Wow! Who would have thought we would see such a sight in what use to be James E Ball warehouse! The sight of 14 people being baptised was just amazing. Another great service, and another great witness for Christ. The pool was excellent. I could have went for a swim in it afterwards. Thanks to Carryduff Elim for lending us the pool heaters. They worked a treat.
Everyone did really well. We trust and pray this is just another step, although a big one, in your growth and development as a follower of Christ. Let's go on together and take hold of every promise spoken over every person being baptised, and lets together lay hold of the very purpose for which God has brought us to this place.
The message I brought was a simple explanation of Baptism, which focused on the calling and the ministry of John the Baptist, with Bible readings from Matthew 3 and Romans 6. John was the first person we read of who baptised believers, but he was also known for his devotion and surrender to Jesus Christ. Why? Because he knew who Jesus was; the Messiah; the Son of God. His was the lone voice calling people to repent of sin and to follow Christ. He lived a simple life, not a lavish life, but a simple life; not a life of exploitation and manipulation, becoming wealthy or gaining position at the expense of others, but rather he had Jesus at the centre of his life as he totally fixed his mind on the unshakable Kingdom of God.
He stood up to those who were corrupt, regardless of who they were or their position in society, whether they were corrupt religious leaders or corrupt political leaders. His message to them was direct: "Regardless of you are, you need to repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". 2,000 years later, John's message has not changed. God still calls, in fact he commands, all men everywhere to repent.
GLOW. This is on tonight at 7 pm.
Prayer Times: Monday 11.45 am; Thursday 7.45 pm; Saturday 10.30 am.
Next Sunday 11 am: Twenty10Renew. We have put a lot of thought, effort and prayer into this event. We are looking forward to what God is going to do then and in the weeks and months beyond. Please come with an "open heart". God is going to do some amazing things among us and through us. We will not hear about it from others or read about it in emails or in other reports, but we will be part of whatever God does. Hobby Horse Playgroup will be looking after the crèche next Sunday morning.
Next Sunday night 7 pm. Celebrate Vision. This will be a great night of celebration and testimony. Please plan to attend.
Thanks again to everyone who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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