We had a great time of worship this past Sunday hearing the testimonies of those who were coming forward for baptism and those being received into membership. We heard how the Lord spoke his invitation to faith in a variety of ways--family prayer times, in conversation with camp counselors, struggling to integrate beliefs with friendships and our experiences of life--often not reflecting the goodness of God, wrestling to take ownership of the faith experiences of one's childhood, being influenced by the church family around us.

It was an amazing thing to hear the interaction between mentors and those who were coming forward for baptism. I appreciated how seriously the mentors took their role of providing guidance and support as they studied and shared life together over the past few months, and to hear how they witnessed genuine and emerging faith in their mentees.

I look forward to the investment and impact our new members will have on our ministry. God is building us and bringing us together to join Him in bringing all things under the reign of God in Jesus Christ.

We saw from Colossians 1: 15 ff that all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, are under the authority of Christ. All things were created by him and for him. He is the head of the church. In all things, Jesus has the supremacy.
I again would like to remind those baptized along with all of us who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior--come under that authority.
The authority to forgive: Jesus has been granted that authority through his willing sacrifice
on the cross and his resurrection victory over sin and death. He intercedes for us at the
right hand of the Father in heaven. Thank you, Jesus, for your unconditional love.
The authority to transform: Jesus has the authority to work in the lives of those who are
"new creations" in him so that they align with his teachings and his example--a life
of union and obedience to the Father, of love, of purity, of being reconcilers, free from
being treasure hunters of the stuff of earth, of fellowship with others in Christ, of
service to those in need;
The authority to protect: Jesus Christ, the name above all names, has authority of all
things on earth and in the spiritual realm. Only in that name can we be protected from
the persistent interference of Satan to disrupt, discourage, and disable the life of faith
and obedience Christ is establishing in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The authority to send: Jesus sends us out to continue his work of preaching, teaching, and
healing:
proclaiming the hope that can only be found in Christ
teaching and shaping lives toward holiness (set apart for God)
healing through prayers; our faithful, supportive relationships; and our service.

Have you come under that authority? Pray even now for forgiveness and to surrender to Christ's loving and supreme authority.

Pastor Steve