In this video lesson we present two important aspects of the Christian life: Baptism and the Great Commission.
SHORT SEGMENTS open the lesson, first with inspirational thoughts by Dr. Cynthia based on Luke 6:47-48. Dr. C and Huda discovered that their ocean retreat on the Mendocino Coast was perched over rough seawater in underlying sea caves. Between them and the sea, however, was the rock of the cliff, protecting them from being dashed to pieces by the waves.
This is a real-life example of Jesus’ parable of the house safely built on a rock – as are our lives based on him.
Then we see a reality segment where the friends watch a diver collect and record his harvest of abalone, which is closely regulated in California.
The third segment is a candid assessment by Dr. C of Huda’s 6-month progress in discipleship as a Christian from Muslim background. Dr. C is very happy with the growth that Huda has made and what she has learned. For the future Dr. C would like Huda to become more familiar with the Bible, have more Christian friends, and find a church where she fits in. But she is still enthused in her faith and has been baptized. Later in the lesson we hear an update that Huda has gone on and accomplished her 5th year as a believer!
Fouad Masri of Crescent Project shares with inspirational words from John 15, that we are the beloved friends of Jesus. We are not God’s slaves. We are loved and invited to be part of God’s family.
HUDA’S BAPTISM:
In a home gathering we talk about Huda’s baptism, and the importance of sharing the gospel with people from other countries in America. Volunteer Robyn shares one of her experiences.
Then, we start to look into baptism. Baptism is an important part of the Christian faith. It is an outward sign of an inward change. Through it we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Teresa and Christina who were re-baptized as adults, tell us they did it to confirm and display their personal faith.
Next, in a teaching session, Dr. C and new believer Huda discuss the basis and meaning of water baptism. Huda says she wants to do it to follow Jesus’ example, and to symbolize being with him through his death, burial, and resurrection. Dr. C explains that we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we arise from the water, it represents our new live in Christ!
Next, we see former Muslim Huda’s baptism. This reality segment is a rarely filmed event in the life of a former Muslim.
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Special concerns exist regarding baptism of Muslims. For Christian background believers, baptism is strongly encouraged, but it does not have the black and white connotation that it does for someone from a Muslim background. A Muslim family would not like a member to show interest in Christianity or the Bible. However, since Islamic looks on the external, it is the former Muslim’s baptism which proclaims their identity with Christ, which they consider is treason to Allah, Mohammed, and the House of Islam.
Dr. James Anderson, a pastor, baptizes Huda. The tradition at his church includes playing part of the believer’s favorite worship song (Huda’s is in Arabic) and reading of their testimony.
In her written testimony, Huda condenses her journey to faith in Christ – how she received a Bible as a child, but was not allowed to read it, how after years of travel as an adult she discovered the difference Jesus made in societies, and how she finally heard the gospel in America. She concludes with a plea: since it was in America that she finally heard the gospel, she encourages American Christians to share the gospel with foreigners who come to America.
GREAT COMMISSION: Back at the seaside retreat, Dr. C and Huda pray and meditate while walking the beach. There they found inspiration to share Jesus with the world: The Great Commission.
With the Pacific Coast as a background, Dr. C reads verses from both the Old and New Testaments, which illustrate that it has always been God’s desire that people everywhere should come to know Him and the blessings of following him.
(Isaiah 51:15 & 42:10-12 & 24:14-16 & 25:7 & 26:3,12 and Habakkuk 2:14)
We conclude with the theme song for our ministry, “ENABLE US,” based on Acts 4:29,30.
“Enable us, O Lord, to do your will. Enable us, Our God, your plans to fulfill.
Keep us focused on the goal to bring your light to all men,
To accomplish all undone so you can come to earth again.
Enable us O Lord to speak your Word, with kindness and respect to those who have not heard
The glory of your love and its hope for all who call,
When they glimpse on the glory that’s been hidden since the fall.
And when the world is dark send your truth to light the way;
And when we are discouraged give us grace to face the day,
And always breathe your Spirit so that we can serve and praise.
Enable us O Lord our God. Enable us, we pray!”
