Pressing Forward: The Journey of Faith and Baptism

Devotional

Day 1: Continual Movement Towards God

Our relationship with God is described as a daily walk, requiring constant forward movement. Stagnation or looking back can lead to a diminished relationship with Him. We must identify and overcome the obstacles that prevent us from stepping forward in our faith journey. [36:22]

In our spiritual journey, it is crucial to keep moving forward towards God. Stagnation can lead to a loss of intimacy and connection with Him. Just as in any relationship, continuous effort and progress are necessary to maintain and deepen our bond with God. When we become complacent or look back at past failures or successes, we risk losing the vibrancy of our relationship with Him. It is essential to identify and overcome the obstacles that hinder our progress, whether they are doubts, fears, or distractions.

By continually moving towards God, we open ourselves to His guidance, wisdom, and love. This forward movement requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of anything that holds us back. It means prioritizing our time with Him, seeking His presence daily, and being open to the changes He wants to make in our lives. As we press on, we will experience a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God, marked by growth and transformation.

Hosea 6:3 (ESV): "Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."

Reflection: What is one obstacle in your life that is preventing you from moving forward in your relationship with God? How can you take a step today to overcome it?

Day 2: Significance of Baptism

Baptism is not just a tradition but a crucial public profession of our faith. It symbolizes our inner transformation and commitment to Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, setting an example for us to follow. [46:20]

Baptism is a profound and significant act in the life of a believer. It is not merely a tradition or a ritual but a powerful public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we symbolize our inner transformation and our commitment to follow Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward change, representing our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed to repent, but to fulfill all righteousness and set an example for us to follow.

This act of obedience aligns us with Jesus and serves as a reminder of our new identity in Him. Baptism is a step of faith that signifies our willingness to live according to God's will and to be part of His family. It is a moment of celebration and affirmation, both for the individual being baptized and for the entire church community. By participating in baptism, we publicly declare our allegiance to Christ and our desire to walk in His ways.

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: Have you taken the step of baptism as a public declaration of your faith? If not, what is holding you back from making this commitment? If you have, how can you continue to live out the significance of your baptism in your daily life?

Day 3: Obedience in Simple Commands

Simple acts of obedience, such as baptism and communion, are essential for overcoming life's challenges. These practices help us stay aligned with God's will and keep us on track in our spiritual journey. [01:03:25]

Obedience to God's commands, even in the simplest forms, plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth and ability to overcome life's challenges. Practices such as baptism and communion are not optional extras but essential components of a vibrant Christian life. These acts of obedience help us stay aligned with God's will and keep us on track in our spiritual journey. They serve as regular reminders of our commitment to Christ and our dependence on His grace and guidance.

By faithfully participating in these practices, we demonstrate our trust in God's wisdom and our willingness to follow His instructions. Simple acts of obedience can have profound impacts on our lives, strengthening our faith and equipping us to face difficulties with confidence. They help us cultivate a disciplined and focused spiritual life, enabling us to press on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God.

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: What simple act of obedience is God calling you to today? How can you make a conscious effort to follow through with it, trusting that it will help you stay aligned with His will?

Day 4: Pressing On Towards the Goal

Our faith journey is a continuous process of pressing on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God. We must forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead, always moving forward in our relationship with Him. [01:14:27]

The Christian faith journey is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and transformation. It involves pressing on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God. This requires us to forget what is behind—whether past mistakes, failures, or even successes—and to strain towards what is ahead. By focusing on the future and the promises of God, we can maintain a forward momentum in our spiritual walk.

Pressing on towards the goal means being intentional about our relationship with God, seeking His presence daily, and striving to live according to His will. It involves perseverance and determination, especially when faced with challenges and obstacles. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and the ultimate prize of eternal life with Him, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with hope and confidence.

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 focus on moving forward? How can you take a step today to press on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God?

