Jim Kelly, a former quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, officially became a Christian with his recent baptism wherein he wore a shirt proclaiming “God is Real.”
Kelly, who played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills between 1986 and 1996, shared a video of the Baptism on his wife’s Instagram in which he replied “Yes I do” when asked if he loves Jesus.
“I’m not a man of many words and I don’t speak ‘Christianese.’ All I know is that God changed my life,” Kelly wrote in his post. “After Hunter went to heaven I was so lost and angry at God. But God loved me anyway and he never gave up on me.”
Kelly has a newfound faith
Pastor Derwin Gray, who played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1993 to 1997, commented on Jim Kelly’s social media post, expressing his excitement for Kelly’s newfound faith.
“Let’s go! We are in the same team now! Team Jesus,” Gray wrote.
Before baptizing Kelly, his pastor spoke optimistically about Kelly’s spiritual journey: “It’s been 15 years of Bible study and prayer and growth,” the pastor said. “We’re proud of you, how far you’ve come, and where you’re going, it’s even better.”
“Becoming a Christian is the best decision I’ve made in my life,” Kelly stressed. “I wish I would’ve come to him sooner. But, His timing is perfect.”
Kelly’s story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy and hardship, there is hope and faith to be found in God.
Jim Kelly’s own words already say what matters: God changed his life, even after anger and loss. We will not embroider that testimony. We will only set it next to Scripture. Baptism is a confession that Jesus is Lord, and that we have been “buried with him by baptism into death,” so that we might be raised to a new life (Romans 6:4). John the Baptist prepared the way for that life by preaching repentance and pointing people to Christ (John 1:23, 29).
Grief can make a person feel abandoned. The gospel does not deny the grief. It announces a Savior who has overcome death, and a Father who does not give up on sinners. If Kelly’s baptism has made you think about your own need to turn to Jesus, that is a good thought to follow. Seek a Bible-preaching church, open the Word, and ask to be baptized if you have believed and have not yet taken that step.
John the Baptist Boulevard shares stories like this so that the call to repentance stays public. If we can help, call or text John Arwood at (904) 305-7534, or write [email protected].