After not going to church for several years, I decided I missed it and that I needed it in my life. I got the missionaries to come over, but not before running it by John. I asked him if he would learn some more about the religion I grew up with and still wanted in my life. That’s where this all begin.

Watching John, ask questions and get to know the church more and more was inspiring. He showed a small ounce of faith, a want to know more about Jesus Christ. Alma talked to his people about the principle of faith and likened it unto a tree seed, which, after being planted, needed care and cultivation. The desire for fruit caused the seed to be planted, and the planter had faith that it would sprout and grow. Alma continues to describe this seed of faith:

“As the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.”

The first step is faith, not just faith in general, but a specific faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To know whether or not Jesus Christ is a reality, or if it is true that he is the Son of God and came to earth to proclaim his gospel, give his life, and accomplish the resurrection that all men may live again, there must arise within one’s soul a genuine desire to gain a knowledge of the truth. When such a desire becomes strong enough, we are persuaded to examine the evidence. This is exactly what John did. Once he desired to examine the evidence and search further into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he did so.

A step further than the research and questioning, this journey comes to the point where the faith must be acted upon or the seed must be nourished. You must ask for divine revelation through honest prayer to know that this faith you acted on and the research you have seen is true. Other then that there is no way to know that these teachings of Jesus Christ are true. Here is one of my favorite scriptures found in Mathew 7:7-8:

“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” This is a promise to us, that if we pray in sincerity to know, we will get an answer.

John sought the truth, he received answers to his prayers and saw the blessings in his life. Now we are here, to support John in baptism. Baptism is an ordinance required of us to return to our heavenly father.

Gordon B. Hinckley, our late prophet once said, “Growing up, trusting my decisions, and receiving consequences was not easy. But such joy has entered my life because I made the right decision. That moment of peace at my baptism has guided my life. Every big decision I make must have that peace, or I cannot live with it. I believe that if we choose what is right, we can get through anything.”

Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. You will be cleaned of all sins today and can continue with this blessing from God by partaking of the sacrament every week on Sunday and praying for repentance.

After testing faith, reading passages from the scriptures and praying for the truth, John’s heart was prepared for this day.

Gordon B. Hinckley said…

“A seed of faith comes into their hearts. It enlarges as they learn. And they accept principle upon principle, until they have every one of the marvelous blessings that come to those who walk with faith in this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is faith that is the converter. It is faith that is the teacher. Thus it has been from the beginning.”

POEM ON BAPTISM

“Me, my Lord, baptize Thee?

Why comest Thou to me?”

And John the Baptist bowed his head

In deep humility.

But Jesus said with a gentle smile,

“Let your heart be still.

Suffer it to be so now,

All righteousness fulfill.”

So down the Jordan’s shallow bank

Christ went with humble grace.

Into the stream John lowered Him

With wonder on his face.

When from the water Jesus came,

The heavens opened above.

God’s holy Spirit came to earth,

A gift of His great love.

And now, your turn has come,

You have been baptized too.

The Light of Christ is in your face

For all the world to view.