We had so much fun on Sunday. Not only was there worship, the Word and communion... we had a craft. Yep. (Check out some photos on our Facebook page if you weren't able to be here.) It's been a great summer so far at Freedom!
And great stuff keeps coming... this Sunday is our water baptism service. We will meet at 4:00, do the baptism, and the share a potluck meal together. Details here...
I wanted to take a moment and remind us - young to old, new believers to lifers - why we make the effort and encourage all believers to be baptized in water. Baptism is a beautiful expression of what has happened in your life because of Jesus. Going down under the water symbolized the fact that you have identified with Christ in his death and have died to sin. Coming up out of the water symbolizes that you have participated with Christ in his own resurrection from the dead and that you have been raised to a new way of living. Water baptism isn't how you receive salvation - you need to place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour before being baptized. Water baptism requires repentance, faith and obedience and is a point of reference for the rest of your life.
Why be baptized?
- Obedience to Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Follows the example of the early Church (Acts 2:38, 8:46, 9:18, 10:46-48, 16:32-33, 19:4-5)
- Confirms your identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Galatians 2:20)
- Is a testimony of the change Jesus has made in your life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
That's why we love celebrating this special occasion together! What a privilege to stand together and witness someone making a personal statement about new life in Christ.
See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy
PS - Of course, if you're a follower of Christ and haven't been baptized, it's not too late. Just give me a shout at the church and we'll chat! (tracy@freedomkw.com)
This Sunday...
Pastor Tracy is taking taking a look at the New Testament author who penned more than Paul or John... Luke. He's not someone we talk about very much but the actions of his life are worth sharing. He has a great testimony!
You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion: