Category / Baptism Pictures And Stories

by In Light Of The Cross

Adelina, Angelita and Apollos’ Baptism and Profession of Faith Pictures and Stories

Today we had a wonderful celebration at the Homosassa Seventh-day adventist Church, as we had two baptisms and one profession of faith. Christina (on the right) was especailly celebrating as her sister Adelina (left), who left the church over 40 years ago came back into the fold today on profession of faith. Adelina was so glad to be back home she thanked her sister for praying for her for all those 40 years. Adelina was so glad to be back in God’s church, where she says she belonged the whole time.

Angelita and her brother Apollos have been studying the Making Jesus my Best Friend baptism workbook with their parents. Parents are a child’s first pastor, and Angelita and Apollos’ parents, Kayle and Regine have done a very good job of leading their children to fall in love with Jesus, both by teaching and example. I also studied with Angelita and Apollos and was very moved by their dedication. Angelita even asked me how she can know that she really means it in her heart when she asks Jesus for forgiveness. Angelita and her brother both want to be real with God and have honest hearts.

Apollos is the same age I was when I was baptized! Apollos loves building things and has the mind of an engineer and builder. You should see some of his legos creations they are quite complex. Apollos will be building up the kingdom of God.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 NKJV

Apollos and Angelita both received flowers as well as cards, a devotional book and their baptism certificates which contain the fundamental Bible teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Adelina received the same gifts too along with her Profession of Faith certificate.

Adelina says the Seventh-day Adventist Church is where she has belonged all her life. Do you want to belong to a church that loves Jesus and follows His teachings? I would love to talk to you about this anytime. You can reach me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com

by In Light Of The Cross

Luther’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

Today all heaven was celebrating with the Bushnell, Florida Seventh-day Adventist Church. as Luther gave all of himself to Jesus today, because Jesus gave all of Himself for Luther.

I had the privilege of studying with Luther and in a small group Bible study, when he made his decision to give his life to Jesus. As we studied the Seventh-day Adventist fundamental Bible teachings, I learned about the wonderful influence our first elder, Michael has been to Luther, so I invited Michael to make Luther’s baptism more meaningful by doing the honors.

Luther is more than a new church member, he is a disciple who is becoming a disciple maker. Luther often runs the audio system for our worship service, and encourages our younger members to be a part of our church family, by befriending and including them in activities.

Here is a Facebook link if you would like to watch the video of Luther’s baptism today. And here is another link.

Don’t let the sun go down on you before making the most important decision you will ever make in your life. If you would like to give your life to Jesus and be baptized, I would love to meet with you. You can contact me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com.

by In Light Of The Cross

Carmen, Juliet, and Carla’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

Sabbath, February 10, 2024 was a very special day at the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church, as three precious souls gave all themselves to Jesus because Jesus gave all of Himself for them.

After Rich and Farah had Bible studies and were baptized here at the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church last spring, both their daughters, Carmen and Juliet expressed an interest in studying the Bible together and being baptized. Many times the family came over to study in my home, but since it was a little bit of a drive for them we also often met at this park Sunday mornings in Brooksville, and enjoyed studying together with nature all around us. Also when we met to study in Brooksville we would meet for breakfast first at a nice breakfast diner. We enjoyed getting to know each other better eating and fellowshipping together as well as studying the Bible together. The family is now planning on getting together with a small group Bible study so they can continue fellowshipping and studying together with church family.

While following in her mother’s footsteps Juliet was proud to be making her own decision to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.  Romans 6:3-6 NLT

Carmen is very happy with her decision to follow in her father’s footsteps but even more importantly in Jesus’ footsteps. Carmen is already inviting and bringing friends to church!

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

Several months ago I shared in my sermon how to give Bible studies and asked the congregation if any of them would like to give Bible studies. Kathy (who chose not to be photographed) accepted that invitation! At that time Carla, (who also chose not to be photographed) started attending the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist church and asked for Bible studies. Kathy and Carla studied together for several months and Carla was baptized Sabbath with Juliet and Carmen. Carla shares her testimony below.

All those baptized were welcomed into the church family with flowers, a devotional book and their baptism certificates with the Bible teachings. Carmen and Juliet were given a devotional book written by students from Fountain View Adventist Academy. Carla was given a nice devotional book put together by one of her favorite authors, Doug Bachelor from Amazing Facts.

