Blog https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:51:35 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Registration is LIVE for our "Zoomerang" VBS August 15-19! https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/vacation-bible-school-august-15-19--zoomerang- https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/vacation-bible-school-august-15-19--zoomerang-#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/vacation-bible-school-august-15-19--zoomerang- **Update: Registration is now closed.**

August 15-19, Monday to Friday, from 1-4 PM at Frank Wills Hall!

We're thrilled to announce that this summer, we'll be running our first-ever Vacation Bible School, "Zoomerang," for kids entering grades Kindergarten to Grade 6! And it's no cost to you!

Zoomerang takes kids to the "land down under" as we explore the sanctity of human life! Like a boomerang, we are returning kids to the value of life, from the lives of preborn babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God. You’ll marvel at the unforgettable wildlife, culture, and beauty of Australia while discovering that from the tiniest to the oldest, each person is made in the image of God—wonderfully designed to know him and live for him!

More Information:

The VBS is held at and around Frank Wills Hall, and we have both indoor and outdoor activities planned depending on the weather. Please dress your child for the weather; we suggest the following (and that you put the child’s name on their possessions):

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat      
  • Insect repellent   
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Raincoat (if rain is expected)
  • Sweater or light jacket (if cold weather expected)
  • Running or athletic shoes

We have indoor washrooms available at the Hall. We will serve snacks and drinks, and water will be available at all times.

]]>
**Update: Registration is now closed.**

August 15-19, Monday to Friday, from 1-4 PM at Frank Wills Hall!

We're thrilled to announce that this summer, we'll be running our first-ever Vacation Bible School, "Zoomerang," for kids entering grades Kindergarten to Grade 6! And it's no cost to you!

Zoomerang takes kids to the "land down under" as we explore the sanctity of human life! Like a boomerang, we are returning kids to the value of life, from the lives of preborn babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God. You’ll marvel at the unforgettable wildlife, culture, and beauty of Australia while discovering that from the tiniest to the oldest, each person is made in the image of God—wonderfully designed to know him and live for him!

More Information:

The VBS is held at and around Frank Wills Hall, and we have both indoor and outdoor activities planned depending on the weather. Please dress your child for the weather; we suggest the following (and that you put the child’s name on their possessions):

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat      
  • Insect repellent   
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Raincoat (if rain is expected)
  • Sweater or light jacket (if cold weather expected)
  • Running or athletic shoes

We have indoor washrooms available at the Hall. We will serve snacks and drinks, and water will be available at all times.

]]>
Means of Grace for June 14: God's Nature, Spurgeon's Evangelist, Culture War, Tradition & More! https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/means-of-grace-for-june-14- https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/means-of-grace-for-june-14-#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/means-of-grace-for-june-14- Here's another iteration of "Means of Grace," a collection of recommended resources from around the Web to help you in your Christian walk!

Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, and so (especially in light of our recent look at Revelation 3 and 4, and some of the points we’ve touched on in the Nicene Creed series), here’s a really helpful article at TGC by Dr. Matthew Barrett of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: On Trinity Sunday, Delight in the Radiance of God’s Glory

Carl Trueman had a must-read article called “Is God A Therapist” on how crucially important holiness will be for the church in the coming years, and how vital for holiness it is that we get God right. A teaser: “If our imaginations are not fired by the greatness of the eternal communion with our glorious God that will be consummated at the end of time, then the problems of this present age will loom large and always threaten to overwhelm us.” Here it is.

Alastair Roberts with some desperately-needed cautions to Christians about “resisting a totalizing culture war mindset, of not allowing fixation on cultural battles to crowd out more fundamental matters.” Pastor Peter Mahaffey in Ontario said of his thoughts that they are “possibly some of the most important words I've read this year” and I think he’s right.

I think all of us—and especially the ladies among us—would find this story (Twitter thread) to be a great encouragement. Read it! The Untold Story of C.H. Spurgeon’s Greatest Evangelist: Mrs. Lavinia Strickland Bartlett

Here’s a blog article on the nature and usefulness of “tradition” (in the positive sense!) by Dr. Scott Swain (of Reformed Theological Seminary) that I found extremely helpful. A couple teasers: “Central to the task of transmitting the faith from one generation to the next is the requirement of transmitting it as a whole, without addition or subtraction….it is the meaning, not simply the verbiage, of the Bible that is normative for Christian thought and life and…false teachers often seek to hide unbiblical meanings under the cloak [of] biblical terminology.” I commend the whole thing to all of you.

They found King Herod’s bathtub. The things we leave behind...

And don’t forget our Song of the Month for June, a song some of us used to sing at Calvary Grace but which the majority of you here at Grace will find new: Mark Altrogge’s As Long As You Are Glorified.

 

]]>
Here's another iteration of "Means of Grace," a collection of recommended resources from around the Web to help you in your Christian walk!

Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, and so (especially in light of our recent look at Revelation 3 and 4, and some of the points we’ve touched on in the Nicene Creed series), here’s a really helpful article at TGC by Dr. Matthew Barrett of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: On Trinity Sunday, Delight in the Radiance of God’s Glory

Carl Trueman had a must-read article called “Is God A Therapist” on how crucially important holiness will be for the church in the coming years, and how vital for holiness it is that we get God right. A teaser: “If our imaginations are not fired by the greatness of the eternal communion with our glorious God that will be consummated at the end of time, then the problems of this present age will loom large and always threaten to overwhelm us.” Here it is.

Alastair Roberts with some desperately-needed cautions to Christians about “resisting a totalizing culture war mindset, of not allowing fixation on cultural battles to crowd out more fundamental matters.” Pastor Peter Mahaffey in Ontario said of his thoughts that they are “possibly some of the most important words I've read this year” and I think he’s right.

I think all of us—and especially the ladies among us—would find this story (Twitter thread) to be a great encouragement. Read it! The Untold Story of C.H. Spurgeon’s Greatest Evangelist: Mrs. Lavinia Strickland Bartlett

Here’s a blog article on the nature and usefulness of “tradition” (in the positive sense!) by Dr. Scott Swain (of Reformed Theological Seminary) that I found extremely helpful. A couple teasers: “Central to the task of transmitting the faith from one generation to the next is the requirement of transmitting it as a whole, without addition or subtraction….it is the meaning, not simply the verbiage, of the Bible that is normative for Christian thought and life and…false teachers often seek to hide unbiblical meanings under the cloak [of] biblical terminology.” I commend the whole thing to all of you.

