Embracing Belief: Transformation, Baptism, and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! I am thrilled to see each and every one of you this morning. As we were singing, I shared this at the first service as well, and I said, we have to move into a place where we believe. Maybe you haven't been in church for a while, and you're wondering why people are singing and getting excited. It's all about belief. Belief is not based on your circumstances or how you feel; it's a decision to trust God regardless of what it looks like or feels like. The enemy's primary job is to get you to a place of unbelief, but we come here to realign ourselves with belief because belief is everything.
We are a tri-part being: spirit, soul, and body. When you get saved, it's not your body that changes; it's your spirit. Your soul is in the process of changing, but your spirit is made new at the moment of belief. This new life in Christ is not just a concept; it is a transformation that touches every part of our life. Belief is a trust, a faith, and a commitment that goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and His teachings.
When we believe, we step into the waters of baptism, not out of ritual, but as a declaration of our rebirth and commitment to Jesus. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As you go under the water, it signifies dying to your old life and sin. As you come out of the water, it represents your new life in Christ. Baptism is a joyous celebration that symbolizes purification, rebirth, and a commitment to follow Jesus.
I shared my personal story of getting baptized a second time. I was serving at Thrive Church, and during a service, I felt the Lord calling me to get baptized again. It was a new level of commitment. As I came up out of the water, my pastor shared a word from the Lord, saying that I had been faithful in a season of my life and that God was requiring something more of me. This led me to a deeper commitment and eventually to the founding of Limitless Church.
Belief, baptism, and belonging are interconnected. This isn't a country club where we try to keep people out; it's a hospital where we welcome everyone in. We all have areas where we need help, and we are all here together trying to get it right. When stuff happens, this is where you need to be. Family is the one that's going to be there for you. Belonging means that when things go bad, we don't run out; we come in. We pick each other up and walk together because that's what family does. This is what the body of Christ is about.
Philippians 3:7-8 says, "Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." This new life in Christ is not just a concept; it is a transformation that touches every part of our life. We believe, and in that belief, we are made new. We step into the waters of baptism, not out of ritual, but as a declaration of our rebirth and commitment to Jesus. And in this new journey, we belong. We are no longer isolated but part of a vibrant, loving family in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. Thank you for reminding us of what you called us to and what you called us to do. Thank you for moving us, God, reminding us of the necessity of belief. We seek you, we believe in you, and we thank you for those who are making the decision today to go through the step of baptism, a public declaration. And God, I thank you for the opportunity to belong in this world. There's so much pulling us in different ways, but you said home is where you are, and I thank you for it in Jesus' name.
We celebrate this new life in Christ. We celebrate what God has called us to do, and we recognize that when something is so good and we realize all that He's done, we have to respond to it. One of the ways we do that here at Limitless is through our giving. Giving is an opportunity to say, "God, I trust you. I thank you for saving me. I thank you for believing in me." We give because we believe in sowing into God's vision for our life, this house, and this community. We get excited about giving because it's an opportunity to participate in what the Lord is doing.
Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone under the sound of my voice and those watching online. Speak to them, Lord. What is it that you would have them give? We don't give out of compulsion but out of a heart of generosity. We believe that as a result of our obedience and sowing today, another one is on the way. In Jesus' name, amen.
If you're here today and you haven't made Jesus Lord and Savior, today is the day to get that done. Tomorrow is not promised. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved. If you want to recommit your life to Christ, we want to pray with you. Jesus is ready to receive you with open arms. If you want to get baptized, we have baptisms today, and we would love to celebrate this big moment with you. Today is the day of salvation. Make your way to our altar team, and let's see the miracle of another one happen in your life today.
