Faith, Fellowship, and the Journey of Salvation
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family in the heart of a Texas summer, mindful of both the sorrows and joys that surround us. We grieve with those affected by the devastating floods in Central Texas, especially the families who have lost children, and we continue to pray for God’s comfort and healing. At the same time, we rejoice in the work God is doing through our students in the United Kingdom, where revival is stirring and young people are responding to the gospel. These moments remind us that God is near to the brokenhearted and also at work in powerful ways across the world.
Turning to Hebrews 6:9, we focused on the “things which accompany salvation.” Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—nothing we do can earn it. Yet, there are certain marks that naturally flow from a genuine relationship with Jesus. First, there is a public profession of faith. Faith in Christ is deeply personal, but it is never meant to be private. We are called to openly declare our allegiance to Jesus, just as believers have done throughout the ages. This public confession not only strengthens our own faith but also encourages others and creates a culture of invitation within our church.
Second, biblical baptism accompanies salvation. Baptism by immersion is a powerful symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and of our own new life in Him. It is not a means of salvation, but a testimony that we have already been saved. Baptism should follow a personal commitment to Christ, not precede it, and it should be done in the way Jesus modeled for us.
Third, faithful fellowship is a vital part of the Christian life. The church is not a club or an organization, but a family bound together by shared belief in Christ and His Word. We are called to believe together, belong together, and battle together for the truth in our generation. The church is a place of encouragement, accountability, and mission—a community where we grow, serve, and stand strong in a world that desperately needs the hope of Jesus.
As we received the Lord’s Supper, we remembered Christ’s sacrifice and looked forward to His return. This is a time to examine our hearts, renew our faith, and unite as the family of God. Our past is rich, but our calling is always forward—onward and upward in Christ, until He comes again.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Nearness in Suffering and Joy
God is intimately present with the brokenhearted, offering comfort and hope even in the midst of profound loss. At the same time, He is actively working in places of joy and revival, reminding us that His purposes are unfolding both in our pain and in our celebration. Our prayers and actions should reflect this dual awareness, holding space for both lament and praise as we trust God’s sovereign hand. [21:39]
- The Necessity of a Public Faith
Faith in Christ is not meant to be hidden; it is meant to be declared. A public profession of faith is not just a tradition, but a biblical response to the inward work of the Holy Spirit. When we openly identify with Jesus, we not only solidify our own commitment but also invite others into the story of redemption, creating a culture where the gospel is visible and accessible. [34:30]
- Baptism as a Testimony, Not a Ticket
Baptism by immersion is a vivid picture of the gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and our own transformation in Him. It does not save us, but it powerfully testifies to the salvation we have received. Getting baptism “on the right side” of salvation—after a personal commitment to Christ—honors both the biblical pattern and the meaning of this sacred act. [43:03]
- The Church: A Family on Mission
The local church is not merely a gathering of like-minded individuals, but a spiritual family bound by shared belief and purpose. We are called to believe together, belong together, and battle together for the truth of the gospel in our generation. This fellowship is both a refuge and a force, equipping us to stand firm and serve faithfully in a world that needs Christ. [48:00]
- The Lord’s Supper: Remembering and Anticipating
The Lord’s Supper is a sacred moment to remember Christ’s sacrifice, examine our hearts, and renew our commitment to Him. It is also a forward-looking act, proclaiming the Lord’s death “until He comes.” In this act, we unite as the family of God, sanctifying our hearts and setting our hope on the future Christ has promised. [52:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Praying for Central Texas and Relief Efforts
[05:30] - Celebrating Student Ministry in the UK
[09:45] - Mission: To Our Neighbors and the Nations
[13:20] - Invitation to Guests and Offering
[21:39] - Prayer for the Hurting and the Mission
[31:09] - Hebrews 6:9 and the Things That Accompany Salvation
[34:30] - The Importance of a Public Profession of Faith
[37:51] - Creating a Culture of Invitation
[42:02] - The Meaning and Method of Baptism
[43:03] - Baptism as the Drama of Redemption
[46:36] - Getting Baptism on the Right Side of Salvation
[48:00] - The Church: Fellowship That Is Faithful
[52:52] - Receiving the Lord’s Supper: Remembering Christ
[59:42] - Invitation to Respond and Join the Church
[01:06:34] - Looking Forward: Pressing On in Christ
[01:08:44] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Things That Accompany Salvation
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### Bible Reading
Hebrews 6:9 (ESV)
> “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Hebrews 6:9, what does the writer mean by “things that belong to salvation”? What are some examples given in the sermon? [31:09]
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between salvation itself and the things that naturally flow from it? [33:21]
3. What are the three main marks that the pastor says “accompany salvation”? [34:30]
4. How does the sermon describe the purpose and meaning of baptism? [43:03]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the pastor emphasize that faith in Christ is “deeply personal, but never meant to be private”? What might be the dangers of keeping faith private? [34:30]
