I struggled with this for months. I was raised Roman Catholic and was baptized as a child with my mom, dad, and godfather. It is part of a tradition in that religion.
My life changed in 2014 when I looked at having a closer relationship with God. I found a new family at my church, Verve. They were the most nonjudgmental people I may have ever met. The example of their dedication to God encouraged me to re-examine my own relationship with God.
Reminder: I don’t have all of the answers; I’m just sharing my journey. When I started going to a non-denominational Christian church, my pastor asked me about being baptized, and I mentioned that I already had been. He asked if it had been my decision or my parents’? It was, of course, my parents’ decision. I also thought about my confirmation which had been mine.
I have read and learned how the Bible describes baptism:
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death
in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
It was explained to me that baptism is symbolic of being buried (being immersed in water) and born again, raised with Jesus. When I was originally baptized it had not been my choice, and water was merely sprinkled over my forehead.
I struggled with the idea of being baptized again. If I did that, would that mean that my first baptism did not count?
I actually asked a Catholic priest if there was any downside to my being baptized again. He basically said no. My Christian friend, Tony Capsuto, explained it to me this way: If this new church feels like family and home, consider that is the way they do things. Embrace it. I prayed and thought about it for over a month.
On February 19, 2014, I recommitted my life to Jesus. My decision, my choice, my commitment.
Life has been far from perfect since that day, but I do feel a much closer relationship to God. I do feel like I am growing and learning so much about what it really means to be committed to living a life for Jesus. I’m still figuring that out.
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Not only did I want to recommit, but I also wanted to be sure I did it right. If you have not been baptized, I very truly hope that you will consider it.
Thank you, God, for Grace, Truth, Love, and Laughter,
Darren
(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along my journey to having a closer relationship to God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read The Bible.)
.
What church do I attend? Verve Church in Las Vegas, NV
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
Want to see more God Blog posts? https://darrenlacroix.com/category/godblog/
Darren, I love when you share your experiences. I struggled with this very same thing twenty years ago. No regrets. It was an amazing day for our entire family. I especially applaud your willingness to put your self out there publicly, because we live in a day where so many are comfortable publicly criticizing others for just about anything (and everything). Thank you for being an example for those struggling to share their journeys publicly too. <3
What a privilege to share this moment with you. Praise the Lord.
Darren, It was a pleasure to see be at your various sessions at the D31 Conference last week. This is the first time that I came across information that you were a Christian but I thought that I had been sensing it a few times. Thank you for sharing your baptism (by choice) with all of us. I look forward to diving into the University! God bless and don’t stay away from Massachusetts long 🙂
Thanks for sharing your faith journey Darren. Keep walking in the Truth.