Celebrating New Beginnings in Faith and Community
Summary
Today is a day of celebration and deep significance as we welcome three young people—Chloe, Tyler, and Brayden—into the life of Christ’s church through baptism and confirmation. This is a moment not only for them but for all of us, as we are reminded of our own commitments and the ongoing journey of faith we share as the body of Christ. We gather in gratitude for the gift of community, the joy of worship, and the privilege of witnessing new declarations of faith. Our prayers extend to all who are present, those who are ill, those who grieve, and those who rejoice, trusting that God’s Spirit is with us in every circumstance.
Baptism is a powerful sign of God’s grace, a visible reminder that we are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. It is not a finish line, but a beginning—a call to live out our faith in the world, to carry the light of Christ into our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. The vows made today are not just for the candidates, but for the whole congregation, as we promise to support, encourage, and walk alongside these new members in their journey.
Drawing from 1 Peter 1, we reflect on the reality that the life of faith is not always easy. Peter’s words remind us that trials and grief are part of the Christian journey, but they serve a purpose: to refine and prove the genuineness of our faith, which is more precious than gold. Just as gold is refined by fire, so our faith is purified through the challenges we face. These moments of difficulty are not wasted; they are opportunities for God to shape us, to burn away what is unnecessary, and to reveal His image in us.
We are called to rejoice not only in times of joy but also in times of trial, knowing that God is present in both. The community of faith—those who have gone before us, those who stand with us now, and those who will come after—plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging us. As we celebrate today, we are reminded that we are never alone. The body of Christ surrounds us, ready to rejoice with us in our victories and to stand with us in our struggles. Together, we are sent out to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, building our lives upon Him and shining His light wherever we go.
Key Takeaways
- Baptism as a Beginning, Not an End
Baptism is not the culmination of faith, but the start of a lifelong journey with Christ. It marks our entry into the community of believers and calls us to live out our faith daily, carrying the light of Christ into every aspect of our lives. The vows made are both a personal commitment and a communal responsibility, reminding us that faith is lived out in relationship with God and one another. [37:13]
- Trials Refine and Reveal Genuine Faith
The Christian life is marked by both joy and hardship. Like gold refined by fire, our faith is tested and purified through trials, which strip away what is unnecessary and reveal what is true and lasting. These challenges are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for our faith to grow deeper and more resilient, ultimately reflecting God’s image more clearly in us. [54:47]
- Joy and Grief Can Coexist in the Life of Faith
Peter teaches that rejoicing is possible even in the midst of suffering. True spiritual joy is not dependent on circumstances but springs from the deep well of faith and the assurance of God’s presence. This joy is a response to what God has done and is doing, sustaining us through both the celebrations and the sorrows of life. [51:25]
- The Community of Faith is Essential
We are not meant to walk the journey of faith alone. The church—past, present, and future—supports, encourages, and upholds us, especially in times of trial. The commitment of the congregation to nurture and care for those being baptized and confirmed is a sacred trust, ensuring that no one faces the ups and downs of life in isolation. [01:01:15]
- God’s Purposes in Suffering May Not Be Immediately Clear
The refining work of God in our lives often takes time, and the reasons for our trials may not be fully understood in the moment. Yet, we trust that God is at work, purifying our faith and preparing us for the fullness of His kingdom. Our hope is anchored not in immediate answers, but in the promise that, in the end, only what is true and genuine will remain. [58:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:33] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[05:01] - Prayers for the Congregation and Community
[24:35] - The Lord’s Prayer and Offering
[25:40] - Purpose of Giving and Blessing
[37:13] - Introduction to Baptism and Confirmation
[38:30] - Baptismal Vows and Congregational Commitment
[39:28] - Theological Roots of Baptism
[40:47] - Baptism of Candidates
[43:43] - Welcoming New Members
[45:24] - Message to Confirmands: Faith and Struggle
[46:32] - Reading from 1 Peter 1:6-7
[50:11] - Rejoicing in Trials: Biblical Examples
[54:47] - Faith Refined by Fire
[57:28] - The Silversmith’s Reflection: God’s Image in Us
[01:01:15] - The Role of Community in Faith
[01:03:27] - Closing Instructions and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Baptism, Faith, and the Journey Together
---
### Bible Reading
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
> In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, what is the purpose of the trials and grief that believers experience?