They found King Herod’s bathtub. The things we leave behind...

And don’t forget our Song of the Month for June, a song some of us used to sing at Calvary Grace but which the majority of you here at Grace will find new: Mark Altrogge’s As Long As You Are Glorified.

 

]]>
Preparing for One's Baptism Service https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-ones-baptism-service https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-ones-baptism-service#comments Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-ones-baptism-service And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)

Once you’ve taken the classes, been interviewed by the elders, and prepared a testimony, a day will be set when you will be immersed publicly. What should you do to get ready for that day?

AS THE DAY APPROACHES

First, and foremost, we recommend that you approach the day soberly and deliberately, examining yourself and confessing your sins. Believers who are about to participate in the other ordinance of the church, the Lord’s Supper, are reminded by the Apostle Paul: “Let a person examine himself, then...if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:28, 31). While the Supper and baptism are different, they are both holy moments in the life of a believer and of the local church. Believers are supposed to engage in self-examination as a regular part of their Christian walk: “examine yourselves...test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). And the purpose of this is to remind ourselves both of our need for, and the fact of, God’s forgiveness. When we examine ourselves and confess our sins, God forgives us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Second, be in prayer. The Apostle calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). Baptism is, itself, an enacted prayer, an “appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Pet. 3:21). And so it is most fitting that one who is about to be baptized be in prayer as preparation for that baptism. One helpful way to organize your prayers is the “ACTS” acronym: prayers of adoration (praising God for who he is and what he has done); prayers of confession (admitting and bringing our sins to God and asking his fatherly forgiveness); prayers of thanksgiving (expressing gratitude for the blessings God has given you and others); and prayers of supplication (bringing requests and cares to God for help).

Third, invite friends and family! Baptism is an outward and public declaration, a visible confession of faith. Your local church family will, of course, be gathered to celebrate and thank God with you and for you. But please feel free to invite other friends and family, and especially those who do not yet know Jesus. Your baptism will be a great way to share your faith in Christ with them, and to introduce them to your new spiritual family. It will give them the opportunity not only to see the Gospel pictured through baptism, but proclaimed through Bible reading, preaching, prayer, and singing.

WHAT TO BRING

On baptism Sunday, here are a couple helpful pointers to prepare you:

Clothing. Bring a change of clothes. Just before the baptism you’ll be given a chance to change into the clothing you’ll wear in the water. Usually something like a t-shirt and a pair of shorts is easiest, but depending on temperature (especially if the baptism is outdoors in cooler weather) longer sleeves and pants are okay too. Modesty is important, though, so choose your clothing accordingly.

Towels. Bring one or two long towels. When you are baptized, someone will be standing near the water to give you your towel when you get out. Especially if the baptism is outdoors in cooler weather, you’ll want a towel that can wrap around you and warm you up!

Sandals, especially if the baptism will be outdoors. When you get out of the water you can step into your sandals and proceed to where you will change into dry clothing.

DURING THE BAPTISM

• When you step in the water, lower yourself to your knees. It makes it easier to perform the baptism, and it requires less depth of water.

• In preparation to be lowered into the water, hold your nose with your right hand, and hold your right wrist with your left hand. Keep your mouth firmly closed. You can keep your eyes closed as you go under.

The pastor who baptizes will grasp your left wrist and place his other hand in the middle of your back—this makes it easier to lower and raise you. And this way you don’t come up out of the water sneezing or coughing!

• When you get out, get dressed in dry clothes as soon as practicable. People will want to congratulate you and talk to you—you don’t want to be shivering, especially if it’s cold! It’s okay for them to wait for a few minutes; get dry and warm.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK!

This has been just a brief guide to the most important parts of preparing for baptism. Don’t hesitate to talk to one of your elders if you have any questions about any of these things, or if you need help.

]]>
And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)

Once you’ve taken the classes, been interviewed by the elders, and prepared a testimony, a day will be set when you will be immersed publicly. What should you do to get ready for that day?

AS THE DAY APPROACHES

First, and foremost, we recommend that you approach the day soberly and deliberately, examining yourself and confessing your sins. Believers who are about to participate in the other ordinance of the church, the Lord’s Supper, are reminded by the Apostle Paul: “Let a person examine himself, then...if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:28, 31). While the Supper and baptism are different, they are both holy moments in the life of a believer and of the local church. Believers are supposed to engage in self-examination as a regular part of their Christian walk: “examine yourselves...test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). And the purpose of this is to remind ourselves both of our need for, and the fact of, God’s forgiveness. When we examine ourselves and confess our sins, God forgives us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Second, be in prayer. The Apostle calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). Baptism is, itself, an enacted prayer, an “appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Pet. 3:21). And so it is most fitting that one who is about to be baptized be in prayer as preparation for that baptism. One helpful way to organize your prayers is the “ACTS” acronym: prayers of adoration (praising God for who he is and what he has done); prayers of confession (admitting and bringing our sins to God and asking his fatherly forgiveness); prayers of thanksgiving (expressing gratitude for the blessings God has given you and others); and prayers of supplication (bringing requests and cares to God for help).

Third, invite friends and family! Baptism is an outward and public declaration, a visible confession of faith. Your local church family will, of course, be gathered to celebrate and thank God with you and for you. But please feel free to invite other friends and family, and especially those who do not yet know Jesus. Your baptism will be a great way to share your faith in Christ with them, and to introduce them to your new spiritual family. It will give them the opportunity not only to see the Gospel pictured through baptism, but proclaimed through Bible reading, preaching, prayer, and singing.

WHAT TO BRING

On baptism Sunday, here are a couple helpful pointers to prepare you:

Clothing. Bring a change of clothes. Just before the baptism you’ll be given a chance to change into the clothing you’ll wear in the water. Usually something like a t-shirt and a pair of shorts is easiest, but depending on temperature (especially if the baptism is outdoors in cooler weather) longer sleeves and pants are okay too. Modesty is important, though, so choose your clothing accordingly.