### Key Takeaways
1. Belief is a Choice: Belief is not based on circumstances or feelings; it is a decision to trust God regardless of what it looks like or feels like. The enemy's primary job is to get you to a place of unbelief, but we come together to realign ourselves with belief because belief is everything. Belief is a trust, a faith, and a commitment that goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and His teachings. [32:54]
2. The Transformation of New Life: When you get saved, it's not your body that changes; it's your spirit. Your soul is in the process of changing, but your spirit is made new at the moment of belief. This new life in Christ is not just a concept; it is a transformation that touches every part of our life. Belief is a trust, a faith, and a commitment that goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and His teachings. [44:11]
3. Baptism as a Declaration: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As you go under the water, it signifies dying to your old life and sin. As you come out of the water, it represents your new life in Christ. Baptism is a joyous celebration that symbolizes purification, rebirth, and a commitment to follow Jesus. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of your faith and commitment to Jesus. [51:26]
4. Belonging in the Body of Christ: Belief, baptism, and belonging are interconnected. This isn't a country club where we try to keep people out; it's a hospital where we welcome everyone in. We all have areas where we need help, and we are all here together trying to get it right. When stuff happens, this is where you need to be. Family is the one that's going to be there for you. Belonging means that when things go bad, we don't run out; we come in. We pick each other up and walk together because that's what family does. This is what the body of Christ is about. [01:10:49]
5. Generosity as a Response to God's Love: We celebrate this new life in Christ and recognize that when something is so good and we realize all that He's done, we have to respond to it. One of the ways we do that here at Limitless is through our giving. Giving is an opportunity to say, "God, I trust you. I thank you for saving me. I thank you for believing in me." We give because we believe in sowing into God's vision for our life, this house, and this community. We get excited about giving because it's an opportunity to participate in what the Lord is doing. [01:16:06]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:47] - The Importance of Belief
[32:54] - Belief is a Choice
[44:11] - Transformation of New Life
[51:26] - Baptism as a Declaration
[01:10:49] - Belonging in the Body of Christ
[01:16:06] - Generosity as a Response to God's Love
[01:19:36] - Call to Salvation and Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 3:7-8, what does Paul consider as loss for the sake of Christ?
2. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say happens to someone who is in Christ?
3. In Matthew 28:19-20, what are the two main actions Jesus commands His disciples to do?
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of baptism? ([51:26])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul consider everything as loss compared to knowing Christ in Philippians 3:7-8? How does this perspective align with the sermon’s emphasis on belief and transformation? ([32:54])
2. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17? How does this concept of new life relate to the sermon’s discussion on belief and baptism? ([42:58])
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the sermon’s call to baptism and making disciples? What does this imply about the role of the church in the life of a believer? ([56:26])
4. The sermon mentions that belief is a choice and not based on circumstances or feelings. How does this understanding of belief challenge or support your current faith journey? ([34:06])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose belief over your circumstances. How did that decision impact your faith and actions? ([34:06])
2. The sermon emphasizes that baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. If you have been baptized, how did that experience affect your spiritual journey? If you haven’t, what might be holding you back? ([51:26])
3. Belonging to the body of Christ means supporting each other through difficult times. Can you share an experience where the church community helped you or someone you know during a tough period? How can you be that support for someone else? ([01:10:49])
4. The sermon talks about generosity as a response to God’s love. How do you currently practice generosity in your life? What is one specific way you can increase your generosity this week? ([01:16:06])
5. The idea of being a new creation in Christ involves a transformation that touches every part of our life. What is one area of your life that you feel needs transformation? How can you invite God into that process? ([42:58])
6. The sermon mentions that belief, baptism, and belonging are interconnected. How do you see these three elements playing out in your own faith journey? What steps can you take to strengthen each of these areas? ([01:10:49])
7. Reflect on the pastor’s personal story of getting baptized a second time. Have you ever felt a call to deepen your commitment to Christ? What steps did you take, or can you take, to respond to that call? ([01:02:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Belief is a Choice
Belief is not based on circumstances or feelings; it is a decision to trust God regardless of what it looks like or feels like. The enemy's primary job is to get you to a place of unbelief, but we come together to realign ourselves with belief because belief is everything. Belief is a trust, a faith, and a commitment that goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and His teachings. [32:54]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God? How can you make a conscious decision today to trust Him in that area, regardless of your current circumstances or feelings?
Day 2: The Transformation of New Life
When you get saved, it's not your body that changes; it's your spirit. Your soul is in the process of changing, but your spirit is made new at the moment of belief. This new life in Christ is not just a concept; it is a transformation that touches every part of our life. Belief is a trust, a faith, and a commitment that goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and His teachings. [44:11]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have seen transformation since you believed in Jesus. How can you continue to allow God to transform other areas of your life?
Day 3: Baptism as a Declaration
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As you go under the water, it signifies dying to your old life and sin. As you come out of the water, it represents your new life in Christ. Baptism is a joyous celebration that symbolizes purification, rebirth, and a commitment to follow Jesus. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of your faith and commitment to Jesus. [51:26]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on what that moment meant to you. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from making this public declaration of your faith?
