Preparation for Baptism – The Church’s Participation

A couple of times a year at GFC we rejoice and celebrate God’s saving grace in a special way, when our brothers and sisters are baptized. Baptism is the Lord’s command (Matt. 28:19), which testifies that salvation and new birth have come into a person’s life (Acts 2:38).

God willing, on September 7 we will have another baptism. In the process of preparing for and carrying out the baptism, the whole Church is involved. We desire that the entire Church join in prayer for the people whose names are listed in this letter. But we, the elders of the church, also strongly encourage you to show greater care for these young in faith brothers and sisters. Please, in addition to praying for them, take time to give them attention – perhaps you can invite someone to your home, meet with them for conversation and questions, or simply support them.

In addition, please look over this list, and if you have any questions or even concerns about the candidates, we ask you to let the pastors know so that we can address them in a timely manner

Are you happy to be a Christian? Are you happy to associate with the One whom this world considers harmful to society? On offer instead of Jesus are prestige, wealth and riches, and the glory of this world. But the apostle Paul was happy to leave behind what this world has to offer and to consider it as rubbish, for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus (Phil 3:8). He was ready to boast in Jesus because that is where true delight and happiness are found (Gal 6:14). Are you ready to boast in Jesus? This upcoming Sunday we will be learning a new song that can give us the words to boast in Jesus. The song is called: All My Boast Is in Jesus. The song was released by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa in 2023.

All My Boast Is in Jesus

Verse 1
What wonder of wonders, what love is this
That Christ would die for me
His goodness, His merit, His righteousness
This sinner’s only plea
O foolish pride, be crucified
The work is finished

Chorus
All my boast is in Jesus
All my hope is His love
And I will glory forever
In what the cross has done

Verse 2
Now fully forgiven, my life is filled
With graces undeserved
For mercy that flowed down that sacred hill
Let praises now return
Rise up my soul, and bless the Lord
Who else is worthy?

Bridge
O praise the One forever blessed
Him alone my heart adores
And I will boast in nothing less
Than the love of Christ my Lord
2x

Verse 3
I boast not in riches, in strength or might
But in the grace of God
I glory in weakness, to live is Christ
In plenty or in want
That I may know, that all may see
His pow’r within me

Chorus 2
Now I stand in this freedom
Ransomed, clean in His sight
And I cannot be ashamed for
My boast is Jesus Christ
My boast is Jesus Christ
Forever my boast is Jesus Christ

(You can also find the lyrics here)

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

"praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,"
Ephesians 6:18-19