just so bad at expressing myself with words when it comes to stuff like this. I don't even like saying prayers out loud unless it's a 'routine' prayer because I get so nervous. I'm sure it will come to me, I'm just at a lose at the moment!
Jen~ I got baptized about 11 years ago. I did it in the river! I was really dreading walking out into that very-muddy-looking water. The only high-point-----the fact that people on shore probably couldn't hear my testimony too well!!! Anyway, like Brenda said of hers, it was an awesome, amazing experience- one that I will never forgot. And, I wouldn't trade that muddy water for anything. For one thing, it reminded me so much more of Jesus' baptism. And, for another, it was surprising how clean I felt, having just been dipped in that crusty water-----what a true visual of what our baptism represents. As for your testimony, it doesn't have to be anything long or eloquent. Just say when you became a Christian and if there were any significant events surrounding that decision. That's plenty. Have fun and enjoy your day!
I was baptized on Easter Sunday when I was 11 years old, with my mom. I remember going to church three times that day...the Sunrise Sevice, the regular service, and the evening service (which was when we had the baptism). My aunt was shocked that ANYONE would go to church THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY!!!! Rachael was baptized in a lake. Carl got to help baptize her. It was very nice!!!
My old church did it in their lake, but our current church does it in the auditorium/sanctuary behind the podium.
I think that getting baptized on 9/11 will be even more special. I am sure a lot of people came to know Christ on that day.
JenPooh, Congratulations!!! Maybe you can pray that God will give you the right words to say. He can, you know, and maybe your witness will help someone else make the same decision! Do you have a Bible text that means a lot to you, one that might go with baptism and why you chose to get baptized? Saying something like, "I've asked the Lord to come and cleanse my heart and make me His. He has done that. Today, by my baptism, I want to publicly declare my decision to stand for God, and His willingness to wash away and cleanse me from my past mistakes." Obviously you can make it your own statement, but I fed off of what Brenda said, so maybe it can help you think of what you can say.
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Many of us stuggle with this, and not just when we will be put on the spot! I think this is a good thing for all of us to think about so that we, too, will be ready with our answer.....you never know when we will be called upon to share or who will be asking!
Everyone else was nervous when they had to give the same talk as you. Remember the folks listening will not be judging you at all. They will be happy and too excited for you. Just relax. Breathe. Pray and breathe some more.
Like you, I hate to speak in front of others. Just take a deep breath and share what's in your heart. Simply share what God has done in your life. I'm sure it will turn out just fine.
Ok, I think I wrote something of worthiness. I did take one sentence from one of your posts that I thought was very powerful. Here it goes...tell me what you think. "I was saved at the age of 12. However, as a teenager and young adult I hid behind a facade. Labeling myself as a Christian, but leading my own life instead of letting God lead it. It wasn't until my son was born when I opened up my eyes and saw what changes needed to take place in order to raise a family that puts God first. Excepting that it's what HE wants for me, and not what I want for myself. I want to declare, through baptism, my decision to stand for the Lord and his willingness to wash away my wrongful doings".
Wonderful words Jen! That was beautiful. And even if your words come out completely backwards, God sees the true meaning of them in your heart. Congratulations on this decision in your life, and on what it will mean to so many others we cannot even see! I will say a little prayer on Sunday morning that all goes smoothly! momx3
Beautiful words ! I am wondering though... I've never heard of anyone having to speak when they were baptized. This is a new one to me. Is it a particular denomination that does this?
I'm not sure if I have to speak or not. I am thinking actually that the pastor will be reading our testimonies before each person goes. I will find out this weekend. Either way, I feel I'm horrible at expressing myself in words.
I did it and it felt wonderful! First off, I found out on Saturday that I didn't even have to write that darn testimony! Even though I am glad I did it. It was a nice chance to focus on how and why I wanted to be baptised and everything. Because I am a member of the church and had to give a testimony to become one, I didn't have to, but I was not explained that throughly. Giving a testimony is their way of making sure everyone who is getting baptised is saved. Because I am a member, they already know that. Yadda yadda yadda! Anyways! My mom, my cousin who desperately needs to open her heart up to the Lord (not the one with cancer, but her sister), her daughter, and my hubby were there. My mom knows the Lord, but her side of the family (her sisters mainly) needs it badly so it was nice to have my cousin there. It was a great service for her to see. It not only included the baptism, but we took communion, and the message was a great one for people to hear that don't really know the Lord. I think she is slowly coming around and it's so good for her daughter (she's 12) to be around that as well. It was refreshing and you just kind of feel like you don't have a care in the world afterwards. I like that feeling and wish I could feel like that every day!
