March 16th Worship Service

Discover the transformative power of viewing baptism as a beginning rather than an endpoint in your spiritual journey. Learn the vital difference between being part of God's covenant and actively living under it. This powerful message explores how regular spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, and community involvement can deepen your faith walk. Perfect for new believers, those considering baptism, or anyone seeking to revitalize their spiritual life. Topics include spiritual growth, Christian living, faith development, baptism meaning, covenant relationship, church community, Bible study, prayer life, Christian discipleship, spiritual transformation, faith journey, Christian growth, spiritual development, religious commitment, Christian education.

5 Day Devotional

Day 1:

The Beginning, Not the End

Devotional

Have you ever been so excited about starting something new that you forgot about the journey ahead? Many view baptism as a destination - a triumphant moment where their spiritual journey reaches its peak. However, baptism marks a beautiful beginning, not an end. It's like receiving your driver's license - it's not the end of learning to drive, but rather the beginning of a lifetime of driving experiences. Each day presents new opportunities to grow closer to God and deepen our understanding of His love and purpose for our lives.

Bible Verse

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19

Reflection Question

In what ways might you be treating certain spiritual milestones as endpoints rather than starting points in your faith journey?

Quote Don't use a period when you should be using a comma. So many times we look at baptism, we look at our salvation and we put a period. God is saying to us to put a comma. Cause there's more to come.

Prayer

Lord, help me see that each step with You is just the beginning of something greater. Give me the wisdom to recognize that my spiritual journey is ongoing, and the courage to keep growing in my faith. Amen.

Day 2:

Under the Covenant's Protection

Devotional

Think about standing in the rain with an umbrella. The rain doesn't stop, but you're protected. Similarly, life's challenges don't disappear when we're in covenant with God, but our perspective and protection change dramatically. Being under God's covenant means actively living in His promises, not just knowing about them. It's about daily choosing to trust His protection and guidance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. When we fully embrace this covenant relationship, we experience God's strength in facing our challenges.

Bible Verse

"David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'" - 1 Samuel 17:45

Reflection Question

What areas of your life need to be brought under God's covenant protection today?

Quote It's like if it's raining outside and we open up our umbrella... Even though it doesn't change the conditions around us, it's still raining. It changes how the rain affects us.

Prayer

Father, help me to fully embrace the protection and promises of Your covenant. Show me how to live actively under Your care rather than just knowing about it. Amen.

Day 3:

Facing Your Giants

Devotional

Everyone faces giants in their lives - challenges that seem insurmountable. These giants might be fear, addiction, doubt, or broken relationships. When we distance ourselves from God's covenant, these giants appear larger and more threatening. But like David facing Goliath, our victory doesn't depend on our own strength but on our position under God's covenant. Standing firm in God's promises transforms our perspective, making giants look small compared to our mighty God.

Bible Verse

"As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." - 1 Samuel 17:48-50

Reflection Question

What 'giant' in your life needs to be viewed through the lens of God's covenant promises?

Quote As long as you stay away from being under the covenant, your giant will grow bigger.

Prayer

Mighty God, give me the courage to face my giants with unwavering faith in Your promises. Help me remember that no challenge is too big when I stand under Your covenant. Amen.

Day 4:

Living in Victory

Devotional

Victory isn't just about winning one battle; it's about living in the ongoing triumph that comes from being in relationship with Christ. When we understand we're more than conquerors through Christ, our entire approach to challenges changes. Like David, who didn't just hope for victory but expected it because of his covenant with God, we too can live with confident faith. This isn't about pride or self-reliance; it's about trusting in God's faithfulness and promises.

Bible Verse

"David said, 'The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.'" - 1 Samuel 17:36

Reflection Question

How might your daily life look different if you truly lived as someone who is more than a conqueror through Christ?

Quote If you are a Christian and you have done the sinner's prayer, you are under the covenant to be more than a conqueror.

Prayer

Lord, help me live each day in the victory You've already secured. Give me faith to see myself as You see me - as more than a conqueror through Christ. Amen.

Day 5:

Continuous Growth

Devotional

Spiritual growth isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey of drawing closer to God. Each step forward opens new opportunities for deeper understanding and stronger faith. Like a tree that continues growing throughout its life, our spiritual journey should be marked by constant development. God desires an ever-deepening relationship with us, where each day brings new discoveries of His love and purpose for our lives.

Bible Verse

"For now the Lord has spoken: 'I have had enough; I will raise up against Saul another king, one after my own heart.'" - 1 Samuel 15:11

Reflection Question

What specific steps can you take today to deepen your walk with God?

Quote God wants so much more for each and every one of us. He wants us to walk so close to him and that's what God desires.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, kindle in me a desire for continuous growth in my relationship with You. Help me never become complacent but always seek to know You more deeply. Amen.