Last Sunday: Profession of Faith

Last Sunday Isaac made his Profession of Faith at church.  Several friends showed up and it was a joyous way to tell everyone about the commitment he has made.

"I believe that God forgave me of my sins because he sent his only Son to die on the cross. God will always love me no matter what I do. God also challenges me in ways that help me grow my skills so I can best serve him. While on Earth, Jesus set the ultimate example and showed me how I should try to live. Jesus died on the cross even though he knew he would suffer. He died because that's what needed to be done to forgive my sins. I believe the Holy Spirit moves in both powerful and subtle ways to change my life in big ways. The Holy Spirit is how God intercedes in my life. The Trinity is Jesus, God and Holy Spirit all at the same time.

My faith is continuing to grow. The church helps me by providing worship services, mission trips, discipleship groups, and ways to serve the community. I will use my gifts of discernment and mercy to help the people around me. I will continue to learn about God. A life serving God can take many forms and I want to be ready to give up everything for Him."

additional video transcript:

24:14

there's tremendous joy. and celebration. And this morning we have the opportunity to celebrate along with the Hildor family as I want to invite Isaac to come and join me on stage right now and along with Derek Wright. As Isaac is this morning uh going to profess his faith publicly and in the sacrament of holy baptism, we are adopted as God's own children in Jesus Christ and made members of the body of Christ. In our baptism, we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection in our promise, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our baptism also calls us to personally respond to God's promises by publicly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ and promising to live wholeheartedly for him. So, Isaac, a number of months ago, you expressed interest in taking this step in your faith journey. We've talked about it as a milestone, not a completion, but an important milestone. And so, you reached out to Mr. Derek Wright, who is right behind you, to be your mentor through the pre-profession of faith process. And that led to you developing your I believe statement, your profession of faith that you shared with myself and a group of elders along with Alex Seiffel in uh your your private profession of faith. And so this morning, we are excited for you to be able to share that publicly with your church family. You ready? All right, here you go. 

I believe that God forgave me of my sins because he sent his only son to die on the cross. God will always love me no matter what I do. He also challenges me in ways that help me grow my skills so I can best serve him. While on earth, Jesus set the ultimate example and showed me how I should try to live. Jesus died on the cross even though he knew he would suffer. He died because that's what needed to be done to forgive my sins. I believe the Holy Spirit moves in both powerful and subtle ways to change my life in big ways. The Holy Spirit is God how is how God intercedes in my life. The Trinity is Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit all at the same time. My faith is continuing to grow. The church helps me by providing worship services, mission trips, disciplehip groups, and ways to serve the community. I will use my gifts of discernment and mercy to help the people around me. I will continue to learn about God. A life-serving God can take many forms, and I want to be ready to give up everything for him. 

So, Isaac, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God sent to rescue our world? Do you personally love and trust him as the one who saves you from your sin? And do you with repentance and joy embrace him as the Lord and shepherd of your life? Do you believe that the Bible is the word of God revealing Christ and his salvation and that the teachings of this church faithfully reflect the truths of scripture? Third, do you accept the gracious promises of God signified and sealed to you in your baptism? And do you affirm your union with Christ in his church which your baptism signifies? Finally, do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church in a spirit of Christian love and participate in its worship, fellowship, and mission? If so, say, "I do. God helping me."

27:54

Praise God. And congregation, would you rise as you are able as we too make commitments and vows to Isaac on this day? So, do you, the family of God, rejoice with Isaac and all the Hildor family on this day as he professes his faith? Do you gladly welcome Isaac into full membership of Calvary Church? And do you vow to continue to support, encourage, admonish, mentor, hold accountable, and pray for Isaac as he continues to grow into a man of God? If so, respond with a hearty, "We do God helping us."

We do God helping us.

28:31

So remember your baptism and be thankful. You are disciples of Jesus Christ. Live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you all. And the peace of God which passes all understanding. Isaac. Keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Amen. And amen. Well, I want to invite folks who are going to come and pray over Isaac, friends and family members, students, uh, come. Isaac, why don't you head down here onto the floor and we will pray blessing over you. All others, you may have a seat.

29:40

Well, what I would like to to spend a couple of moments listening on Isaac's behalf. So, in a couple of moments, I will pray, "Come, Holy Spirit." And we together will tune our attention to hear the voice of God as he would like to speak affirming words to Isaac, words that are consistent with the story of scripture and the character and mission of Christ. And if you feel like you hear something um that's affirming, biblical, and Christlike, then I encourage you um as we greet each other later in the service to come and share that with Isaac. Um but let's listen to what words God might want to say about or to Isaac as we pray. Come

Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and Spirit, we give you thanks for this day, the opportunity for us to bear witness to the work that you are doing in Isaac's life. God, we see that work and we bless it and we ask for more. Would you continue your good work in Isaac's life? strengthen those gifts of discernment and and mercy. And Isaac, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. And the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. God, we pray these things for your glory and the joy of your people and the good of those who don't yet know you. And all God's people said together, "Amen." And amen. Congratulations, Isaac.