Baptism

So for those of you who weren't there (you bunch of losers), Andy got baptised yesterday.
Not just any baptism - the first baptism in our new, solar-powered baptistry. Wow.

But what does it mean for you? For those of us who have already been baptised, it probably brings back memories - it certainly did for me - of a cold, rainy day last July, getting dunked in the North Sea. For those of you who haven't been baptised yet, I'm hoping yesterday's baptism challenged you, and maybe brought up the questions - why bother, and / or how can I get baptised?
For the former question, there are many answers. Firstly, Jesus did it, and commanded it. If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me [Read John 1:19-34]. Andy's testimony mentioned this - it is a step of obedience, through which we acknowledge our death to sin, and rising in new life, free from the old. That doesn't mean we don't sin any more - don't be surprised when Andy next swears, or covets your donkey [Read Exodus 20:17 if confused!] - but that sin no longer has power over us, Jesus becomes the boss.
For the second question - see your mentor. The church runs baptism courses, and will take you through what it means to be baptised, and ensure that you are ready for it. If you don't have a mentor, just speak to one of the youth leaders.
Be certain of one thing though - baptism isn't something expected of you when you reach a certain age. Some people are baptised in their early teens, others in their twenties (like myself), others much later - you should get baptised when you are in the right place in your walk with God: I desire above most things that people who get baptised truly want to.

Sermon over - plus it's a lovely sunny day, and I'm off to the beach.