Lesson 39: As I Step Into the Water: An Act of Faith
Kentucky Chaplain Chaltas

As Barbourville approaches, I feel myself burdened with a responsibility to not only myself but to my brother and sisters. For you see it is upon the sacred ground within the confines of a holy pond that I shall enter the water once again in the act of baptism. I have stepped out on faith and believe that a miracle will occur through the Holy Spirit moving amongst the people. God our gracious Redeemer and Creator of all asks us to be baptized by water. The wonderful story of faith in 2 Kings 5: 1-19 demonstrates the significance of water. Naaman was a commander of the army of Syria and had contracted leprosy. He sought Elisha and was told that he must dip 7 times in the River of Jordan to be cleansed. There was nothing magical about the water. Any other body of water would yield the same effect; nothing. It was following of God's commandment through faith that cleansed the man and made him whole. He obeyed God's directions and the result was a healing.

Our Bible is clear and a concise instrument for learning and will lead to salvation. It is loaded throughout with references to baptism. In John 3:5 Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." In Acts 2:38 Peter stated to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." What is the GIFT of the Holy Spirit? Salvation! Mark 16:16 states that, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned". In Acts 22:16 the words are clear as to what we must do. "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Matthew 28:19 tells us to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." So the evidence is overwhelming and our duty is clear, we must confess with our mouths and then through an act of faith be baptized. Christ set the example for us to follow. In the New Testament Matthew 3:11-17 Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John tried to prevent Him but Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." With these words he demonstrated an act of obedience to His father, he showed that he had to follow the plan of salvation and that in order to obtain the gift you must do something in faith.

So this weekend I too will be baptized once again. It will be an outward sign of an inward change. It will be a symbolic cleansing and recommitment to the truths that I hold dear to my heart. Christ is my Savior and my sins though black as night will be as white as the morning light permeating the fog. Won't you also come forward and be baptized? As reenactors you have followed this unworthy servant. You have followed your banners. Now will you not follow the Book that is so sacred to us and was so loved by our ancestors? What did General Lee and Jackson and countless others do? They set the example and let their light be seen by all that knew them or read about their faith. By example I will be immersed. By faith I will be redeemed. By baptism I will be cleansed once again and reaffirm my commitment to God. The song says, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus." Softly and tenderly your Saviour is calling...Please heed His calling and follow your heart for therein lies your destiny.

I remain your obedient servant in Christ,

The Old General