Easter Sunday

One of the things I've struggled with for a long time in the traditions I grew up in was understanding evangelism.  I was frustrated to read the great commission, Christ's call to spread the gospel, but not have the church act it out.  Once I left the church I grew up in, I tried many other denominations and I found that there are basically (this is a huge generalization, but valid) two types of traditions.

On the one hand, the tradition I grew up in stresses discipleship.  They want to make sure that Christians are acting Christ-like.  On the other side, the other traditions stress evangelism.  They want to see new believers come to know Christ.  The problem for most churches is the balance that must be had with both sharing the good news, and teaching Christians to obey His commands.

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Easter Sunday was an amazing day at my church.  Over 50 people were baptized into the Kingdom - and only God knows how many committed to Him for the very first time!  I was helping baptize up front, during the service.  It was an amazing experience.  Young couples, old men, entire families, dozens of people came out of the crowd in their sunday best to get baptized!

There is such a need in this area for the gospel, the good news, the understanding of love, acceptance and grace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.  And I had joy unspeakable, watching lives be renewed, that I have never had before!  We will definitely followup with these new Christians as Christ commanded us, but what an awesome experience!  I can't imagine the rejoicing that happened in heaven this past Sunday morning!