Towels. Bring one or two long towels. When you are baptized, someone will be standing near the water to give you your towel when you get out. Especially if the baptism is outdoors in cooler weather, you’ll want a towel that can wrap around you and warm you up!

Sandals, especially if the baptism will be outdoors. When you get out of the water you can step into your sandals and proceed to where you will change into dry clothing.

DURING THE BAPTISM

• When you step in the water, lower yourself to your knees. It makes it easier to perform the baptism, and it requires less depth of water.

• In preparation to be lowered into the water, hold your nose with your right hand, and hold your right wrist with your left hand. Keep your mouth firmly closed. You can keep your eyes closed as you go under.

The pastor who baptizes will grasp your left wrist and place his other hand in the middle of your back—this makes it easier to lower and raise you. And this way you don’t come up out of the water sneezing or coughing!

• When you get out, get dressed in dry clothes as soon as practicable. People will want to congratulate you and talk to you—you don’t want to be shivering, especially if it’s cold! It’s okay for them to wait for a few minutes; get dry and warm.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK!

This has been just a brief guide to the most important parts of preparing for baptism. Don’t hesitate to talk to one of your elders if you have any questions about any of these things, or if you need help.

]]>
A Sample Baptismal Testimony https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/a-sample-baptismal-testimony https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/a-sample-baptismal-testimony#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/a-sample-baptismal-testimony ...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...(1 Peter 3:15)

(As a "sample" baptismal testimony, what follows is what I might write if I were to pursue baptism today.)

Growing up in a Reformed Christian family, I always presumed I was a Christian. I attended Christian schools for my entire elementary and secondary education and attended church with my family every week. I “asked Jesus into my heart” when I was around eight years old, but I don’t think I fully understood what it meant to be a Christian back then. My faith was something I had been basically born into; it was part of my family upbringing and identity.

My parents divorced when I was 15. That was a major shock that shattered much of the security in my life. In those dark days, the church was there for me and I clung desperately to it. I regularly attended youth group, and it was an escape for me. I felt more "at home" in the halls of the church building than I did at home. I considered myself a Christian and loved singing and worship. But my faith at this point was still more of an emotional attachment and expression than a deep, all-encompassing conviction.

I joined the Army at 17, and my true state of heart was revealed. Before, I had spent my entire life in a “Christian bubble,” not seriously exposed to the world. Once out of that protective environment, I quickly departed a Christian lifestyle. My military career became my identity and my idol. My language turned foul and I rarely darkened the door of a church. I still called myself a Christian and my buddies knew that was what I claimed to be, but there was no way to tell my life apart from theirs.

That all changed in 2003, when I sustained a career-ending injury. God smashed the idol, and I was devastated. I still at this time was calling myself a Christian. But I was questioning foundational doctrines like the Trinity and the exclusivity of salvation in Christ even before the injury. By God’s grace, I was still occasionally attending a Pentecostal church in Fredericton because I liked the music and there were people my age there. But I found myself increasingly uncomfortable in the services—especially baptismal services, which I found myself actively avoiding. Why the baptism services? Because I knew that, while I had been sprinkled as a baby, I had never publicly confessed my faith in baptism as an adult, and I knew that the biblical pattern was believers’ baptism. And so like Jonah I ran from what I knew I ought to do.

Eventually, though, I realized I was being convicted of sin. I was driving back to the base from church and I realized that I was a deep hypocrite. I realized I had no business calling myself a Christian if I didn’t take the Bible at face value—even on uncomfortable or unpopular teachings—or if I didn’t strive to honor Jesus with my lifestyle. I realized I had two options: either stop the act and admit I was an unbeliever, or truly devote myself to God. I got home resolved to be “all in,” and decided to read through the Bible cover to cover for the first time. And I did, persevering to the end. Along the way through that reading, which took a couple of months, I was changed. Though I can’t pinpoint the day or time, God “created in me a new heart” (Psalm 51:10), “drew me” to himself (John 6:44), and I believed.

Since that time my life has been profoundly different. My desires and values have changed. All of a sudden, I lost the desire to use foul language, something I can only describe as miraculous—since I had previously tried to stop swearing more than once by my own willpower and strength. I rediscovered my passionate love for God’s people and for the local church that I had had in my Youth group days, and threw myself into serving in any way I could. I found I could not get enough of learning about the Bible and God’s truth. Along with another Christian soldier I started an evangelistic Bible study on the base, and I also became a small-group leader in the college and career fellowship of my church; in these leading and teaching roles, I discovered that I not only loved reading and learning, but sharing that Word with others. I can only thank God that, by smashing my idols and breaking my body, he gave me “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Why be baptized as a believer, especially since I had been sprinkled as a baby? Even prior to my crisis and conversion, I had realized that the Bible didn’t speak about infant baptism at all. I had already learned that baptism is an outward, public “appeal to God for a good conscience,” an act of faith (1 Peter 3:21), though for years I resisted the call that truth made on my life. But during that first cover-to-cover reading through the Bible, when I came to the Gospel picture of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13- 17), I realized I had no excuses left. As his disciple I needed to follow wherever he led—including into the waters of baptism. That is why I asked to be baptized as a believer.

Jeff Jones (baptized in Fredericton, New Brunswick, September 2003)

]]>
...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...(1 Peter 3:15)

(As a "sample" baptismal testimony, what follows is what I might write if I were to pursue baptism today.)

Growing up in a Reformed Christian family, I always presumed I was a Christian. I attended Christian schools for my entire elementary and secondary education and attended church with my family every week. I “asked Jesus into my heart” when I was around eight years old, but I don’t think I fully understood what it meant to be a Christian back then. My faith was something I had been basically born into; it was part of my family upbringing and identity.

My parents divorced when I was 15. That was a major shock that shattered much of the security in my life. In those dark days, the church was there for me and I clung desperately to it. I regularly attended youth group, and it was an escape for me. I felt more "at home" in the halls of the church building than I did at home. I considered myself a Christian and loved singing and worship. But my faith at this point was still more of an emotional attachment and expression than a deep, all-encompassing conviction.