Don’t let the sun set on you before you give your life to Jesus, because He gave His life for you! I would love to help you make this decision. If you have any questions about being baptized or the Bible I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at william.earnhardt@Floridaconference.com

by In Light Of The Cross

Lynette, Sara, and Amy’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

Sabbath, August 19, 2023 was a very special Sabbath for the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church, as we celebrated three baptisms. Three wonderful people gave all of themselves to Jesus because Jesus gave all of Himself for them. In the above picture is Crystal. Crystal has shared with us at Wednesday night prayer meetings how Jesus’ love has transformed her life, giving her peace, joy and love like she has never known before. Crystal loves sharing Jesus’ transforming love with others by sharing her testimony and by giving personal and group Bible studies. Lynette is one of the fiends Crystal has studied with who has also fallen in love with Jesus and was baptized last Sabbath, August 19, 2023.

“ And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes” Galatians 3:27 NLT

Lynette has put on Christ by being baptized, but she also puts on Christ when she helps others at the Inverness Adventist Church thrift store. She also puts on Christ as she worships with her Inverness Adventist church family, as well as community Bible studies during the week. Like Crystal, Lynette radiates the love of Jesus.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

Sara and her future sister-in-law Amy joined a group Bible study group we had at the church. Sara, like, the disciple Andrew, gave a personal invitation for her friend from middle school to join our Bible study as well. Sara and her friend faithfully participated in our Bible studies as well as our socials at Pizza Hut. They both appreciate the value of studying together and fellowshipping together. Sara and her friend enjoy making Jesus a part of their everyday life.

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans 6:3-6 NLT

Amy, Sara’s future sister-in-law enthusiastically participated in our Bible study group along with her fiancée, Jeffery. They all enjoyed sharing their ideas and never hesitated to ask when they had questions. Amy in an eager learner and is looking forward to learning even more about Jesus and His love. Amy told me her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 1:9. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” I have to agree, this passage gives me much hope and comfort too as I still stive to be more like Jesus in my daily life.

Friend, would you like to start a new life with Jesus? There is room at the cross for you as well as for Lynette, Sara and Amy. I would love to talk with you share how you also can experience the transforming love and Joy Jesus has to offer you. You can reach out to me at william.earnhardt@Floridaconference.com
by In Light Of The Cross

Heather, Cindy, Rich and Fara’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

The Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist church was celebrating with all of heaven this last Resurrection weekend, with four baptisms.

Heather and her family came to the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist church several months ago, and soon Heather asked for Bible studies and baptism. Heather and her family joined our Wednesday afternoon Bible study group, and Heather asked some very thoughtful questions as she expressed her desire to know what the Bible says about what is right and wrong, as she wants to make sure that her life is pleasing to Jesus, who loves her and died for her. Heather is very active in her local social organizations where she shares the love of Jesus with her community.

Mark, our food pantry leader met a very special friend Cindy, who decided to find out for herself exactly what the Bible teaches. Cindy studied with Mark, myself and other church family members as she enjoyes learning all that she can. Cindy writes,

“I was raised in a Christian household (16 years of “all-girls school”), where my parents took me to
church every weekend to instill in me a sense of morality and values. I was introduced to Jesus at a
young age, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Him. As I grew older, religion stopped being
a significant part of my life, and I found it hard to distinguish between right and wrong. I fell into a life
of sin and temptation, which led to turmoil and misery.
It wasn’t until later that I realized the error of my ways and that I was not living according to God’s
will. I turned away from sinful relationships and instead turned to God to better my life. In doing so,
God led me to wonderful people who helped me discover an even greater purpose, and I am
blessed to know Jesus as my Savior.
Through my relationship with Him, I have found joy, peace, and love, and I have been blessed with a
wonderful God-centered relationship, supportive friends and family, a great job, and a sense of
purpose. While I still experience challenges and difficulties, my focus is on serving God and living a
life that honors Him. I believe that Christ died for my sins and that through His grace and
forgiveness, I am saved. I am now ready to publicly declare my faith.” -Cindy Nichols

Rich had been studying the Bible on his own, and found the Sabbath along with many other Bible truths. Rich found the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist church online and called me, saying that he wanted to be baptized. Immediately I began studying the Bible with him, and his wife, Farah joined us as well, and was baptized along with Rich this last Sabbath.

After the baptism all four were given their own baptism certificates along with a gift book, The Desire of Ages, the classic on the life of Jesus.

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

If you would like to follow Jesus by being baptized, I would love to help you prepare for baptism. You can contact me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com I would love to hear from you!

by In Light Of The Cross

Ana’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

Last winter, Annette, (Left) and her husband spent the winter in Bushnell Florida. They began attending the Bushnell Seventh-day Adventist church, as well as making friend in their new “neighborhood.” Annette started having Bible studies with her new friend Ana, and invited her to church. While studying with Annette and worshiping with the Bushnell Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ana learned amazing things she had never know before about the Bible, and God and His love. Ana fell in love with Jesus and decided to be baptized. Annette finished the series of Amazing Facts Bible study guides with Ana and then had me study with her. I was able to share a couple of new Bible teachings but Annette had already done a wonderful and thorough job of sharing Jesus and the Bible with Ana. Ana was baptized last Sabbath, April 1, 2023 at the Bushnell Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Before the baptism We went over the baptismal vows before the church family. This encourages the whole church family to renew their dedication to Christ, as well as offering accountability to each other as we encourage each other in our Christian growth.