2. In the sermon, what did the pastor say baptism represents for those being baptized and for the congregation? [[37:13]]
3. What image did the pastor use to describe how God refines our faith, and how does that image help us understand the process? [[57:28]]
4. How did the pastor describe the role of the church community when someone is baptized or confirmed? [[01:01:15]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter compare faith to gold that is refined by fire? What does this say about the value and process of faith? [[54:47]]
2. The pastor said that baptism is a beginning, not an end. What does it mean for faith to be a lifelong journey rather than a one-time event? [[37:13]]
3. How can joy and grief exist together in the Christian life, according to both Peter and the sermon? [[51:25]]
4. The congregation makes promises during baptism. What might it look like for a church to truly support and encourage new believers? [[38:30]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor said that baptism is the start of a journey, not the finish line. If you have been baptized or confirmed, how have you continued to grow in your faith since that day? If you haven’t, what steps could you take to begin or continue your journey? [[37:13]]
2. Think about a recent trial or hard time in your life. Looking back, can you see ways that God might have been refining your faith through that experience? What “impurities” or distractions did you notice being burned away? [[54:47]]
3. The pastor shared the story of the silversmith who knows the silver is ready when he can see his reflection in it. What are some ways you can let God’s image be seen more clearly in your life this week? [[57:28]]
4. Joy and grief can happen at the same time. Is there a place in your life right now where you are experiencing both? How can you invite God into both your celebrations and your struggles? [[51:25]]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of community. Who in your church or faith community has supported you during a difficult time? How can you be that support for someone else this month? [[01:01:15]]
6. The congregation promises to encourage and walk alongside those being baptized. What is one practical thing you can do this week to encourage someone who is new to faith or going through a tough time? [[38:30]]
7. Sometimes we don’t understand why we go through suffering. How can you practice trusting God’s purposes even when you don’t have all the answers? Is there a specific situation where you need to let go and trust God more? [[58:36]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for those who are starting new steps in faith or going through trials, and to thank God for the gift of community and the refining work He does in each of us.
Devotional
Day 1: Rejoicing in Trials: Faith Refined Through Hardship
Even in the midst of suffering and grief, followers of Christ are called to rejoice, knowing that trials serve a greater purpose in shaping and proving the genuineness of their faith. These moments of difficulty are not meaningless; rather, they refine believers much like gold is refined by fire, burning away impurities and revealing a faith that is more precious and enduring than any earthly treasure. Through every challenge, God is present, using each circumstance to draw His people closer to Him and to prepare them for the praise, glory, and honor that will be revealed when Christ returns. [46:32]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one current trial or difficulty you are facing, and how might you invite God to use it to refine your faith and draw you closer to Him today?
Day 2: The Gift and Call of Baptism: New Birth and Belonging
Baptism is a sacred gift, freely offered by God, that initiates believers into the body of Christ and incorporates them into God’s mighty acts of salvation. Through water and the Spirit, individuals are given new birth, forgiven of sin, and welcomed as beloved children into the family of faith. This new identity is not just a personal blessing but a call to live as faithful disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in God’s ways and serve within the life of the church. [37:13]
John 3:5 (ESV)
"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: How does remembering your baptism—or reflecting on its meaning—shape the way you see yourself and your purpose in the church and the world today?
Day 3: Joy and Grief Together: The Reality of Christian Life
The Christian journey is marked by both joy and grief, often experienced simultaneously, as believers navigate the ups and downs of life. True spiritual joy is not dependent on circumstances but springs from a deep well of faith in what God has done and is doing, even in the midst of sorrow or loss. The community of faith is called to walk together through these seasons, supporting one another in both celebration and mourning, and always turning to God with praise and thanksgiving. [51:25]
Romans 12:15 (ESV)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Who in your life is experiencing either great joy or deep grief right now, and how can you come alongside them in genuine support and love this week?
Day 4: Faith That Reflects Christ: Becoming More Like Jesus
As silver is refined until the silversmith can see his reflection, so God uses the trials and experiences of life to shape believers until Christ’s likeness is seen in them. The goal of the Christian life is not just to endure hardship but to allow God to remove what is not of Him, so that when He looks at His people, He sees His own character reflected back. This refining process is ongoing, calling each person to continually surrender to God’s work and to desire that their life would mirror Jesus more and more. [57:28]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God is refining you right now, and what would it look like to cooperate with Him so that Christ’s reflection is more clearly seen in you?
Day 5: The Church: A Family for the Journey
The body of Christ is a family that commits to walk together through every season—celebrating, grieving, encouraging, and supporting one another in faith. Each member has a responsibility to love, care for, and build up others, especially those who are new to the faith or facing challenges. This shared life is not just for our own benefit but equips us to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, sent out together to serve and proclaim His name boldly. [01:01:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church family could use encouragement or support this week, and what specific step can you take to show them Christ’s love in action?
