Archives: Baptism

Hey Connection!!

I’m so pumped about Sunday!! Not only are we celebrating Easter, which is like the Superbowl, World Cup, and the World Series all tied into one, we’re also having baptisms after every service at all three campuses! It’s going to be an incredible celebration as we watch people publically profess their faith in Jesus and we celebrate people who have gone from death to life! We are praying that we will see 100 people baptized across all of our campuses in Stateboro, Vidalia, and Millen! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS EASTER SUNDAY!!

With the baptisms coming up I wanted to give you three thoughts about when and why you should be baptized:

1. Because Jesus said so…Jesus was very clear in Matthew 28:19,20 that WHEN (that’s important) we become a Christian our next step is baptism. In his first sermon the Apostle Peter told those listening, “Repent (turn from sin and turn to Jesus) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) These are pretty clear commands that once we come to belief and trust in Jesus as our savior our next step is baptism! Question…have you been baptized AS A BELIEVER in Jesus Christ?
2. As YOUR decision…Baptism comes after YOU make a choice to follow Christ. It is your statement that your life has been set apart and wholly devoted to Jesus. It is saying that Jesus has washed our sins away (the cleansing water) and that we have risen from death to life (going under the water and coming back up) with Christ. Baptism is a physical representation of a spiritual reality that doesn’t take place until you have been converted (saved) through faith. Question…have you been baptized as a public profession of YOUR decision to follow Jesus?
3. As a response to what God has done…Baptism DOES NOT cause our conversion or make us “saved”. The water does not save you, Jesus does! If you are baptized without faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior you are just a wet sinner bound for Hell. (OK…that sounds harsh but it was the only way I could think to say it!) There is no saving power in the water itself. The power of salvation is found in faith for what Jesus did on the cross as He took our sin and God’s judgment on himself so that we can be forgiven! (Ephesians 2:8,9) We cannot save ourselves! When we think of the overwhelming grace of God that He has poured into our lives the question really changes from “Why should I be baptized?” to “Why wouldn’t I be baptized?!” Question…have you been baptized as a RESPONSE to what Jesus has done on the cross?

If your answer to any of these questions is “no” and you are a follower of Christ then your next step IS baptism. There will be plenty of water this Sunday! Click here to sign-up!

With You Heart and Soul!

Brandon

Hey Connection!

This Sunday is our big Pre-game service. On Sunday, September 28^th we will be tailgaiting before both services and having baptisms after both services. It is going to be a GREAT day! In preparation for this day there are a few things I would like to ask you to do.

1. Pray – Pray that God will do amazing things on this day as the Gospel is presented. Pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken people’s hearts to the reality of Jesus. AND Pray about who you should invite to be a part of this day.

2. Invest – Invest in someone’s life. Invest in those God has called you to share His love with. Invest in those whom God has given you influence with.

3. Invite – Invite people you have been investing in to church. Invite people you have been investing in to a relationship with Jesus. (Even better…Do Both!) Invite someone you’ve been investing in to Pre-game on September 28^th.

4. Persist – Persist in your investment and invitation to those God has put in front of you. Persist with love and grace even when they seem disinterested. Persist with the same persistence that God persisted in His pursuit of you. (Say that sentence 10 times fast!)

There you go, Connection. As a community of believers united by the Holy Spirit we are an unstoppable and powerful force. Let’s leverage the influence God has given us with people to offer them the best news they’ve ever, or maybe have never, heard. Whether it’s the grilled sausage or seeing a friend get baptized, let’s get as many people to church on Sunday, September 28^th as we can and let’s see what God does through our obedience!

We will be serving food beginning at 8 AM and 10 AM. Can’t wait!

Heart and Soul,

Brandon

Hey Connection!!

Needless to say I am already pumped about the baptisms that will take place after our service on September 23^rd. It’s going to be an incredible celebration as we watch people publically profess their faith in Jesus and celebrate people going from death to life! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THAT SUNDAY!!

With the baptisms coming up I wanted to give you three thoughts about when and why you should be baptized:

1. Because Jesus said so…Jesus was very clear in Matthew 28:19,20 that WHEN (that’s important) we become a Christian our next step is baptism. In his first sermon, the Apostle Peter told those listening, “Repent (turn from sin and turn to Jesus) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) These are pretty clear commands that once we come to belief and trust in Jesus as our savior our next step is baptism! Question…have you been baptized AS A BELIEVER in Jesus Christ.
2. As YOUR decision…Baptism comes after YOU make a choice to follow Christ. This is your decision not the decision of your parents or in order to attain church membership. It is your statement that your life has been set apart and wholly devoted to Jesus. It is saying that Jesus has washed MY sins away (the cleansing water) and that I have risen from death to life (going under the water and coming back up) with Christ. Baptism is a physical representation of a spiritual reality that doesn’t take place until you have been converted (saved) through faith. Question…have you been baptized as a public profession of YOUR decision to follow Jesus?
3. As a response to what God has done…Baptism DOES NOT cause our conversion or make us “saved”. The waters don’t save you, Jesus does! If you are baptized without faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior you are just a wet sinner bound for Hell. (OK…that was kinda harsh but it was the only way I could think to say it!) There is no saving power in the water itself. The power of salvation is found in faith in what Jesus did on the cross as He took our sin and God’s judgment on himself so that we can be forgiven! (Ephesians 2:8,9) We cannot save ourselves! When we think of the overwhelming grace of God that He has poured into our lives, the question really changes from “Why should I be baptized?” to “Why wouldn’t I be baptized?!” Question…have you been baptized as a result of your FAITH in what Jesus has done on the cross?

If your answer to any of these questions is “no” and you are a follower of Christ then your next step IS baptism. There will be plenty of water on the 23^rd! Click here to Sign-up!

Heart and Soul!

Brandon