Tag / Adventist baptism

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.

by In Light Of The Cross

Kaleb’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

In the summer of 2011 Mike and karmin were members of a group Bible Study that would meet at Panera Bread, and sometimes Mike and Karmin’s home. During this time Mike and karmin had a baby boy named Kaleb.
Here I am meeting Kaleb at his first ever Tuesday night Bible study. Actually it was his first ever Tuesday night! Like my friendship with Mike and Karmin, Kaleb and I have been best friends ever since. For over 10 years we have always been there for each other, or at least they have always been there for me. They were there with me when I went to the ER in 2009, and have always been there when I needed help with cleaning or moving, or just watching my place while on vacation. They are also there for me whenever I need someone to eat pizza with me or just a listening ear at Starbucks.
So ten years later this summer, when Mike and Karmin told me they were having baptism studies with Kaleb, I was very honored and happy when they asked me to participate in Kaleb’s preparation for baptism. Kaleb completed his Following Jesus baptism workbook as a part of his Bible study. Kaleb was also full of thoughtful questions on various topics as we studied together.

Yesterday was the special day when Kaleb expressed his love for Jesus, by being baptized. Kaleb gave all of himself to Jesus, because Jesus gave all of himself for Kaleb. About his baptism Kaleb said,

“I want to be baptized so I can continue my journey with God. I also want to be baptized so I can have a stronger relationship with Him. God is the only God and I want to make my commitment to Him.”

Here is the video of Kaleb’s baptism at the Tampa Frist Seventh-day Adventist Church.
After the baptism Kaleb received his baptism certificate which includes his Bible beliefs. Please pray for Kaleb as he continues his journey with God.

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

A special thanks for those who have been faithfully making these moments possible through the Bible Worker Fund. God bless you for your prayers and monthly or one time offerings.

by In Light Of The Cross

Jinky and Jim’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

Today all heaven rejoiced with the Homosassa Florida Seventh-day Adventist Church as two precious souls gave all of themselves to Jesus because Jesus gave all of Himself for them.

During the quarantine Genevieve (Left) began Bible studies with her cousin Jinky and her friend Gee. After a while I was able to join them. Genevieve’s Sprit filled Bible studies made them hunger for more of God’s Word and the love of Jesus. Jinky was the first to make her decision to be baptized. Jinky shared that after recently losing her husband, mother and sister she is looking forward to Jesus’ soon coming where all those who love Jesus will enjoy eternal life with no more death and sorrow!
Jim contacted me on the Homosassa SDA Church website and asked for Bible studies. He shared that he had gone to a nearby Adventist Church as a child but drifted away. As we studied the In Light of the cross Bible study guides Jim told me that he had a new and greater understanding and appreciation for God’s love and mercy. Jim is already a big part of our Wednesday night Bible study and prayer group. He is helping with our church landscaping and has shown interest in our food pantry. The Homosassa SDA Church is very happy to see both Jim and Jinky already becoming a big part of our church family.

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

After their baptism Jinky and Jim were both rewarded their baptism certificates along with a copy of The Desire of Ages, the classic on the life of Christ.


Before the sun sets on your life please give yourself to Jesus, Who gave all of Himself for you. I would love to study with you and help you make this decision. You can contact me at racerthree@gmail.com.

I would also like to thank those who have been faithfully supporting my Bible Worker ministry and making these wonderful baptism stories possible.

by In Light Of The Cross

Stacy and Charlie’s Baptism Pictures and stories

I first met Charlie about 5 years ago in the youth Bible studies at the Plant City Seventh-day Adventist Church on Wednesday nights. Several of the youth from the community would come to play games and have a Bible study. So I was very happy when Charlie’s girlfriend, Stacy contacted me for baptism studies! We were able to study at the church while practicing social distancing as well as over the phone.

Charlie’s grandmother was a big part of the Plant City SDA Church back in the day. She even designed the picture on our baptistry. She now lives in Ooltewah Tennessee. This morning, November 28, 2020 Charlie and Stacy surprised his grandmother by being baptized in the Ooltewah SDA Chruch! A very big thank you to Pastor Peter Kulakov (Right) for being such a gracious host for this baptism!

Charlie and Stacy with their “Just baptized” masks.

What and exciting day for the Plant City SDA Church, the Ooltewah SDA Church and all of heaven! If you are interested in giving your life to Jesus because of His great love and sacrifice that He made for you I would love to talk with you! You can contact me at racerthee@gmail.com.

I also want to thank all of my contributors to my ministry that keep these wonderful baptisms coming! Click here to find out how you can be a contributor. Thank you!

by In Light Of The Cross

Vanessa’s Baptism Pictures and Story

In late 2020 Elder Henry Hodge was taking me to visit some of his Discover Bible School correspondence students. One of his students that we visited was Vanessa. When we saw each other we both remembered each other from a group Bible study we were in years ago at the Plant City SDA Church. We had a nice visit and Vanessa decided to start studying with me again. We began studying in her home but when the COVID-19 quarantine began we started studying on Facebook Messenger Video. With all that was going on Vanessa stayed very committed to our weekly studies and after a while told me she wanted to be baptized. Today, August 8, 2020, Vanessa gave all of herself to Jesus in baptism because Jesus had given all of Himself for her.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Our Plant City SDA church family enthusiastically voted and welcomed Vanessa into our church family. While many are still worshiping at home we had a good turnout to personally welcome Vanessa to the family of God. Vanessa even had her father and other family members come who had to travel a bit. It was a very special day for everyone!

