Transformative Journey: Embracing Faith and Baptism
Summary
Discovering Jesus and my Journey to Baptism is a personal testimony of transformation and faith. Growing up in Oregon, I was baptized as a baby in the Catholic tradition, following the religious practices of my family. However, my spiritual journey was largely routine and lacked a personal connection to God. This changed when I moved to Arizona in late 2021. It was there that I met Kayla, a young woman whose vibrant faith in Jesus was immediately apparent and intriguing to me. As we spent more time together, I learned about her Christian faith and began attending church with her.
Through Kayla, I was introduced to her family, particularly her father, Gavin, who became a significant mentor in my life. Gavin exemplified what it means to be a family shepherd, leading with love, biblical wisdom, and prayer. His guidance was especially impactful as I navigated the emotional challenges of my parents' recent separation. Gavin's mentorship mirrored the fatherly love of God, providing me with a tangible example of spiritual leadership and devotion.
As my faith deepened, I made the conscious decision to be baptized as an adult, a choice I did not have as a baby. In October 2024, I was baptized at North Valley Church, an experience that filled me with indescribable joy and love. This public declaration of faith marked a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey, affirming my commitment to follow Christ as my Savior.
I am profoundly grateful to the Robertson family, especially Gavin, for their influence and support. My baptism was not just a ceremony but a transformative step in my life, one that I encourage others to consider if they have not yet done so. Embracing this step of faith is a powerful, eye-opening experience that brings glory and fulfillment. I thank God for guiding me to this decision and for being the foundation of my renewed life in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- The journey to faith often begins with personal connections. Meeting Kayla and witnessing her genuine love for Jesus sparked a curiosity and desire in me to explore Christianity more deeply. Relationships can be powerful catalysts for spiritual growth, leading us to discover new dimensions of faith. [00:45]
- Mentorship plays a crucial role in spiritual development. Gavin's example of a family shepherd provided me with a model of godly leadership and devotion. His influence helped me understand the importance of living a life grounded in biblical principles and prayer. [01:30]
- Baptism is a profound declaration of faith. Choosing to be baptized as an adult allowed me to publicly affirm my commitment to Christ, a decision that brought immense joy and transformation. It is a step that signifies a personal and conscious choice to follow Jesus. [02:43]
- God provides fatherly love and guidance through others. In times of personal struggle, such as my parents' separation, God placed Gavin in my life as a mentor and father figure, demonstrating His care and provision through human relationships. [01:50]
- Embracing faith is a life-changing decision. My baptism was not just a ritual but a transformative experience that solidified my identity in Christ. It is an invitation to live a life of purpose, joy, and service to God, a decision I encourage others to consider. [03:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to My Story
[00:30] - Growing Up Catholic
[00:45] - Meeting Kayla
[01:00] - Discovering Christianity
[01:15] - Attending Church
[01:30] - Mentorship from Gavin
[01:50] - Fatherly Influence
[02:10] - Decision to Be Baptized
[02:30] - Baptism Experience
[02:43] - Gratitude and Encouragement
[03:00] - Living a Joyous Life in Christ
[03:10] - Invitation to Baptism
[03:30] - Conclusion and Thanks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Discovering Jesus and My Journey to Baptism
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Romans 6:3-4 (Baptism into Christ's Death and Resurrection)
3. Proverbs 27:17 (Iron Sharpens Iron)
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Observation Questions:
1. What role did Kayla play in Nicholas's journey to discovering Christianity? [00:45]
2. How did Gavin's mentorship influence Nicholas's understanding of spiritual leadership? [01:30]
3. What was significant about Nicholas's decision to be baptized as an adult? [02:43]
4. How did Nicholas describe his life before meeting Kayla and Gavin? [00:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might personal relationships serve as catalysts for spiritual growth, as seen in Nicholas's story? [00:45]
2. In what ways did Gavin's example of a "family shepherd" reflect biblical principles of leadership and mentorship? [01:30]
3. What does baptism symbolize in the context of Nicholas's testimony, and why was it a transformative experience for him? [02:43]
4. How does God use people like Gavin to provide guidance and fatherly love during times of personal struggle? [01:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a personal relationship that has influenced your spiritual journey. How did it impact your faith, and what steps can you take to nurture that relationship further? [00:45]
2. Consider someone in your life who has been a mentor or spiritual guide. How have they shaped your understanding of faith, and how can you express gratitude to them this week? [01:30]
3. If you have been baptized, what did that experience mean to you? If not, what are your thoughts on taking this step of faith, and what might be holding you back? [02:43]
4. Think about a time when you felt God's guidance through another person. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you be open to God's guidance in your current circumstances? [01:50]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to deepen your commitment to Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue that commitment? [03:10]
6. How can you be a mentor or positive influence in someone else's spiritual journey, similar to how Gavin was for Nicholas? What actions can you take to support and guide them? [01:30]
7. Reflect on the concept of living a joyous life in Christ. What changes can you make in your daily routine to cultivate joy and gratitude in your relationship with God? [03:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Relationships as Catalysts for Faith
Through personal connections, individuals often find themselves drawn to explore deeper dimensions of faith. Meeting someone with a vibrant and genuine love for Jesus can spark curiosity and a desire to learn more about Christianity. These relationships can serve as powerful catalysts for spiritual growth, leading individuals to discover new aspects of their faith journey. The influence of a faithful friend can open doors to new experiences and understanding, encouraging one to explore their beliefs more profoundly. [00:45]
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life has inspired you to explore your faith more deeply? How can you nurture that relationship to continue growing spiritually?
