Embracing New Life Through Baptism

Today, we are celebrating the baptism of five people at New Hope Church.

Baptism is a way to show that we understand why Jesus came and that we can't have a relationship with God apart from what He has done for us. It is not a matter of age, but of understanding. We are also reminded of the message we have been entrusted with as a church: that God loves us and wants a relationship with us.

As we declare God's victory, we call upon the Lord, for He alone is strong enough to save. His name will break every stronghold, and freedom is ours when we call upon His name. We surrender our lives to Jesus, holding nothing back. Our hearts stand in awe of His name, for He is our love strong to the end.

We are reminded of the power of Jesus' name and the fullness of His word. Our hearts are set on fire as we pour out our lives gracefully broken. We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate this special day and to declare God's victory.

The spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—these are the qualities that will define you and your life as you go off to college and beyond. You will be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope, and a living example of God's love and grace. We are so proud of you, and we love you so much.

As Madison prepares to head off to college, she is answering the important questions of what she wants to do with her life by attending Penn State and majoring in elementary education with a focus on special education. However, there is a more profound question than what she wants to be: who is she? Today, in her baptism, she is answering this question again by her actions.

Baptism is a gift from God, in which His Spirit moves into our hearts and changes them from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. This Spirit inspires us when we are frightened, disheartened, and confused. It becomes our heartfelt desire to live by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the qualities that will define Madison and her life as she goes off to college and beyond. She will be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope, and a living example of God's love and grace. We are so proud of her and love her so much.

Reagan has made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized. Maddie has also made the same decision and is getting baptized today. Both of them have been introduced to what a relationship with Jesus is like and have made their own decisions to follow Him. They both understand that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that He loves everyone, even those who don't love Him.

Avery, who is turning nine on Friday, has grown up in a home where he was introduced to what a relationship with Jesus is like and has made his own decision to follow Him. Maddie and Reagan are proud of Avery's decision and baptize him in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They encourage him to share his faith with others and to trust Jesus and have a better life believing in Him. They remind him that God is love and that he should embrace and share it. Congratulations to Maddie, Reagan, and Avery on their baptisms, and may God's joy, love, and peace fill them.

Baptisms are a lot of fun, and there's a lot going on, but I'll stay on task. My name is Rusty, and I'm the Pastor here at New Hope. We're glad to be together, whether you're on campus, online, or later this week on demand.

We're doing a series on the Ten Commandments, which was the original top 10 list. The Ten Commandments were given to us by God to show what He wants for the lives of those who follow Him. They provide a picture of faithful devotion to Him and others. If we are honest, none of us obey them faithfully, which is why we need a pathway to God. That is what Jesus provides us. Accepting Him as our savior and leader creates a new life fueled by gratitude and His Spirit.

There's more to the Ten Commandments than meets the eye. In this series, we'll dig into them together to gain a better appreciation for God's design for our lives.

Today, I'm very grateful and overjoyed to experience and share this experience with Allison. Allison is getting baptized today because Jesus is the Lord of her life. I know that we might not always agree, but I love you very much, and I look forward to helping you learn and grow in your faith. When mommy's not there, I want you to lean on Christ to guide you in the right direction.

Today, I am happy to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I will build my life upon Your love; it is a perfect foundation. I will put my trust in You alone, and I will not be shaken. Holy, there is no one like You; there is none beside You. Open up my eyes in Your love to those around me. Worthy of every song we could ever sing, worthy of all the praise we could ever bring. Jesus, the name