I joined the Army at 17, and my true state of heart was revealed. Before, I had spent my entire life in a “Christian bubble,” not seriously exposed to the world. Once out of that protective environment, I quickly departed a Christian lifestyle. My military career became my identity and my idol. My language turned foul and I rarely darkened the door of a church. I still called myself a Christian and my buddies knew that was what I claimed to be, but there was no way to tell my life apart from theirs.

That all changed in 2003, when I sustained a career-ending injury. God smashed the idol, and I was devastated. I still at this time was calling myself a Christian. But I was questioning foundational doctrines like the Trinity and the exclusivity of salvation in Christ even before the injury. By God’s grace, I was still occasionally attending a Pentecostal church in Fredericton because I liked the music and there were people my age there. But I found myself increasingly uncomfortable in the services—especially baptismal services, which I found myself actively avoiding. Why the baptism services? Because I knew that, while I had been sprinkled as a baby, I had never publicly confessed my faith in baptism as an adult, and I knew that the biblical pattern was believers’ baptism. And so like Jonah I ran from what I knew I ought to do.

Eventually, though, I realized I was being convicted of sin. I was driving back to the base from church and I realized that I was a deep hypocrite. I realized I had no business calling myself a Christian if I didn’t take the Bible at face value—even on uncomfortable or unpopular teachings—or if I didn’t strive to honor Jesus with my lifestyle. I realized I had two options: either stop the act and admit I was an unbeliever, or truly devote myself to God. I got home resolved to be “all in,” and decided to read through the Bible cover to cover for the first time. And I did, persevering to the end. Along the way through that reading, which took a couple of months, I was changed. Though I can’t pinpoint the day or time, God “created in me a new heart” (Psalm 51:10), “drew me” to himself (John 6:44), and I believed.

Since that time my life has been profoundly different. My desires and values have changed. All of a sudden, I lost the desire to use foul language, something I can only describe as miraculous—since I had previously tried to stop swearing more than once by my own willpower and strength. I rediscovered my passionate love for God’s people and for the local church that I had had in my Youth group days, and threw myself into serving in any way I could. I found I could not get enough of learning about the Bible and God’s truth. Along with another Christian soldier I started an evangelistic Bible study on the base, and I also became a small-group leader in the college and career fellowship of my church; in these leading and teaching roles, I discovered that I not only loved reading and learning, but sharing that Word with others. I can only thank God that, by smashing my idols and breaking my body, he gave me “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Why be baptized as a believer, especially since I had been sprinkled as a baby? Even prior to my crisis and conversion, I had realized that the Bible didn’t speak about infant baptism at all. I had already learned that baptism is an outward, public “appeal to God for a good conscience,” an act of faith (1 Peter 3:21), though for years I resisted the call that truth made on my life. But during that first cover-to-cover reading through the Bible, when I came to the Gospel picture of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13- 17), I realized I had no excuses left. As his disciple I needed to follow wherever he led—including into the waters of baptism. That is why I asked to be baptized as a believer.

Jeff Jones (baptized in Fredericton, New Brunswick, September 2003)

]]>
Preparing a Baptismal Testimony https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-a-baptismal-testimony https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-a-baptismal-testimony#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-a-baptismal-testimony And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son... (1 John 5:11)

A key moment in every baptism service is the testimony of the one being baptized. Baptism itself is a testimony, a tangible picture of the Christian’s death to the old self and resurrection to spiritual life as he or she was united with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection. This picture or illustration is amplified and clarified when it is accompanied by a brief account of what God has done in the life of the believer who is being baptized. It is a great encouragement to every Christian who is present; it is an exhortation to those who are considering Christ, or contemplating baptism, to follow the example of the baptized person; and it is a challenge and a summons to those who do not yet believe to repent of their own sin and trust in Christ for their own salvation just as the person being baptized has already done.

And so we ask that each person being baptized prepare a brief written testimony of their faith in Christ. In terms of length, we suggest aiming for about a page in length (500 words), but it can be shorter or longer as long as the testimony says what needs to be said. We do ask that you write it out, for a number of reasons. It allows us to work with you to fine-tune it by leaving out unnecessary details and correcting any errors or shortcomings in your writing. Many people tend to “talk long” without something written out, and so a written, prepared testimony keeps you from rambling! Often, a person is nervous of public speaking, and so reading from a page is often much easier than trying to talk “off the cuff.” So, please prepare a written testimony and email it to the elders at least a week or two before the baptism service so that we can help you fine-tune it.

What should you include in such a testimony? We suggest you cover the following ideas in your testimony:

Your life before you came to Christ (or, if you grew up in a Christian home and can’t remember a time when you didn’t have some kind of belief in Jesus, describe your upbringing). In particular, if possible, try to give examples or a summary of the kind of person you were apart from the grace of God.

One quick thing about this, though: it’s tempting for some people to speak at length about their former sins, and not long enough about what God has done. The effect is to amplify sin and reduce grace—so try not to do that! Your testimony is about how good Jesus has been to you, not primarily about how bad you were without him. Similarly, try to be general about your sins; going into detail can not only make some uncomfortable but might actually be a cause of temptation to others. Remember that there will be little kids listening!

What happened to bring you to faith in Jesus? Was it a crisis? Was it a certain message or word? Did God use someone in particular, whether a parent or family member, a friend, a pastor, someone in the church? How?

What changes have you seen, and have others seen, in your life since you trusted in Jesus? In what ways have your sins been broken and your love for the things of God been increased? What spiritual fruit do you see in your life or have others told you they see in you?

Also, we’d like to make copies of your testimony available for those attending the service to read. Sometimes when baptisms take place, it’s hard for some to hear—especially if the baptism takes place outside, or if someone is hard of hearing. Don’t underestimate how encouraging a baptism testimony is to others!