2. The sermon says baptism is a “testimony, not a ticket.” What does this mean, and why is the order of salvation and baptism important? [45:21]
3. The pastor describes the church as a “family bound together by shared belief in Christ and His Word.” How does this view of church differ from seeing it as just a club or organization? [48:00]
4. When taking the Lord’s Supper, why is it important to both remember Christ’s sacrifice and look forward to His return? [52:52]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began by holding together both sorrow (the Texas floods) and joy (revival in the UK). How can you personally hold space for both lament and praise in your prayers and daily life? Is there a situation right now where you need to do both? [21:39]
2. Have you ever hesitated to make your faith public? What holds you back from openly sharing your faith with others—at work, with friends, or even at church? What is one step you could take this week to be more open about your faith? [34:30]
3. If you have been baptized, was it after you made a personal commitment to Christ? If not, how do you feel about the idea of “getting baptism on the right side of salvation”? If you have been baptized, how can you use your story to encourage others? [45:21]
4. The pastor talked about creating a “culture of invitation” in the church. Who is one person you could invite to church or a small group this month? What might keep you from inviting them, and how can you overcome that? [37:51]
5. The church is described as a place to “believe together, belong together, and battle together.” Which of these do you find most challenging? How can you take a step toward deeper fellowship or accountability in the church family? [48:00]
6. When you take the Lord’s Supper, do you take time to examine your heart and renew your faith? What is one way you can prepare your heart more intentionally the next time you receive communion? [52:52]
7. The sermon closed with a call to look forward and “press on” in Christ. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck in the past? What would it look like for you to move forward in faith this week? [01:06:34]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you live out the “things that accompany salvation”—to be bold in your faith, faithful in fellowship, and always looking forward in hope. Pray for those who are hurting and for revival in your own heart and community.
Devotional
Day 1: The Things That Accompany Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God, received by faith in Christ alone, but Scripture teaches that there are certain things that naturally accompany and flow from genuine salvation—public profession, biblical baptism, and faithful fellowship. These are not the means of salvation, but the evidence and outworking of a life transformed by Jesus. Just as some things naturally go together, so too do these marks accompany the new life we have in Christ. As you reflect on your own journey, consider what is accompanying your salvation and how you are living out your faith in visible, tangible ways. [31:09]
Hebrews 6:9 (ESV)
"Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation."
Reflection: What is one visible way your life has changed since coming to Christ that others can see as evidence of your salvation?
Day 2: A Profession That Is Public
Genuine faith in Jesus is deeply personal, but it is never meant to be private. Every follower of Christ in the New Testament openly confessed Him, boldly declaring their faith before others. Public profession—whether through sharing your testimony, responding to an invitation, or simply letting others know you belong to Jesus—is a vital part of the Christian life. It not only strengthens your own commitment but also encourages others and brings glory to God. Don’t hide your faith; let it shine for all to see, and invite others to join you in following Christ. [34:30]
Romans 10:9 (ESV)
"Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who does not know about your faith in Jesus, and how can you share your testimony with them this week?
Day 3: A Baptism That Is Biblical
Baptism is a beautiful and powerful symbol of the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is not a means of salvation, but a public declaration that you have died to your old self and been raised to new life in Christ. Biblical baptism is by immersion, after a personal commitment to Jesus, and serves as a testimony to others of your faith. If you have not been baptized in this way, consider taking this step of obedience and witness, showing outwardly what Christ has done inwardly in your heart. [43:03]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your baptism continue to shape your daily walk with Christ? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step?
Day 4: A Fellowship That Is Faithful
The church is not just an organization or a club, but the family of God—believers bound together by faith in Jesus and love for one another. Faithful fellowship means belonging, believing, and battling together for the cause of Christ. We are called to gather, encourage, and serve one another, standing strong in a world that often opposes the truth. Don’t settle for being a spectator; become an active, committed member of the body, contributing your gifts and growing in community. [48:00]
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: What is one way you can encourage or serve someone in your church family this week to strengthen the fellowship of believers?
Day 5: Looking Forward in Faith
The Christian life is always about moving forward—forgetting what is behind and pressing on toward what is ahead in Christ. The Lord’s Supper reminds us to look back in gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice, to look inward in self-examination, to look outward in fellowship, and to look forward in hope for His return. God calls us to live with anticipation, on mission and on message, until He comes again. Let your heart be set on the future God has for you, trusting Him to do wondrous things as you walk in faith. [01:06:34]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of the past and trust God for the future He has promised?
Quotes
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