Faith, Fellowship, and the Journey of Salvation

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

• 1. 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]
• 2. 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]
• 3. 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]
• 4. 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]
• 5. 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
• [66:34] - Looking Forward: Pressing On in Christ
• [68:44] - Closing and Blessing

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.”

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]

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]

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]