]]>
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son... (1 John 5:11)

A key moment in every baptism service is the testimony of the one being baptized. Baptism itself is a testimony, a tangible picture of the Christian’s death to the old self and resurrection to spiritual life as he or she was united with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection. This picture or illustration is amplified and clarified when it is accompanied by a brief account of what God has done in the life of the believer who is being baptized. It is a great encouragement to every Christian who is present; it is an exhortation to those who are considering Christ, or contemplating baptism, to follow the example of the baptized person; and it is a challenge and a summons to those who do not yet believe to repent of their own sin and trust in Christ for their own salvation just as the person being baptized has already done.

And so we ask that each person being baptized prepare a brief written testimony of their faith in Christ. In terms of length, we suggest aiming for about a page in length (500 words), but it can be shorter or longer as long as the testimony says what needs to be said. We do ask that you write it out, for a number of reasons. It allows us to work with you to fine-tune it by leaving out unnecessary details and correcting any errors or shortcomings in your writing. Many people tend to “talk long” without something written out, and so a written, prepared testimony keeps you from rambling! Often, a person is nervous of public speaking, and so reading from a page is often much easier than trying to talk “off the cuff.” So, please prepare a written testimony and email it to the elders at least a week or two before the baptism service so that we can help you fine-tune it.

What should you include in such a testimony? We suggest you cover the following ideas in your testimony:

Your life before you came to Christ (or, if you grew up in a Christian home and can’t remember a time when you didn’t have some kind of belief in Jesus, describe your upbringing). In particular, if possible, try to give examples or a summary of the kind of person you were apart from the grace of God.

One quick thing about this, though: it’s tempting for some people to speak at length about their former sins, and not long enough about what God has done. The effect is to amplify sin and reduce grace—so try not to do that! Your testimony is about how good Jesus has been to you, not primarily about how bad you were without him. Similarly, try to be general about your sins; going into detail can not only make some uncomfortable but might actually be a cause of temptation to others. Remember that there will be little kids listening!

What happened to bring you to faith in Jesus? Was it a crisis? Was it a certain message or word? Did God use someone in particular, whether a parent or family member, a friend, a pastor, someone in the church? How?

What changes have you seen, and have others seen, in your life since you trusted in Jesus? In what ways have your sins been broken and your love for the things of God been increased? What spiritual fruit do you see in your life or have others told you they see in you?

Also, we’d like to make copies of your testimony available for those attending the service to read. Sometimes when baptisms take place, it’s hard for some to hear—especially if the baptism takes place outside, or if someone is hard of hearing. Don’t underestimate how encouraging a baptism testimony is to others!

]]>
Preparing for a Baptism Interview https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-a-baptism-interview https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-a-baptism-interview#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/preparing-for-a-baptism-interview Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account... (Heb. 13:17a)

When it comes to baptism, the pattern we find in the Bible is that new believers are usually baptized almost immediately. That said, simply because an event or a practice is described in the pages of Scripture does not mean it is prescribed for us to do today. The Bible does not explicitly tell us how a church or how a pastor determines who is ready to be baptized. And the Bible does give at least one example of a man, Simon the Magician, who was baptized upon his profession of faith but soon afterward showed that his motives were not right and that his “heart [was] not right before God” (Acts 8:9-24).

The elders of Grace Church are charged to keep watch over the souls in their care, and so one of our concerns when it comes to baptism is to ensure, as much as it is humanly possible, that those being baptized are truly believers. And so in addition to dedicated teaching on baptism, we will sit down for an interview with anyone who is considering baptism.

What is this baptism interview about? Before getting to that question, let us stress one thing at the outset: a baptism interview is NOT a “pass or fail” test. Not at all! We are hoping and praying that you will, indeed, be baptized; we’re “cheering for you”! The baptism interview is not intended as an obstacle to be overcome; rather, it’s a chance for us to help you get there. The baptism interview will result in us telling you one of two things: either we will say, “we think you’re ready—let’s get this done!” or, “we’re not yet sure that you’re ready—so let’s see what can be done to help you get there.”

What do we talk about in the interview? Two main things. First, we want to confirm that you understand what baptism is all about. And so we’ll ask some questions to get an idea what you think baptism is and means. As one example, we would want to avoid anyone getting the idea that baptism is a “ticket to heaven” that guarantees salvation—because it doesn’t! Our suggestion, then, is that you study over the “Understanding Baptism” booklet, the notes you may have taken from your baptism class, and the Bible passages describing baptism, and be ready to tell us a) what baptism is, b) who should be baptized, and c) what baptism says about the person being baptized.

Second, we want to ensure that you have a credible profession of faith. And so we’ll ask you some questions about your spiritual life. Our suggestion, then, is that you study over the “What Is The Gospel?” pamphlet you received with your “Understanding Baptism” booklet, and that you spend some time reflecting on your own conversion to Christ and your life so far as a Christian. Perhaps talk to a trusted family member or friend who knows your Christian story. We suggest that you come to the interview ready to talk about things like: a) When and how did you come to believe in Jesus? b) Have you seen a change or a difference in your life since you believed, and what does that look like? and c) What is the Gospel, and how would you explain it to someone else?

Finally, after talking about what baptism is and your own walk with Jesus, the elders will give you a chance to ask any further questions you may have. And if you are not yet an adult, the elders will also want to talk to your parents about your desire to be baptized and make sure they support your decision. Note that if you are not yet an adult, we try to be especially careful with baptism, and so please don’t take it too hard if, after talking to you and to your parents, we think it’s wise to take a bit more time to make sure you’re ready.

]]>
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account... (Heb. 13:17a)

When it comes to baptism, the pattern we find in the Bible is that new believers are usually baptized almost immediately. That said, simply because an event or a practice is described in the pages of Scripture does not mean it is prescribed for us to do today. The Bible does not explicitly tell us how a church or how a pastor determines who is ready to be baptized. And the Bible does give at least one example of a man, Simon the Magician, who was baptized upon his profession of faith but soon afterward showed that his motives were not right and that his “heart [was] not right before God” (Acts 8:9-24).

The elders of Grace Church are charged to keep watch over the souls in their care, and so one of our concerns when it comes to baptism is to ensure, as much as it is humanly possible, that those being baptized are truly believers. And so in addition to dedicated teaching on baptism, we will sit down for an interview with anyone who is considering baptism.

