Baptisms in November 2022
In November, we had the joy of welcoming new members twice in the month! On 13 November and 27 November, 16 members joined the church via baptism or transfer of membership.
Baptism, as we recited together from the New City Catechism, "is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church" (NCC Q&A 44). The act of baptism itself cannot wash away our sins, as "only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin" (NCC Q&A 45).
Thus, baptisms are always special because it shows how God is at work in our world to draw sinners to Himself, cleanse us from sins, adopt us into His family through Christ, and establish us in the church.
Pastor Eugene introduced our new members to the church at our service on 13 November.
At GBC too, we have these new members write up their testimonies and share it before the church. It is always amazing to hear of how God found them and drew them to Himself. Our members are of different ages, nationalities, backgrounds and experiences but yet, at one point, heard the gospel preached and were given eyes to see and a heart to understand this good news of salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone, through grace alone. If you missed out on the service, you can find their testimonies here (for the 13 November service) and here (for the 27 November service).
Church, let us be amazed and thankful for God's relentless love and ongoing work in the world today! This is a God who saves and continues His saving work in our sanctification. As Philippians 1:6 tells us, He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. How is God at work in your life today? May we also be ready to ask each other, and share of God's work in our lives today!
New members being introduced at our 27 November service.
The baptisms also encourage us to remember Paul's words in Romans 1:16-17, and to boldly live it out: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
GBC warmly welcoming our new members after service.
Each baptism is nothing short of a miracle, as God calls those who were once dead in their sins to be made alive in Christ (Eph 2:1-7). It testifies to how the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Whether we are a new Christian, or a new member. Do you believe this truth? How will it change the way we live and live out the gospel in our lives?
If you would like to find out more about baptism, you can write to Pastor Eugene (eugenelow@gracebaptistchurch.sg). You can also attend our Church Matters class, which goes through what GBC believes and what church membership is about. This is held every quarter and more details can be found here.