Day 2: The Role of Mentorship in Spiritual Growth
Mentorship is a crucial element in spiritual development, providing guidance and wisdom that can shape one's faith journey. A mentor exemplifies godly leadership and devotion, offering a model of living a life grounded in biblical principles and prayer. Through mentorship, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their faith and learn how to navigate life's challenges with spiritual insight. The presence of a mentor can be a source of strength and encouragement, helping one to grow in their relationship with God. [01:30]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: Who has been a mentor in your spiritual journey? How can you express gratitude to them and continue to learn from their example?
Day 3: Baptism as a Declaration of Faith
Baptism is a profound declaration of faith, signifying a personal and conscious choice to follow Jesus. It is a public affirmation of one's commitment to Christ, bringing immense joy and transformation. This step in the faith journey is not merely a ritual but a significant moment that solidifies one's identity in Christ. Choosing to be baptized as an adult allows individuals to express their faith openly and embrace a life dedicated to following Jesus. [02:43]
"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12, ESV)
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how did that experience impact your faith journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore this decision further?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Love Through Others
In times of personal struggle, God often provides guidance and love through the people He places in our lives. A mentor or father figure can demonstrate God's care and provision, offering support and wisdom during challenging times. These relationships reflect the fatherly love of God, providing a tangible example of His presence and guidance. Through others, individuals can experience God's love and find strength to navigate difficult circumstances. [01:50]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who has been a source of God's love and guidance in your life during difficult times? How can you be that source for someone else today?
Day 5: Embracing Faith as a Life-Changing Decision
Embracing faith is a transformative decision that invites individuals to live a life of purpose, joy, and service to God. Baptism is not just a ritual but a life-changing experience that solidifies one's identity in Christ. This decision encourages individuals to live out their faith daily, seeking to glorify God in all aspects of life. Embracing faith is an invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ, bringing fulfillment and joy. [03:10]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What does living a life of purpose and joy in Christ look like for you today? How can you take a step towards embracing this life more fully?
Quotes
I had the pleasure and honor to talk to and be mentored by her dad, Gavin. Gavin is a very generous and amazing guy, someone I really look up to. And he took me in, mentored me, really showed me what a family shepherd looks like. know, leading his family, getting into biblical studies and praying, staying in the word and following under Jesus, just everyday life, really creating a great founding structure on God. [00:01:34] (29 seconds)
Continuing in my faith and progressively getting stronger in it, I wanted to make the choice and I did make the choice to get baptized in the name Jesus, because as a baby, I did not have a choice, and now I do. And I wanted to show and let everyone know that I follow in Christ, my one and only Savior. [00:02:35] (19 seconds)
I want to thank the Robertsons, and I want to thank Gavin especially, Gavin Robertson for being an impact on my life, for being a fatherly a mentor figure, and for baptizing me here at North Valley Church. [00:03:20] (12 seconds)
I want to encourage anyone who hasn't been baptized and professed to you that they live for Christ to do so and really make that step and faithful leap into your life. It's very renowned and eye -opening. and glorious is something that you will never regret. [00:03:33] (20 seconds)
I thank God for being the big change in my life and the firm foundation of leading me to be re -baptized. It was the best decision and day of my life. [00:03:52] (15 seconds)
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