What is this baptism interview about? Before getting to that question, let us stress one thing at the outset: a baptism interview is NOT a “pass or fail” test. Not at all! We are hoping and praying that you will, indeed, be baptized; we’re “cheering for you”! The baptism interview is not intended as an obstacle to be overcome; rather, it’s a chance for us to help you get there. The baptism interview will result in us telling you one of two things: either we will say, “we think you’re ready—let’s get this done!” or, “we’re not yet sure that you’re ready—so let’s see what can be done to help you get there.”

What do we talk about in the interview? Two main things. First, we want to confirm that you understand what baptism is all about. And so we’ll ask some questions to get an idea what you think baptism is and means. As one example, we would want to avoid anyone getting the idea that baptism is a “ticket to heaven” that guarantees salvation—because it doesn’t! Our suggestion, then, is that you study over the “Understanding Baptism” booklet, the notes you may have taken from your baptism class, and the Bible passages describing baptism, and be ready to tell us a) what baptism is, b) who should be baptized, and c) what baptism says about the person being baptized.

Second, we want to ensure that you have a credible profession of faith. And so we’ll ask you some questions about your spiritual life. Our suggestion, then, is that you study over the “What Is The Gospel?” pamphlet you received with your “Understanding Baptism” booklet, and that you spend some time reflecting on your own conversion to Christ and your life so far as a Christian. Perhaps talk to a trusted family member or friend who knows your Christian story. We suggest that you come to the interview ready to talk about things like: a) When and how did you come to believe in Jesus? b) Have you seen a change or a difference in your life since you believed, and what does that look like? and c) What is the Gospel, and how would you explain it to someone else?

Finally, after talking about what baptism is and your own walk with Jesus, the elders will give you a chance to ask any further questions you may have. And if you are not yet an adult, the elders will also want to talk to your parents about your desire to be baptized and make sure they support your decision. Note that if you are not yet an adult, we try to be especially careful with baptism, and so please don’t take it too hard if, after talking to you and to your parents, we think it’s wise to take a bit more time to make sure you’re ready.

]]>
What Happens at a Baptism? https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-happens-at-a-baptism https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-happens-at-a-baptism#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-happens-at-a-baptism ...and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 2:38)

So what happens at a baptism service? At Grace Church, here is a rough sketch of what you can expect.

1. A baptism is a public service where all are welcome

Baptism is designed and intended to be a public event, putting spiritual realities on visible display. So, at Grace Church, we will usually hold baptisms on Sundays, usually either at the end of a regular Sunday worship service (kind of as a “service within a service”) or a short time after the service. You are welcome, and encouraged, to invite family and friends!

2. Baptisms can be done indoors or outdoors, in rivers, lakes, hot tubs, or church baptismal tanks.

Baptisms at Grace might take place indoors, in a borrowed hot tub or a rented church baptismal tank, or outdoors, in a stream or lake or even a parking lot using a hot tub or horse trough! Whatever is used, it will be a place where “water is plentiful” (cf. John 3:23).

3. The candidate will give a testimony before the baptism takes place.

Prior to the baptism, the candidate will be helped by the elders to prepare a written testimony (about 1 page/500 words in length, give or take). At the baptism service, before going into the water, the candidate will usually read their testimony publicly in front of everyone watching. If the candidate, for various reasons, can’t speak publicly, one of the elders will read the testimony on their behalf. Copies of the testimony will be printed for those in attendance as well.

4. The candidate will be asked, and answer, a few questions from an elder before going into the water.

After the testimony is read, the candidate will be asked a set of short questions. These questions confirm that the candidate does, indeed, confess the historic Christian faith. Kind of like the vows read at a wedding, the person being baptized will answer “yes” or “I do” to each question. The elder will then pray for the person being baptized.

5. The candidate enters the water with one of the elders and an assistant.

Then, the candidate enters the water. An elder and an assistant will stand on either side. The candidate kneels in the water, facing the congregation. Often, the candidate will hold his or her nose with the right hand, with the left hand firmly grasping the right wrist in front of the chest. The elder will place one hand on the candidate’s back, and grasp the candidate’s left wrist with the other to help plunge him or her under the water and bring him or her out.

6. The elder will recite the baptismal formula and then baptize the candidate.

The elder will address the candidate with these words: “[Name], based on your personal testimony to the grace of God, and your belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” He will then lower the candidate backward into the water, immediately raising him or her back up.

7. The newly baptized believer will then step out of the water, as the congregation claps or cheers.

The baptized believer will step out of the water, with the help of the elder and his assistant. Someone will be waiting at the side of the water with a towel to help; if it is a woman being baptized, this person will be female and wrap her in the towel right away.

8. The service ends with everyone singing the Doxology and with a benediction.

The elder leading the service will then conclude the service by leading the congregation in singing the Doxology (a Capella) and then giving a benediction before dismissing the crowd.

]]>
...and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 2:38)

So what happens at a baptism service? At Grace Church, here is a rough sketch of what you can expect.

1. A baptism is a public service where all are welcome

Baptism is designed and intended to be a public event, putting spiritual realities on visible display. So, at Grace Church, we will usually hold baptisms on Sundays, usually either at the end of a regular Sunday worship service (kind of as a “service within a service”) or a short time after the service. You are welcome, and encouraged, to invite family and friends!

2. Baptisms can be done indoors or outdoors, in rivers, lakes, hot tubs, or church baptismal tanks.

Baptisms at Grace might take place indoors, in a borrowed hot tub or a rented church baptismal tank, or outdoors, in a stream or lake or even a parking lot using a hot tub or horse trough! Whatever is used, it will be a place where “water is plentiful” (cf. John 3:23).

3. The candidate will give a testimony before the baptism takes place.

Prior to the baptism, the candidate will be helped by the elders to prepare a written testimony (about 1 page/500 words in length, give or take). At the baptism service, before going into the water, the candidate will usually read their testimony publicly in front of everyone watching. If the candidate, for various reasons, can’t speak publicly, one of the elders will read the testimony on their behalf. Copies of the testimony will be printed for those in attendance as well.