We were all smiles under our masks as Vanessa was presented her baptism certificate which also contains our Adventist Biblical beliefs. After the service I was approached by one of Vanessa’s family members who wants to join Vanessa and me for Bible studies on Facebook Messenger Video. We are continuing to thrive and grow in Gods grace right through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don’t let the sun set on you before making your decision to give all of your life to the One who gave all of Himself for you. I would love talk to you or study with you to help you in this decision. The cool thing about studying online now is it does not matter where in the world you are, we can get together on Zoom, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger Video. You can contact me at racerthree@gmail.com.

A special thanks to all those supporting my ministry through this pandemic so I can continue sharing Jesus with the world. If you are interested to supporting this ministry with your monthly or one time contributions just click here. Thank you!

by In Light Of The Cross

Antonio’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

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This time last year, Pastor James and I baptized a family, including the grandmother, mother and all the children. However the father was missing in the baptism. He did not think his family needed to be baptized, much less to be baptized himself, but he reluctantly allowed them to be baptized. However, his family did not give up on him. They loved him way too much!

Adult Bible Study

Antonio was very open minded, and continued to study with us at church, as well as with is brother-in-law Jose in his home. Jose is pictured third from the right. Antonio second on the left. Jose is very faithful as the head deacon at the Plant City SDA Church, and also helps with Spanish/English translations in the Wednesday night Bible studies at church. Jose also has Bible studies in his home with friends and neighbors, and Antonio came to the studies. After a year of continuing Bible studies, Antonio told Jose and me that he wanted to be baptized!

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One year later Antonio joined his family, and even greater, his Lord and Savior in baptism! Antonio wanted me to share his story, so others would decide to follow Jesus too. This Christmas Antonio wanted to give all of himself to Jesus, because Jesus gave all of Himself for Antonio. Antonio opened his heart to the teachings of the Bible at church and around the family table. Antonio has chosen to follow all of Jesus’ teachings and commandments.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV 

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After the baptism Antonio was given the right hand of fellowship, and his baptism certificate containing the Bible teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When Antonio announced in prayer meeting that he wanted to be baptized, his daughter raised her hands and cheered! The family is complete. With Jesus in the father’s heart happy happy home! 

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Would you like a new start to your life? We can all have a new life through Jesus!

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 NKJV

I would love to help you as you make your decision to give your life to Jesus! You can contact me at PlantCitySDAChurch@Gmail.com.

 

by In Light Of The Cross

Alex’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

October 20, 2018 was a very special Sabbath at the Tampa First Seventh-day Adventist Church, as Alex gave all of himself in baptism to the one who gave all of Himself for him. Alex requested baptism studies as he wants to make God the foundation of the new home he will beginning soon with his fiancee Isalnde.

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Alex and I enjoyed studying together at the church every Wednesday, though a couple of times my evenings were so packed with Bible study appointments, that Alex allowed me to eat by meeting me at Panera Bread or Olive Garden for our Bible study. Alex would often read ahead in the studies so he would be prepared with good questions and comments to stimulate our study of God’s Word.

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Alex Writes,

Baptism is a commitment to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, and being committed to His Words for the long run.

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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. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Romans 6:3-8 NLT 

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I presented Alex his baptism certificate, which contains the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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Don’t let another day go by without making your decision to give your life to Jesus, Who gave His life for you! He loves you so much! I would love to hear from you at PlantCitySDAChurch@Gmail.com

Thank you for supporting my ministry so I can keep leading people to Jesus!

Bible Worker Fund

Plant City SDA Church

P.O. Box 5379

Plant City, Fl 33563

by In Light Of The Cross

Joyce and Madeline’s Baptism Pictures

Study With Madaleine and Joyce

A few months ago Joyce told me her daughter Madeline wanted to be baptized, and that touched her heart, and made her want to be baptized also. We started studying together, and Joyce and Madeline’s lives began to change right away, as they put into practice what we were studying. Joyce asked me to share on example in particular. After studying about returning our tithe and offerings, Joyce decided to start tithing. Like a lot of us, Joyce was nervous, thinking she needed every dime she has to make ends meet. She decided to put her faith in Jesus, knowing He cared about her, and return her tithe. That same week she received a refund check she was not expecting, which was for the same exact amount that she had just tithed. She knew she could give all of herself to the One who gave all of Himself for her.

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Madeline writes, “These the bible studies have helped me understand God’s word and his word is truth. I am understanding more and more about God’s love for me”

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Joyce, who told me as we prepared for baptism that she wants to learn how to share Jesus in door to door ministry writes, “I am not perfect. I thought that God couldn’t love someone like me. I was so wrong. Through my bible studies, I learned how God loves me and is there for me. Each time I read the bible, it opens my eyes and heart to a loving and forgiving God.”

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Joyce and Madeline were baptized tonight during our Unlocking the Mysteries of Bible Prophecy Seminar  at the Plant City Seventh-day Adventist Church. After the baptism we gave them their Baptism certificates and a plant as a gift. We encouraged them to continue nurturing their relationship and growth with Jesus, as they continue nurturing their new plants. Our friends from Tampa, Mike, Karmin, Kaleb and Eric came tonight to help us celebrate.

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Joyce and Madeline’s family was also present to show their support as well. Joyce and Madeline are also very happy to choose the Plant City SDA Church as their family as well.

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Please don’t let the sun set on your life without giving your life to Jesus, Who gave His life for you. If you are interested in being baptized I would love to help you. You can contact me at Laypastor@TampaAdventist.net.