Day 5: Public Declaration of Faith

Baptism serves as a powerful public declaration of our faith, reminding us and others of our commitment to Christ. It is a significant step that should be celebrated and supported by the entire church community. [01:01:07]

Baptism is a significant and powerful public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder to both the individual and the church community of the commitment to follow Christ. This act of obedience is not just a personal milestone but a communal celebration, as it signifies the individual's inclusion into the body of Christ. The entire church community plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging those who take this step of faith.

By publicly declaring our faith through baptism, we affirm our identity in Christ and our dedication to living according to His teachings. It is a moment of joy and affirmation, both for the individual and the church family. Celebrating and supporting those who are baptized strengthens the bonds within the church and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. It is a powerful testimony of God's transformative work in our lives and an encouragement for others to take similar steps of faith.

Acts 2:41 (ESV): "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."

Reflection: How can you support and celebrate those in your church community who are taking the step of baptism? What can you do to encourage others to make a public declaration of their faith in Christ?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the importance of continually moving towards God in our daily walk, emphasizing that stagnation in our spiritual journey can lead to a loss of relationship quality and quantity with Him. We celebrated the joyous news that five people gave their hearts to Christ today, underscoring the transformative power of accepting Jesus as one's personal Savior. We also took a moment to appreciate our worship team and volunteers, whose dedication allows us to come together and witness God's work.

We delved into the significance of baptism, not as a mere tradition or afterthought but as a vital public profession of our faith. Baptism is a powerful symbol of our inner transformation and commitment to Christ. It is an act of obedience that aligns us with Jesus, who Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. This act serves as a reminder of our new life in Christ and our ongoing journey towards spiritual maturity.

We also discussed the importance of putting first things first in our relationship with God, such as reading the Word and participating in baptism and communion. These practices are not optional extras but essential components of a vibrant Christian life. They help us stay on track and press on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God.