4. The candidate will be asked, and answer, a few questions from an elder before going into the water.

After the testimony is read, the candidate will be asked a set of short questions. These questions confirm that the candidate does, indeed, confess the historic Christian faith. Kind of like the vows read at a wedding, the person being baptized will answer “yes” or “I do” to each question. The elder will then pray for the person being baptized.

5. The candidate enters the water with one of the elders and an assistant.

Then, the candidate enters the water. An elder and an assistant will stand on either side. The candidate kneels in the water, facing the congregation. Often, the candidate will hold his or her nose with the right hand, with the left hand firmly grasping the right wrist in front of the chest. The elder will place one hand on the candidate’s back, and grasp the candidate’s left wrist with the other to help plunge him or her under the water and bring him or her out.

6. The elder will recite the baptismal formula and then baptize the candidate.

The elder will address the candidate with these words: “[Name], based on your personal testimony to the grace of God, and your belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” He will then lower the candidate backward into the water, immediately raising him or her back up.

7. The newly baptized believer will then step out of the water, as the congregation claps or cheers.

The baptized believer will step out of the water, with the help of the elder and his assistant. Someone will be waiting at the side of the water with a towel to help; if it is a woman being baptized, this person will be female and wrap her in the towel right away.

8. The service ends with everyone singing the Doxology and with a benediction.

The elder leading the service will then conclude the service by leading the congregation in singing the Doxology (a Capella) and then giving a benediction before dismissing the crowd.

]]>
Baptism Means I'm Being Sanctified by the Spirit https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/baptism-means-im-being-sanctified-by-the-spirit https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/baptism-means-im-being-sanctified-by-the-spirit#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/baptism-means-im-being-sanctified-by-the-spirit Why do we immerse new believers in the first place? What is the meaning or significance of this act? Baptism signifies three vitally important realities in the life of a new Christian. It is a display of Trinitarian glory, for it declares that the believer is joined to Jesus, that the believer has been forgiven by the Father, and that the believer is being sanctified by the Spirit.

Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? (Acts 10:47)

Peter promised that those who repent and believe, their faith being made visible by baptism, would “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And in Acts 10:45-47, when Peter saw that “the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles,” he declared: “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

And so baptism not only declares that we have been joined to Jesus and forgiven by the Father; it also declares we are being sanctified by the Spirit.

What does “sanctified” mean? It means being “set apart,” “made holy.” This is not a one-time event, like being joined to Jesus or forgiven by the Father. The Spirit’s work of changing us lasts our entire Christian life, because no Christian, no matter how old, can never say, “I have no sin” (cf. 1 John 1:8-10). So baptism doesn’t say that this work is finished. Rather, it declares that the Spirit has “moved in” to the new believer, who is now a “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19), and begun that work of sanctification. It means that the new Christian is displaying the gifts of repentance (Acts 11:18) and faith (1 Cor. 12:9). It means the new believer shows evidence of the “fruit of the Spirit,” such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). And baptism is a promise to the believer that, as Paul assured the Thessalonians, “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.”

]]>
Why do we immerse new believers in the first place? What is the meaning or significance of this act? Baptism signifies three vitally important realities in the life of a new Christian. It is a display of Trinitarian glory, for it declares that the believer is joined to Jesus, that the believer has been forgiven by the Father, and that the believer is being sanctified by the Spirit.

Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? (Acts 10:47)

Peter promised that those who repent and believe, their faith being made visible by baptism, would “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And in Acts 10:45-47, when Peter saw that “the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles,” he declared: “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

And so baptism not only declares that we have been joined to Jesus and forgiven by the Father; it also declares we are being sanctified by the Spirit.

What does “sanctified” mean? It means being “set apart,” “made holy.” This is not a one-time event, like being joined to Jesus or forgiven by the Father. The Spirit’s work of changing us lasts our entire Christian life, because no Christian, no matter how old, can never say, “I have no sin” (cf. 1 John 1:8-10). So baptism doesn’t say that this work is finished. Rather, it declares that the Spirit has “moved in” to the new believer, who is now a “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19), and begun that work of sanctification. It means that the new Christian is displaying the gifts of repentance (Acts 11:18) and faith (1 Cor. 12:9). It means the new believer shows evidence of the “fruit of the Spirit,” such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). And baptism is a promise to the believer that, as Paul assured the Thessalonians, “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.”

]]>
Song of the Month for February: "Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call" https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/song-of-the-month-for-february--lord-from-sorrows-deep-i-call- https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/song-of-the-month-for-february--lord-from-sorrows-deep-i-call-#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/song-of-the-month-for-february--lord-from-sorrows-deep-i-call- It has been our desire to include more Psalms in our song canon to sing together as a family at Grace. So, with that, our Song of the Month for February 2022 will be "Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call" by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell—a song that communicates well the truths found in Psalm 42.   

Here is an excerpt from the writers of the song:

This song began as a melody that was filled with sorrow, hope, and longing.  After Matt and I completed a couple different versions of the lyric, we finally landed on the title “Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call” and it seemed to both capture the ache of the tune and also the reality of the human condition. As we look to Psalm 42, and the psalms at large, we see there things that are sadly so rare in our corporate worship gatherings—confessions of despair, fear, and anger. As Christians we know that God who sees us is great enough to handle our hearts, and offers us hope if we trust Him, which is the direction of the song: “O my soul – put your Hope in God.”

And as usual here is a YouTube link to the song itself for your own personal enjoyment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGhnbXtqbU 

In addition, here is a link to a short article from TGC titled "10 Reasons Your Church Should Sing Psalms" by Keith Getty and David Peterson.

Psalm 42

As a deer pants for flowing streams, 

so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God, 

for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God? 

My tears have been my food 

day and night, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

These things I remember, 

as I pour out my soul: 

how I would go with the throng 

and lead them in procession to the house of God 

with glad shouts and songs of praise, 

a multitude keeping festival. 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation  and my God. 

My soul is cast down within me; 

therefore I remember you 

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, 

from Mount Mizar. 

Deep calls to deep 

at the roar of your waterfalls; 

all your breakers and your waves 

have gone over me. 

By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, 

and at night his song is with me, 

a prayer to the God of my life. 

I say to God, my rock: 

“Why have you forgotten me? 

