Baptisms and Transfers – 15 September 2024
We had the joy of witnessing the baptism of 2 new members — Ryan and Gloria — on 15 September. Members of GBC had voted to receive them at the Members’ Meeting on 8 September, together with 7 others — Valarie, Darshinphy, Joshua, Susan, Mavane, Che Yong and Solvia — who joined us by transfer.
As Pastor Andrew reminded us, it is a real joy for Christians to witness the baptisms of other believers. Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. It is symbolic and does not save, as we are all saved through faith in Christ alone. Rather, it is an act of our obedience to the command of our Lord Jesus, who Himself has set an example for us. It is also symbolic of our union with Christ — portraying both our death with Him and our newness of life as we are raised with Him too.
Gloria testified to how God slowly, but surely, drew her to Him:
Honestly, I cannot pinpoint any exact moment when my relationship with God changed to a more real, genuine one. My realization of the need for Christ in my life did not come as a sudden epiphany or any particular turning point in my life, but I would say that He was gradually working His way into my life like the beginning act of planting seeds of awareness that bloomed over the course of His perfect pace and time. As I grew up and journeyed through many seasons of life, I witnessed how God was so good to me through them all. Over the years, there were times when I strayed really far from Him and I believe that it was a steady and unceasing outpouring of His love, goodness and grace through the ups and downs of life that eventually chipped away at my hardened heart, cemented the need for God to be in my life and encouraged me as well to extend the same fruit of the Spirit to those around me.
Gloria also trusts God for her future obedience and sanctification even as she seeks to join the church as a member:
I have to admit that it is still not always easy to live a life for Christ. Even till today, I still struggle from time to time. But I know that our Heavenly Father will continue to be there for me and His abundant, unwavering love will continue to encourage me to serve Him, His people and the church.
Ryan also shared how God used His word to speak to him:
It all changed when I was 23 when I was asked a fundamental question by someone close to me: “Why am I a Christian?” I struggled to answer it despite saying I'm a Christian. It shook the foundation of my faith. It prompted me to reevaluate my actions and the idols of my life. Eventually, I was asked again by the same person, “What does your faith mean to you?”. I think God was calling me back like the lost sheep of the flock. The book of Romans was the central part that struck me most when Paul points out in Romans 7, specifically verses 15-19, where he talks about our folly when we try to combat sin on our own. I knew right and wrong, yet I chose to do it still. Realising the deadness and the severity of sin, I could no longer live like how I was previously, taking the gospel for granted. Recognising I’m a sinner, I turned to faith in Christ alone for the forgiveness of my sins, trusting in his grace to save and change me.
He also requested for prayer from the church that he will continue to be faithful and trust God in his spiritual disciplines, to be a part of and grow in the community, and to also grow in knowledge of God’s word and prayer.
At the end of the service, the new members were presented to and welcomed by the congregation. Many also took the time to welcome them heartily after the service.
Members, if you’d like a copy of the testimonies or wish to stay connected with other members, you may request a copy of our Members’ Directory from the church office, either in person, or by writing to info@gracebaptistchurch.sg.
If God has used these baptisms and transfers to prompt you to find out more about membership at GBC, you can also write to us at info@gracebaptistchurch.sg. Our next membership class will tentatively be in January 2025
If you are interested to find out more about this God that they speak about, feel free to reach out to our pastors, elders or your care group leaders! We'd love to chat and share more.