The Power of Christ At Work
Last week it was widely reported about former Korn guitarist Brian Welch leaving the band and becoming Christian. Here's the latest:

Ex-Korn Guitarist Baptized in Jordan River
KIBBUTZ KINNERET, Israel - Former Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch was baptized Saturday in the Jordan River, just weeks after quitting his band, drug habits and rock-and-roll lifestyle for religion.

Welch, a founding member of the multi-platinum band, and about 20 other white-robed Christian pilgrims from a Bakersfield, Calif., church were immersed by their pastor, Ron Vietti.

Welch said the ritual baptism had washed away his anger. "You know when you get angry and it builds up? I felt like hurting someone before, now I feel like hugging people," he said.

That last paragraph really struck me. The hard core music style of bands like Korn is often based on anger. That is no great new insight or exciting revelation. Rock and Roll itself has often had that angry side to it (next to the sex and drugs as well). It is interesting to hear someone like Welch respond that way and see that shift.

We know, of course, that it is not the baptism than brought about the change. It is Jesus and the ability of the Lord to get inside our hearts, souls, lives, heads, whatever, and make the adjustments needed. But being willing to go out on that limb and be baptized is part of the work that we must do- the footwork- that proclaims that we are no longer ours.

The charge Moravian pastors have given after a baptism for a couple hundred years now comes to mind. (It is of course based on Scripture..Galatians 2:20) I pass it on to Brian Welch as a thought at this exciting time in his spiritual life:

Now live. Yet, not you, but Christ live in you. And the life you live, live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave his life for you.