Day 4: Belonging in the Body of Christ
Belief, baptism, and belonging are interconnected. This isn't a country club where we try to keep people out; it's a hospital where we welcome everyone in. We all have areas where we need help, and we are all here together trying to get it right. When stuff happens, this is where you need to be. Family is the one that's going to be there for you. Belonging means that when things go bad, we don't run out; we come in. We pick each other up and walk together because that's what family does. This is what the body of Christ is about. [01:10:49]
1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by your church family. How can you extend that same support to someone else in your congregation this week?
Day 5: Generosity as a Response to God's Love
We celebrate this new life in Christ and recognize that when something is so good and we realize all that He's done, we have to respond to it. One of the ways we do that here at Limitless is through our giving. Giving is an opportunity to say, "God, I trust you. I thank you for saving me. I thank you for believing in me." We give because we believe in sowing into God's vision for our life, this house, and this community. We get excited about giving because it's an opportunity to participate in what the Lord is doing. [01:16:06]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your current attitude towards giving. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity that reflects your gratitude for all that God has done for you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Belief is not based on your circumstance. Belief is not based on how you feel. Belief isn't even based on what you see. Belief is a decision to say, I trust God. I trust his word regardless of what it looks like, regardless of what I feel like. I choose to stand in belief." [34:06]
2. "There's something significant about having something that's new. It changes you. It changes how you move. It changes how you feel. It changes how you interact. It changes what you do. Ladies, when you get a new dress, you walk a little bit differently in the new dress than you did in the other dress. You feel a little bit more confident when you move differently because it's new." [39:16]
3. "When you have a new outfit on, you know, you don't want people really hugging you like that because you don't want to get makeup. You wear some new pair of shoes. Guys, you want to make sure nobody don't step on your toe in the morning time as soon as you get to church in your new shoes. Hallelujah. You're different when you acquire something new, especially something that has a value attached to it." [41:33]
4. "Belief is a trust, it is a faith, and it is a commitment that goes beyond intellectualism. It goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves fully relying on Jesus for life and for salvation, acknowledging him as Lord and Savior, and is demonstrated through a transformed life that aligns with Jesus and his teachings." [46:01]
5. "Baptism is a public declaration of your confession of Jesus Christ. Baptism is your way of saying, 'Hey, I have made Jesus Lord of my life, and I am letting the world know.' It is a symbolic representation of a Christian's participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As you go under the water, it signifies you dying to your old life and sin. As you're under the water, it symbolizes you being buried like Jesus was buried. And as you come out of the water, it represents your new life in Christ." [52:49]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are a tri-part being: spirit, soul, and body. When you get saved, it is not your body that changes. Your soul is in the process of changing, but what changes the moment that you move into belief is your spirit. Your spirit is the thing that changes. The previous moral and spiritual condition has passed away. It becomes new at the moment of belief." [44:11]
2. "Belief is a choice. You wake up every day and make choices. Belief is a choice. I choose to believe. And the enemy wants to get you out of belief. And so when you're here and you have this opportunity, I pray that you don't take it for granted because more than anything, it's an opportunity for you to get out of unbelief." [36:07]
3. "Belief, baptism, and belonging. This isn't a country club where we try to keep people out. This is a hospital where we're ready to welcome everyone in because we all know we all got areas. We all got things, and we're all here together trying to get it right. When stuff happens, this is where you need to be. When stuff goes bad, we don't run out. No, we come in. This, because family is the one that's going to be there." [01:12:32]
4. "We celebrate this new life in Christ. We celebrate what God has called us to do, and we recognize that when something is so good and we realize all that he's done, we got to respond to it. We have an opportunity to respond to his love, an opportunity to respond to his grace. And one of the ways we do that here at Limitless is we do that through our giving." [01:16:06]
5. "When you begin to walk out that belief, things start to change. The old things have passed away. The new things have passed away. The new has come. Why? Because my actions start to correspond with my belief. I believe, therefore I do. I believe, therefore I do." [48:06]
6. "This new life in Christ is not just a concept. It is a transformation that touches every part of our life, every part of our being. We believe, and in that belief, we are made new. We step into the waters of baptism, not out of a ritual, but out of a declaration of our rebirth and our commitment to Jesus. And in this new journey, we belong. We're no longer isolated, but we are part of a vibrant, loving family in Christ." [01:14:25]
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