Sunday Words of Encouragement June 5, 2011

Happy Sunday! We had a visiting missionary who told us a bit about war ravaged Liberia and the ministry that is going forward there. May God bless the effort!
We had baptisms this morning and Pastor reminded us of its importance. "Baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptisma" which means to immerse; to dip under; or to plunge beneath.  We are not saved by baptism - we are saved only by God's Grace and our belief and acceptance of His gift of salvation.  Baptism is an outward acknowledgment of our confession of faith and our acceptance of that gift. We participate in Baptism as we are commanded by God to:

• Believe that Jesus died for our sins
• Repent and turn from our wicked ways
• Confess with our mouths that Christ is our Lord and
• Be baptized in His name.

Baptism is a meaningful expression of our faith as we publicly die to sin and are born to a new life.

I found this song which is not quite what I was looking for
but a good song anyway.

Verses for Today:

Ephesians 4:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 

Heaven rejoices and we celebrate with joy for each person saved and each baptism.