The awesome beauty and glory to our Lord Jesus was so well served Sunday, July 5th as many loving souls, young and not so young, publicly proclaimed a life of service to Christ through Baptism in the Santa Rosa sound. The Baptism and symbolism today went well beyond what could have been expected. One by one, dozens came forward to satisfy this Biblical Command.

Here is the way it went: Are you ready for this? The name of the Pastor actually performing the Baptisms? His name was JOHN. How and in what method was he baptizing? Full immersion, and in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT!

It gets better! WHO approaches JOHN and requests to be RE-Baptized? Our Senior Shepherd! Immediately upon seeing this, my mind went to Matthew Chapter 3, Verses 13 through 15:

[ Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. ]

Now, add to all of this, God's hand in moving a huge storm that was directly headed for Navarre two hours before, suddenly moving off to the North allowing this beautiful event to take place. Then finally, the EXTRA POINT was delivered as yet ANOTHER Pastor, Brian Oakes re-submitted to Baptism to bring home the wondrous symbolism of this Holy expression of devotion and love for our Christ.

To be a witness today to such an extraordinary and meaningful God Blessed event will forever anchor itself in my mind and heart.

Today, I Gary Dean Thompson witnessed JOHN baptize the SHEPHERD and the FLOCK in the flowing waters under the canopy of heaven including a man, a wretched sinner, who re-connected himself to the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of our LORD our CHRIST, Amen.