In conclusion, we were reminded that our faith journey is a continuous process of moving forward, pressing on, and overcoming challenges through Christ. Baptism is a significant step in this journey, symbolizing our commitment to live a new life in Him. We were encouraged to take this step of faith and to support others in their journey as well.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Continual Movement Towards God: Our relationship with God is described as a daily walk, requiring constant forward movement. Stagnation or looking back can lead to a diminished relationship with Him. We must identify and overcome the obstacles that prevent us from stepping forward in our faith journey. [36:22]
2. Significance of Baptism: Baptism is not just a tradition but a crucial public profession of our faith. It symbolizes our inner transformation and commitment to Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, setting an example for us to follow. [46:20]
3. Obedience in Simple Commands: Simple acts of obedience, such as baptism and communion, are essential for overcoming life's challenges. These practices help us stay aligned with God's will and keep us on track in our spiritual journey. [63:25]
4. Pressing On Towards the Goal: Our faith journey is a continuous process of pressing on towards the goal of living a life that pleases God. We must forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead, always moving forward in our relationship with Him. [74:27]
5. Public Declaration of Faith: Baptism serves as a powerful public declaration of our faith, reminding us and others of our commitment to Christ. It is a significant step that should be celebrated and supported by the entire church community. [01:01:07]
### [61:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:22] - Moving Towards God
[37:05] - Celebrating New Believers
[38:05] - Worship Team Appreciation
[39:05] - The Shipwreck Story
[40:23] - God’s Promises
[41:52] - Overcoming Challenges
[43:05] - Finding Peace in Christ
[44:14] - Importance of the Word
[45:25] - First Things First
[46:20] - Significance of Baptism
[48:58] - Communion and Baptism
[50:44] - Diverse Church Backgrounds
[52:38] - Fire Insurance Mentality
[54:18] - Global Persecution
[55:43] - Baptism as a Command
[57:02] - Making Disciples
[59:02] - Celebrating Baptism
[60:23] - New Life in Christ
[61:07] - Public Declaration of Faith
[62:46] - Following Instructions
[63:25] - Simple Acts of Obedience
[65:27] - Do What Jesus Did
[66:43] - Jesus’ Baptism
[69:02] - Immersion in Baptism
[71:11] - Jesus’ Example
[72:41] - Staying on Track
[74:27] - Pressing On Towards the Goal
[76:08] - Invitation to Baptism
[77:08] - Accepting Jesus
[79:24] - Surrendering All
[82:50] - New Day in Christ
[83:26] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does John 16:33 say about the challenges we will face in this world and the source of our peace?
According to Matthew 28:19, what are the two main actions Jesus commands His followers to do?
In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say he does to move forward in his faith journey?
How did the pastor describe the importance of baptism in our faith journey? ([46:20])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus promises peace in Him despite the troubles of the world? How does this relate to our daily walk with God? ([43:05])
What does it mean to "press on toward the goal" in the context of Philippians 3:13-14? How can this mindset help us in our spiritual journey? ([01:14:27])
How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and why is it important for both new and seasoned believers? ([51:40])
What are some simple acts of obedience mentioned in the sermon, and why are they crucial for overcoming life's challenges? ([01:03:25])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there any areas where you feel stagnant or stuck? What steps can you take to continually move towards God? ([36:22])
Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have, how can you support others in their decision to be baptized? ([46:20])
How can you prioritize reading the Word and participating in communion and baptism in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to put first things first? ([45:25])
Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond to it? Did you seek peace in Christ or rely on your own strength? How can you better align your responses with John 16:33? ([43:05])
Baptism is a public declaration of faith. How can you publicly declare your faith in your daily interactions? Are there specific people you feel called to share your faith with? ([51:40])
The pastor mentioned the importance of simple acts of obedience. Identify one simple act of obedience you can commit to this week. How will you ensure you follow through? ([01:03:25])
Reflect on Philippians 3:13-14. What is one thing from your past that you need to forget in order to strain toward what is ahead? How can you press on toward the goal in your spiritual journey? ([01:14:27])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "When we stop moving towards God, whether we've made that choice or whether we face an impossibility in giving, when we stop moving towards God, we lose our relationship with God. We lose the quality of it. We lose the quantity of it. In church, we call our relationship with God a daily walk, daily steps. And so I've got to ask myself today, here in 2024, what am I facing that's keeping me from stepping forward?" [36:22] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God is a God of promises. Number two, God keeps his promises. And lastly, we've been saying, God has a promised land. He has a plan for you, a promised place for you, a promised land for our church." [40:23] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God promises us so many things, hope and a future, amen? God promises us last week, I will never leave you or forsake you. Whatever you're facing, I am there with you. He is our deliverer. He promises us life and life more abundant to the full. Somebody say amen. Amen." [42:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "How do I overcome? How do I overcome the trouble of the world? In Christ. How do I overcome the challenges of this life? In Christ. How do I challenge what I've got to face today and deal with that challenge when I get out of here? It's in our key verse. In me, you may have peace." [43:05] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Water baptism is that powerful public statement that says, I am new. I'm going to let the world know that that old lying, cheating, running around, cursing, selfish, sinful man or woman is gone. Not because I did anything great. But because Jesus paid it all." [01:01:07] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "As great as the things that God is doing, the journey still can be tough. It can be challenging. It can be scary at times. John 16, 33, and I mentioned this last week, it says to you, I've told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world." [41:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Am I in the word? Am I seeking on this journey to obey the word, to walk in the word? Do I even know the word? I found a lot of us know bits and pieces and I found a lot of us are good at using bits and pieces against each other. But we have to know the whole thing to be in Christ." [44:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Baptism is a public profession of your inner faith, a public profession of your inner relationship. It's so important but many of us make it an afterthought. Many of us think it's like dessert right nowadays dessert costs more than my meal. I love dessert the slice of cake keeps getting smaller and the price keeps going up." [47:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Baptism and communion are not rituals of routine. And so we come together within those things, and we say today, baptism is a public profession, a public, powerful statement of your faith. God said, I want you to accept my faith. I want you to accept my son as your Savior, to go public and get baptized." [51:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "How are you going to overcome anything in life if we can't even obey the simplest commands God's given us? Be baptized. Remember me. How are we going to overcome the trouble that we know is coming if we can't obey the simple commands? So to those of you who are afraid to admit you haven't been baptized, I say obey the simple command God's given you." [01:03:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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