Quotes
As a body and to celebrate with the three kiddos, kiddos, they're teenagers, who are going to get baptized and confirmed into the life of the church today. So welcome. If you're worshiping with us online, we're glad that you're with us. We would love to know that you're with us by having you put a comment into the chat stream. If you're here in the sanctuary, we'd love for you to fill out your connection cards attached to your bulletin. Especially if you're new to us, we'd love to be able to connect with you that way. [00:02:00]
Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's body as his holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation, and we are given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift to us, offered freely and without price. [00:37:05]
So I'm going to present three candidates for baptism and confirmation this day, and as I call their names, I invite them to come forward. First we have Chloe Jade Cunningham, Tyler Reese Hammock, and Brayden Luke Rush. You'll see that there are two other names listed in your bulletin, Elizabeth Lee Brown and Owen Michael Lewis. Due to scheduling conflicts, they'll be confirmed on May 18th at our early service. So you're welcome to come back and see them as well. All right. If you'll pick up your cards. All right. I have some questions for them, and then I have a question for y 'all, too. All right, candidates. On behalf of the whole church, I ask you these questions. [00:37:28]
And do you accept the responsibility to resist evil, injustice, and oppression by the grace and power of God? I do. Will you obediently keep God's holy will and commandments and walk in them all the days of your life by the grace and power of God? I will. All right. Congregation. Will you who witness these vows encourage these persons in the faith and do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? And if you will, your answer is, we will. We will. Wonderful. Let us pray. [00:38:43]
Above all, we thank you for your most dearly beloved Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. As He hung upon the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, from His side flowed both water and blood for the healing and cleansing of the world. After His resurrection, He commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. [00:40:47]
And they are now full members of the church, which I told them when I was getting ready for today. I told them that means they can, you know, be on committees and vote and stuff like that. And they looked at me like I had seven heads. It's fine. But I also told them that in a new way they can serve within the life of the church. And all of them expressed, all five of them expressed an interest in different areas to serve within the life of the church. So, be on the lookout for them in different areas of the church. So, congratulations, y 'all. I'm so proud of you. Thanks for hanging with me for this last few months as we got ready for today. And thanks for being up here. And thanks for letting me have the opportunity to baptize y 'all and welcome you into the church. As you make your way to your seats, let's congratulate them one more time. [00:44:27]
And I told them that you guys just get to listen. Okay? So, this is for them. If you get something out of it, it's fantastic. I hope you do. But this is for them. We're going to be in 1 Peter chapter 1, which is near the end of the New Testament. I'm going to be talking about forging faith here today. So, just a bit of context for 1 Peter. Peter is riding to churches in Asia Minor, which is modern -day Turkey. And he is hoping to encourage them and to help them see that the life of faith that they have embarked upon, saying yes to Jesus, means that there will be some struggles along the way. So, I need you all to know, confirmands, that it doesn't necessarily turn out all roses and puppy tails and unicorns from here. And those who are laughing understand that, yes, that's what happens, is the life of faith is often hard. Because, especially for Peter's context, Rome didn't like them. The Jews didn't like them, and the pagan culture around them in Asia Minor didn't like them either. And so, sometimes you will run up against some resistance as a follower of Christ. Thank you. [00:46:04]
Peter writes, In all this you rejoice greatly, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [00:47:30]
We thank you, O God, that your Holy Spirit lives inside of us and empowers us to be bold for our faith, to stand up in the midst of trials, and offers us the opportunity to grow more closely to you. We pray all of this in Christ's name. Amen. Peter says, In all this. I love it when the scriptures give us a phrase like, in all this. Because what Peter is telling us is that there is rejoicing even in the midst of trials. And indeed, there's even rejoicing in the midst of really good things. [00:48:19]
He says, praise, if I just jump back a few verses, he says, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This is for you. This is what you have stepped into. And so we can rejoice in that. But we can also, Peter says, We can rejoice even though there may be some times where we have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [00:48:47]
Peter's trying to tell us, and the scriptures as a whole testify to the fact that even in really difficult situations, we can still give praise to the Lord. We can still hear and feel his presence with us, guiding us and directing us and moving us closer to him. Even when it's hard. Because those moments of rejoicing in the hard times come from the deep well of faith that sustains us. [00:49:39]
Peter knows that many people who hear this letter, many who read this letter now even into today, will have had to suffer because of their allegiance to Christ. That it is... That it is... That it is... That it is... oftentimes when we stick our neck out in faith that somebody tries to cut our head off. And for Peter and many of the apostles that quite literally happened. The Romans didn't make it easy on them. The Jews didn't make it easy on them. And indeed many of their families didn't make it easy on them either. Peter shows that simultaneous joy and grief is quite normal. Within the life of faith. [00:51:03]
