Author: Carrie Ekle

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Why Shouldn’t I

 A new car, a new phone, a new job – we all like new things, don’t we? I know that my sons are always excited about their birthdays because they cannot wait to celebrate a new age and a new year!

LifePointe Church is getting ready to celebrate something new as well. But it’s so much more than a new car or new job. We are celebrating NEW LIFE! It is the celebration of people who have chosen Christ and have experienced their old life being swept away while their new life has begun. Baptism is the next exciting step on the journey to follow Jesus.

The idea of baptism might seem strange to you, and you may ask yourself, “Why should I get baptized?” When I was 11 years old, I was terrified when I was about to be immersed in front of my entire church. Despite my apprehension, I wondered, “Why should I get baptized?” Being drenched (for who-knows-how-long) by my pastor was not something I was eager about at all. Having been a problematic child, he could’ve held me under for a while! But, fortunately, that’s not something pastors ever do!

Despite my doubts, I knew I should get baptized. I just didn’t know why. Fortunately, I knew I would spend eternity with Jesus even if I didn’t get baptized. I had already made my decision to live for Him.

Why is baptism such a significant step for me? My understanding of baptism is similar to the process of getting married and putting on a wedding ring. A person is still married even if they lose their wedding ring. Even though the ring is not what makes someone a married person, they still wear it all the time. Why? Because they want the world to know they’ve committed to spending the rest of their lives with someone they love. The wedding ring represents a sacred commitment to faithfulness.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we’re not saved by good works, including baptism, but by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Our faith should be personal, but not private. Baptism is about going public with your faith.

You might still be wondering why I should get baptized?

  • Because Jesus was baptized. In Matthew 3:16, we learn that Jesus was baptized before He started His earthly ministry. If the Son of God pursued baptism, we should follow His example and become baptized as well.
  • Because you’ve decided to follow Jesus and want people to know. You’ll never regret making the decision to follow Christ. When you make a life-changing decision like this, you want to share the new hope you’ve found in Jesus with everyone! You want to tell people you believe God is real and your Savior. Your faith should be personal but not private. Baptism is a public display of your faith.
  • Because baptism is a powerful symbol of what Jesus did for us. We are reminded of what Jesus did for us when we were baptized. When we go into the water, we are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His payment for our sins. However, when we emerge from the water, we are reminded that Jesus rose from the dead three days later! In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we learn that we are a new creation if we are in Christ. Baptism reminds us of this.

Getting baptized is important, but not because it saves you. The grace of God through faith in Jesus is what saves you, and getting baptized is how you tell people about the change that has already taken place inside of you.

Rather than asking, “Why should I be baptized?” we should focus on answering the Scripture’s question, “They came to water, and the Eunuch said, “Look! Water!” Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). The real question is, Why should you not be baptized?

If you’ve decided it’s time to take the next step in your faith journey and decide to get baptized, please let us know. The baptisms are happening at LifePointe Church on May 29th. It’s time to party! Make sure you bring your family and friends for the celebration.

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5 Practices of a Healthy Family

Healthy families raise healthy children who build healthy societies.

Families are America’s number one problem. They are also America’s number one solution.

For this reason, the family is the greatest mission field and evangelism tool the church has ever had since it is what shapes all societies on earth. As a family, we are responsible for raising children/disciples who will lead our society in every way. A person’s home environment has the greatest influence on him/her.

COVID-19 had many horrific effects on so many people and lives, but many people rediscovered the value and impact of family. Families across the nation spent so much time together, and it was profound for those who seized the opportunity. 

The same thing happened on social media, from both parents AND teenagers, “I’m actually enjoying this time off because we never spend so much time together.” I think many people felt the same way. Having ended the quarantine, how can we ensure that healthy rhythms remain part of our family’s lives for years to come?

Disclaimer: I do not have all this figured out, nor am I a perfect parent. However, I believe that starting somewhere is more significant than not acting.

Here are a few ways you can make your family healthier:

1. Healthy Marriages and Parenting

Parents demonstrate honor, respect, communication, and authority in a healthy home. A healthy marriage and parenting relationship will lead to a healthy family. Whether your biological parents are present in your home, a blended home, or even a single-parent home, there is no default home in America. This is because our families are quite diverse.

A healthy family is a matter of parental leadership and authority. No matter your family dynamics, the number one influence on a child is that nurturing, caring role. Create environments that model and facilitate open and honest dialogue, where the child can see and hear that no matter what the topic is, you will still show love and respect to one another. Create a loving and accepting space where your children will want to run home!

2. The Family Table

Creating a meal together creates magic. The conversations around the table will transform the dynamic of your family. This is the place where everyone finds out how everyone is doing. Some of the most memorable and powerful times will take place around the table when the family converses together, building relationships, identity, and trust. We live in a fast-paced society, so if you can include even one meal a week for your family, it will have a huge impact.

The following questions will help you start a conversation:

  • What was your favorite (or worst) part of the day?
  • What are your plans for this evening or this weekend?
  • How are your classes? Sports teams? Work?
  • Who is your best friend right now, and why?
  • Is there anything you need from me that I don’t provide for you?
  • What has God shown you lately?
  • I want to know what you plan to do with your life in the future.

3. Sibling Relationships

Over the last 25 years, our family has lost the sibling relationship. My brother is quite a bit older than me, but I remember growing up with him and his influence on me.

We are not just raising a fatherless or motherless generation anymore. We are raising a generation without siblings now. Siblings have a special way of impacting our lives through conversation, accountability, and understanding. You can help your family build healthy relationships with each other by setting up family meetings, having family game nights, having siblings pick each other up from events, and helping with homework.

4. Family Fun

When is the last time you had a family vacation? Everyone could use more memories, laughter, and education. Family vacations can create all of these things.

The inspiration from having fun as a family can also occur with movie nights, board games, and yard games that cost very little or nothing. Having fun together as a family is sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do together! Maybe you should try a stay-cation in your area for the weekend, or maybe even a day-cation where you go to a museum or park for the day. Or maybe a road trip! You might grab the family every Saturday morning and go get donuts!

Be sure to include some FUN in whatever you do! 

5. Community Involvement

Engaging in community involvement can be an excellent way to educate your family at home and build positive character. Maybe you volunteer at a nonprofit for a couple of hours per month. Or maybe you volunteer in a shelter or a food kitchen where the homeless are served. A family can be involved in the community in a variety of ways.

We make homemade Christmas cards for a senior care facility. We call ahead a couple of weeks before Christmas to ask if the kids can spend 30 minutes talking to some of the residents. Then we hand over the cards.

Because our children are already involved in church events, sports teams, fine arts programs, and clubs, they are easy to attend.

Get involved with your church and find out how you can serve together. Perhaps you can greet or do a neighborhood or community outreach together.

Finally

Maybe you feel overwhelmed, unqualified, or guilty right now. But I think it’s helpful for all of us, to take the time to create new patterns in our homes. Very little happens by accident; it takes intentionality and effort. The kids don’t care about perfection. They just want to play with their parents. They just want to eat together. They just wish for their parents to be there. You can create a healthy family, church, and nation by practicing these five disciplines.

Healthy families raise healthy children who build healthy societies.