This weekend we are baptising two young men, Sam and Joe, from the Friday night Youth Group, Coastal Youth, that we help lead (we've recently had up to 100 kids attending!). Given Sam Fletcher is leading so well at Coastal Youth, I thought it'd be great for Sam to share what he loves about baptism!
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” Phil 3:10-11
Baptism is going into the water, into the grave with Christ, and emerging a new creation; knowing Christ’s death, yes, but also embracing His resurrection, and the resurrection He has won for us.
In baptism we are acknowledging our own sin, and limitation, while simultaneously grasping ahold of Christ’s promise for us. Water in the Bible has such symbolic meaning, from the flood of God’s judgement to the Israelites passing through the Red Sea — they went from their slavery in Egypt to their freedom found within the Promise land.
Incredibly this week two of our younger members, Joe, and Sam, are accepting their identity in Christ, and passing through their own sea to go from death to life. A marvellous declaration of repentance, the old being made new, and the deliverance from condemnation into liberation.
In Jesus Christ we are liberated from our past, but as Paul said, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV) So to know Christ’s death is to be dead to your sins, but to know His resurrection is to show His love.
Let us not grow weary in doing good to one another, especially those new to the faith, let us journey alongside them revealing the depth of God’s love, and teaching them the way that they too might be an example to the nations.
Lastly, let us, through the Spirit’s might, pursue Christ’s resurrection power fully in ourselves so that on the coming day of our Lord, we may present ourselves holy and blameless.
God Bless,
Sam Fletcher
Prayer
As we shared at our last worship and prayer night, there is much for us to be praying about! Please join us praying individually or together as you gather:
- Rhythms: how will we foster our simple rhythms (know, invite, gather)?
- Elders: how will we structure our long-term leadership and who will be on the team.
- Generosity: how would God have us become the generous individuals and church he's called us to.
- Future: how and where will we continue to gather.
Coming Up
Sun 21 May 3pm Baptisms at our usual Moffat Gathering
Sun 28 May 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sat 01 July SENT Young Adult Conference (Bridgeman Downs Baptist)
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus
Our Rhythms
Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you bless this week?
Gather and get involved: How can you connect, listen, share or pray with others this week?
Our Giving
If there is someone in need around you we'd encourage you to team up with another Christian friend and ask God to show you how to meet their need directly. You can also get started with giving to Open Road or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Last mths giving: $8,557
Last mths expenses: $5,082
Bank Balance: $18,694
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
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