Grief arises because there are many difficult things that we encounter in this life. This world is still broken. And the reality that you've stepped into today is that our faith looks beyond this world and into eternity. I want you to know that next week between our services we're going to dedicate our prayer garden right out those doors right there. That prayer garden has been a work of love. It has been a it has been a work of faith. It has been a work come that comes out of in many cases grief and the loss of a loved one. And yet there is joy in that. [00:51:52]
And here's what I want you to know. Even if you don't know their names, they are the people who have helped make this moment possible for you. Like they have been, they invested in their lifetime into the life of this church and the life of faith so that generations they would never meet would have the opportunity to come to the waters of baptism and find faith in Christ. [00:53:09]
I want you to know that every time of trial is an opportunity for us to walk by faith, to take that step towards the Lord, to walk by faith and not by sight, to keep that eternal perspective that we have. Now, in verse 7, Peter says that trials don't come without purpose. They have indeed, they come so that the proven genuineness of your faith may result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. At the end of time, these moments that you have that are challenging, that all of us have that are challenging are opportunities for us to lean into our faith. [00:53:46]
But in order for gold to become shiny and beautiful and valuable, it has to go through this incredibly complicated and brutal process, basically. There's incredible heat and there's these caustic chemicals and it doesn't happen like that. It happens over time. It takes time for gold and silver to be refined. But Peter says that the faith of those who are tested, those he's writing to, those who I'm looking at right now and are here to witness for your faith as well. That faith is of greater worth, Peter says, than gold because that faith does not perish because of trials. [00:55:17]
Gold is shiny and beautiful and valuable, but the faith of one who stands for Jesus amidst the trials of life that the world will throw at them is even more beautiful, valuable, and worthy. Hear me clearly. Your faith makes you even more beautiful and valuable and worthy than any of the precious metals on this earth. Trials burn away the extra stuff that God doesn't want us to carry with us. The impurities. Just the way that the process of refining gold gets rid of the impurities. [00:56:21]
What is left when the trials have ended is the purified, genuine faith that is analogous to the gold or the silver that comes from the refiner's fire. I read a story one time about a silversmith who was working on some silver ore. And a reporter came and wanted to kind of interview him about the process and everything. And the reporter asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is ready? And the silversmith, while heating this blob of silver up to, you know, super high temperatures, without looking at the silversmith, said, when I can see my reflection in it. That's when it's ready. [00:57:03]
The trials of this life refine us and it moves away the impurities. It moves away the things that God wants to rid out of our lives until he can see his reflection in you. That's all, that's for all of us. That's for all of us who follow Christ is we want to see, we want the Lord to see his reflection in us so that when he looks at us, he sees himself. When we're refined, does the Lord see his reflection in us? [00:57:43]
Genuine faith that is proven through trials results in faithful receiving of praise and honor and glory when Christ returns at the end of the age. This is still true for believers today, not just for Peter and his particular context. Trials and temptations, though they are unpleasant in the moment, they present believers an opportunity to let God purify their faith and to make them wholly focused. [00:58:42]
So Peter thus reminds the Christians that he's writing to and to us today that God's purposes in present grief may not be fully known in a week or in a month or in a year or even sometimes in a lifetime. Christ's coming will burn away all the impurities such that only what is true and genuine will remain. That dross, that extra material around us that weighs us down will be gone and only the pure and undefiled element will be left. [00:59:12]
And because they are here right now, they want you to know, because they said we will encourage you, that when you go through those moments of ups and downs, you can turn to them. And you can lean on them just as much as you lean on the Lord. Because there will be those times. Honestly, I'm going through one of those moments right now. To baptize the three of you, to talk to you today, to celebrate with you is an incredible joy. [01:01:15]
And I want you to know that in those moments, when your world seems like you're riding the worst roller coaster ever, and you feel sick to your stomach, and you don't know what to do, the Lord is with you. He is with you. He is in you. He is encouraging you and your parents and your family and your friends and your church family. We are the body of Christ. And because we are the body of Christ, we come together in moments that are hard, and we cry together, and we mourn together, and we grieve together. And then we come together in moments that are incredibly joyful, and we celebrate together, and we eat cake and punch together, because that's what we do as the body of Christ is we celebrate together. This is life. [01:02:13]
But the family that you have joined my friends is here for the long haul they're here for the ups and the downs they're here to celebrate with you and cry with you they're here to praise you and to encourage you and to honor you and to lift you up in prayer congregation every time we baptize a child or a teen we have an incredible responsibility to do our very best to love them and care for them and support them and encourage them to lead them well to teach them well to honor them and to gather them further into the fold of Jesus that's our responsibility that's what you've agreed to that's what you agree to every time we baptize every time we confirm someone because that's what the body of Christ does and then as we are equipped and enabled to be the hands and feet we don't just send them I don't just send them we are all sent out to be the hands and feet of Christ for this world amen amen [01:03:27]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 28, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?