“Or are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We have therefore been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory and power of the Father, we too might walk habitually in newness of life [abandoning our old ways].  For if we have become one with Him [permanently united] in the likeness of His death, we will also certainly be [one with Him and share fully] in the likeness of His resurrection. We know that our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. For the person who has died [with Christ] has been freed from [the power of] sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live [together] with Him, because we know [the self-evident truth] that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin [ending its power and paying the sinner’s debt] once and for all; and the life that He lives, He lives to [glorify] God [in unbroken fellowship with Him].  Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:3-11 AMP

You may watch a video of Ana’s special baptism here.

Ana was given a warm Bushnell welcome into the family of God with flowers and a Jesus centered devotional book. The smile on Ana’s face reflects the joy of her salvation. God wants you to have that joy as well. If you would like to talk to someone about receiving the joy of salvation I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com

by In Light Of The Cross

Jarvis’ Baptism Pictures and Stories

The Homosassa Adventist Church family was very happy when Jarvis first started visiting our church. He had met a lady friend who was a Seventh-day Adventist and he wanted to learn more about the Bible teachings the Adventist Church followed. Sadly as Jarvis and I continued our Bible studies, his lady friend passed away. Jarvis was saddened but encouraged by the new hope he had found in the resurrection. Jarvis was determined to continue studying the Bible with me and the other members of the Homosassa Adventist Church. On October the 8th of 2022, Jarvis was baptized.

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:27 NLT
After the baptism we presented Jarvis with his baptism certificate and welcomed him into our church membership, though he was already a part of our church family!
This Sabbath as well as having Jarvis’ baptism we also celebrated communion. Wally, one of our elders had the privilege of washing Jarvis’ feet as Jarvis participated in his first ordinance of humility and communion service with his new Homosassa Adventist church family. We enjoyed a joyous Sabbath with Jarvis from beginning to end!
Don’t let the sun go down on your life without experiencing the joy and hope of salvation which Jarvis now has. If you would like to give your life to Jesus, because He gave His life for you, I would love to help you make this step. You can contact me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com
by In Light Of The Cross

Eddie’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

It was a special Sabbath today at the Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church as Eddie gave all of his life to Jesus, because Jesus gave all of His life for Eddie. Several months ago Danny and Maritza started coming to our church and we began studying the Bible together. Soon their friend Eddie started coming to church with them and joined our Bible studies. Eddie Started telling me about the changes he was making in his life, as he decided to live for Jesus and be baptized. Eddie has family members who have fallen asleep, and he wants to be with them and Jesus one day. All of heaven and the Homosassa SDA church rejoiced as Eddie was baptized today.

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:26-29 NLT

Eddie wrote about how happy he was to be baptized and to know the salvation that comes from living your life for Jesus.
After the baptism we gave Eddie his baptism certificate and a gift study Bible. Eddie shared with the church family how he let God change his life so he can live with God here on earth every day, as well as being ready to meet Jesus when He comes again.
Don’t let the sun go down on you before you make the decision to give all of yourself to Jesus, because He has given all of Himself for you. I would love to help you make this decision and prepare for baptism if you would like to reach out to me at racerthree@gmail.com.
by In Light Of The Cross

Nicolas’ Baptism Pictures and Story

Jose, (left), as well as being the head deacon of the Plant City Seventh-day Adventist Church, also has a passion for sharing Jesus with others. Jose has a weekly Bible study group in his home. After befriending Nicolas, (center) he invited him to his Bible study group. Nicolas enjoyed learning more about Jesus and the Bible, and told Jose he wanted to be baptized and give his life to Jesus. Jose has led several family members to Jesus, and he was just as happy to see his friend get baptized. As the head deacon, Jose prepared the baptistry for his friend. I think its pretty cool that Jose prepared his friend spiritually for baptism as well as making the physical preparations.
At his baptism Nicolas testified that he was saying goodbye to the old Nicolas and was starting a new life for Jesus.

 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.  For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. Romans 6:3-7 NLT

In my New Believer’s Sabbath School class, Nicolas enthusiastically participated and especially enjoyed reading Scripture, and affirming his faith in Jesus, and his assurance of salvation from sin and death. Please pray for Nicolas as he continues his walk with Jesus. Please also pray for him as he continues to share the hope in he has in Jesus, that Jose shared with him.

Thank you for contributing to the Bible Worker Fund, that not only allows me to share Jesus with others, but also allows me to train, equip and encourage others to share Jesus, just like Jose.