Why do I go mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

As with a deadly wound in my bones, 

my adversaries taunt me, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

]]>
It has been our desire to include more Psalms in our song canon to sing together as a family at Grace. So, with that, our Song of the Month for February 2022 will be "Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call" by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell—a song that communicates well the truths found in Psalm 42.   

Here is an excerpt from the writers of the song:

This song began as a melody that was filled with sorrow, hope, and longing.  After Matt and I completed a couple different versions of the lyric, we finally landed on the title “Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call” and it seemed to both capture the ache of the tune and also the reality of the human condition. As we look to Psalm 42, and the psalms at large, we see there things that are sadly so rare in our corporate worship gatherings—confessions of despair, fear, and anger. As Christians we know that God who sees us is great enough to handle our hearts, and offers us hope if we trust Him, which is the direction of the song: “O my soul – put your Hope in God.”

And as usual here is a YouTube link to the song itself for your own personal enjoyment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGhnbXtqbU 

In addition, here is a link to a short article from TGC titled "10 Reasons Your Church Should Sing Psalms" by Keith Getty and David Peterson.

Psalm 42

As a deer pants for flowing streams, 

so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God, 

for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God? 

My tears have been my food 

day and night, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

These things I remember, 

as I pour out my soul: 

how I would go with the throng 

and lead them in procession to the house of God 

with glad shouts and songs of praise, 

a multitude keeping festival. 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation  and my God. 

My soul is cast down within me; 

therefore I remember you 

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, 

from Mount Mizar. 

Deep calls to deep 

at the roar of your waterfalls; 

all your breakers and your waves 

have gone over me. 

By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, 

and at night his song is with me, 

a prayer to the God of my life. 

I say to God, my rock: 

“Why have you forgotten me? 

Why do I go mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy?” 

As with a deadly wound in my bones, 

my adversaries taunt me, 

while they say to me all the day long, 

“Where is your God?” 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

]]>
What Does Baptism Mean? I Have Been Forgiven By The Father https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-does https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-does#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchcochrane.ca/blog/post/what-does Why do we immerse new believers in the first place? What is the meaning or significance of this act? Baptism signifies three vitally important realities in the life of a new Christian. It is a display of Trinitarian glory, for it declares that the believer is joined to Jesus, that the believer has been forgiven by the Father, and that the believer is being sanctified by the Spirit.

Baptism...now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 3:21)

When the Apostle Peter speaks about baptism, he mentions it in the context of talking about God’s wrath against our sin, and our need for forgiveness: “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). In context, “this”—the thing baptism “corresponds to”—is the rescue of Noah and his family on the ark from the wrath of God. Peter is saying that just as Noah was saved through water, which signified death and judgment, so too in baptism the believer is saved “through water.” But, before anyone misunderstands Peter, he makes an important clarification. Baptism saves “not as a removal of dirt from the body.” Instead, Peter goes on to explain, it’s what baptism represents and signifies that saves, not the ceremony or the water: “as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus.” It’s faith that saves; baptism represents that faith.

By saying this appeal is directed to “God,” as distinguished from “Jesus Christ,” Peter, like the New Testament writers so often do, means God the Father. Why is this important? The book of Hebrews tells us that “when we sin,” it is “Jesus Christ the righteous” who is our “advocate with the Father.” It is the Father’s wrath that must be dealt with. It is the Father’s forgiveness that we need. Baptism, Peter is saying, is a cry to the Father for that forgiveness. And this “appeal” to the Father for forgiveness is “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This cry of faith to the Father is an act of trust in Jesus. And because we are joined to Jesus by faith, our cry of faith to the Father results in his forgiveness.

That’s why Peter was so confident that when sinners repent and cry out in faith, as represented in baptism, the Father will forgive: “repent and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Was he disagreeing with Paul, who said in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved”? Absolutely not. Peter and Paul were saying the same thing with different words. For Peter, “be baptized” is shorthand for “believe.” The act of baptism is an outward expression of inward faith. Baptism makes visible what cannot be seen: the faith in Jesus Christ that saves, and its result, that we are forgiven by the Father.

 

]]>
Why do we immerse new believers in the first place? What is the meaning or significance of this act? Baptism signifies three vitally important realities in the life of a new Christian. It is a display of Trinitarian glory, for it declares that the believer is joined to Jesus, that the believer has been forgiven by the Father, and that the believer is being sanctified by the Spirit.

Baptism...now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 3:21)

When the Apostle Peter speaks about baptism, he mentions it in the context of talking about God’s wrath against our sin, and our need for forgiveness: “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). In context, “this”—the thing baptism “corresponds to”—is the rescue of Noah and his family on the ark from the wrath of God. Peter is saying that just as Noah was saved through water, which signified death and judgment, so too in baptism the believer is saved “through water.” But, before anyone misunderstands Peter, he makes an important clarification. Baptism saves “not as a removal of dirt from the body.” Instead, Peter goes on to explain, it’s what baptism represents and signifies that saves, not the ceremony or the water: “as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus.” It’s faith that saves; baptism represents that faith.

By saying this appeal is directed to “God,” as distinguished from “Jesus Christ,” Peter, like the New Testament writers so often do, means God the Father. Why is this important? The book of Hebrews tells us that “when we sin,” it is “Jesus Christ the righteous” who is our “advocate with the Father.” It is the Father’s wrath that must be dealt with. It is the Father’s forgiveness that we need. Baptism, Peter is saying, is a cry to the Father for that forgiveness. And this “appeal” to the Father for forgiveness is “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This cry of faith to the Father is an act of trust in Jesus. And because we are joined to Jesus by faith, our cry of faith to the Father results in his forgiveness.

That’s why Peter was so confident that when sinners repent and cry out in faith, as represented in baptism, the Father will forgive: “repent and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Was he disagreeing with Paul, who said in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved”? Absolutely not. Peter and Paul were saying the same thing with different words. For Peter, “be baptized” is shorthand for “believe.” The act of baptism is an outward expression of inward faith. Baptism makes visible what cannot be seen: the faith in Jesus Christ that saves, and its result, that we are forgiven by the Father.

 

]]>