Baptism is a symbol of the new life believers have in Christ. This is Kirk Armstrong’s public profession of faith in Jesus from his baptism on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Today, I stand before you with a grateful heart, humbled by the grace and love of Jesus Christ. I understand that baptism is not just a tradition, it is a request from Jesus Himself, a call for me to be born again, to step into new life through Him.
For many years, I professed my faith in Christ, knowing He is the Son of God who was crucified for me. Yet if I’m being honest, my faith often lived on the sidelines. I grew up as what you might call a “Chr’easter”…showing up for Christmas and Easter services, believing in God, but still living for myself. It was not until I began to truly understand. To truly understand just what was given to me. By His sacrifice, my sins are forgiven. By His resurrection, I have new life. And by placing my trust in Him as Lord and Savior, I am redeemed, restored, and forever His.
I tried to be a great dad, a great employee, and a successful man in a very competitive world where success is praised and measured by achievements. I searched for direction in my own way, even as a young man I remember playing what I call “Bible roulette,” opening my Bible and asking God to speak to me. Through that, Proverbs and Psalms became my favorite books, quietly shaping my heart & my life even when I didn’t fully realize it.
For much of my life, I was more focused on what was best for me rather than what God wanted for me. Then God placed my wife in my life, and through her family I saw what Christ-centered living truly looked like. I watched her father lead with faith, humility, and strength, and I knew deep in my spirit, that is the kind of husband, father, man I wanted to be. The kind of man who leads his family not through pride or control, but through surrender to God.
When you have children, everything in life changes. The birth of my two beautiful girls is a testimony in and of itself, but for a later day. As a father, you want what’s best for them. You want to be the best you can be for them. And I came to realize that the only way to truly do that is to lead by faith and trust God with the rest. I have been a Christian for over 30 years, but I still struggle almost daily…with doubt, uncertainty, and fear…especially over things I cannot control. But when those moments come, I cling to the truth of Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” And in those words, I find peace, knowing I am never ever alone.
Today, baptism represents more than water, it represents new life. Being immersed is a public profession of my faith in Jesus Christ and a declaration that my life belongs to Him. The beauty of baptism is its simplicity. It reflects the love of Christ that already lives within us and the responsibility we carry to share His Good News with the world. This moment is my way of saying: I choose Jesus. Not just in word, but in life. Not just on holidays, but every day. I choose surrender, obedience, and faith. What a beautiful way to show the world Jesus. What a beautiful way to begin again.