Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
[00:00:08] Speaker B: Good morning, everybody.
[00:00:10] Speaker C: Good morning.
[00:00:11] Speaker B: Good morning.
[00:00:12] Speaker D: Welcome to Westgate Chapel. We are so, so glad that you're here this morning. Would you stand up? We're going to start in worship this morning.
[00:00:32] Speaker B: Was lost in shame could not get past my blame until he called my name I'm so glad he changed me Darkness held me down But Jesus pulled me out and I'm no longer bound I'm so glad he saved me See I now a new creation in Christ
[00:00:58] Speaker C: the old has gone there's new life
[00:01:03] Speaker B: Live by faith not by sight
[00:01:10] Speaker C: There
[00:01:10] Speaker B: is a new name written down in glory and it's mine yes, it's mine I've left the author of my story and he's mine yes, he's mine Sin had left me blind But Jesus opened my eyes Now I see the light I'm so glad he changed me Now I'm walking free I've got the victory See it's all over me I'm so glad he changed me See I now a new creation in Christ the old is gone the old is gone Is new life I live by faith I live by faith not by sight
[00:02:09] Speaker A: There
[00:02:09] Speaker B: is a new name Written down in glory and it's mine yes, it's mine I met Jesus I met the author of my story and he's mine yes, he's mine There is a new name Wrenching down in glory and it's mine yes, it's mine I met Jesus love the author of my story and he's mine yes, he's mine oh, Singing I
[00:02:49] Speaker C: am who I am because the I am Tells me who I am I am who I am because the I am Tells me who Come on. I am who I am because the I am Tells me who I am I am who I am because the I am Tells me who I am
[00:03:08] Speaker A: I am who I am because the the I am Tells me who I am I am who I am because the I am tells me who I am I am who I am because the I am Tells me who I am I am who I am because the I am tells me who I am
[00:03:30] Speaker B: There is a new name written down in glory and it's mine yes, it's mine I met the author of my story and he's mine yes, he's mine Hallelujah. New name written down in glory and it's mine yes, it's mine he changed everything.
[00:04:00] Speaker A: I am the author of my story
[00:04:04] Speaker B: and he's mine yes, he's mine and he's mine yes, he's mine and he's mine yes, he's mine.
Amen.
[00:04:26] Speaker D: Amen. You can have a seat for exactly two minutes.
[00:04:29] Speaker E: Welcome.
[00:04:30] Speaker D: I just want to say hello again. My name is Julie and I'm so glad that you have chosen to worship with us today.
We get to celebrate 22 people who have decided to follow Jesus in baptism today, which is so exciting. And so I'm really glad we get to do that together. Hopefully on your way in, you picked up one of the worship guides.
And also if you are a guest here, which I think we probably have quite a few guests here celebrating with us, we would love to get to know you or maybe you've been coming for a little while and you just haven't introduced yourself yet. In the pew in front of you is a connect card and you can fill that out and take it to guest services out here. They have a small gift for you and just would love to say hello.
Those connect cards are also great to share your prayer requests with us.
Just a reminder that prayer is not a last resort.
[00:05:28] Speaker F: Right?
[00:05:28] Speaker D: Prayer is the most we can do. It is the best we can do. And I would love for us to be a church who prays for our family. It's a big church, but out here on the info center, those people who choose to have their prayer requests shared with the church, you can grab one of those prayer sheets and join us. The staff prays over those. I know there's a lot of you who faithfully pray over those, but I would welcome you to join us in praying. When we pray, God moves. Praise him. Right, So a couple last week we had a THRIVE conference, a women's conference. It was a fantastic time together. And I just want to bring your attention to the fact that, that at the very end of May, May 31st, we're going to have an event right after church on Sunday called Gratitude and Grace where one of our ladies is going to share her testimony. It's a really wonderful time of fellowship and you can sign up for that on our Westgate Chapel app or on the website. So I hope that you're able to join us for that.
Now that you've had your two minutes, actually two and a half sitting down, go ahead and stand up and find somebody near you that you have not said hello to yet.
[00:06:33] Speaker A: It's continue worshiping together.
[00:06:56] Speaker G: Amen.
[00:07:03] Speaker H: Praise the Lord more His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness New every more Our sins they are many his mercy is more.
But love could remember no wrongs we have done Omniscient all knowing he counts not their sum Thrown into a Sea without bottom or shore Our sins, they are many his mercy is more Praise
[00:08:03] Speaker C: the Lord
[00:08:07] Speaker H: his mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness New every morning Our sins, they are penny his mercy is more.
To turn fake as we constantly rol what father so tender is calling us home? He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the
[00:08:51] Speaker A: poor
[00:08:54] Speaker H: Our sins, they are many his mercy is more Praise the Lord his mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness New every morning Our sins, they are many his mercy is more.
[00:09:29] Speaker C: Thank you, Jesus.
[00:09:46] Speaker H: What touches of kindness he lavished on us his blood was the payment his life was the cost we stood neath the debt we could never afford
[00:10:04] Speaker I: Our
[00:10:04] Speaker H: sins, they are many his mercy is more.
Praise the Lord his mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness New every morning Our sins, they are many his mercy is
[00:10:36] Speaker C: more Praise and Lord
[00:10:41] Speaker H: his mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness New every more Our sins, they are many his mercy is more Our sins, they are many his mercy is more.
[00:11:20] Speaker C: Thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
[00:11:32] Speaker G: What a merciful God we serve.
[00:11:34] Speaker C: Amen.
[00:11:35] Speaker G: Amen.
This is a new song here. I want you just to really think about these words. What Jesus did for you.
Everything changed.
It's getting harder to recognize the person I was before I encountered Christ.
I don't walk like I used to I don't talk like I used to I've been washed from the inside I've been washed from the inside Hallelujah.
[00:12:32] Speaker B: Hallelujah.
[00:12:35] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could
[00:12:39] Speaker C: have only been the blood and hallelujah.
[00:12:45] Speaker B: Hallelujah.
[00:12:48] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could have only been the blood
[00:12:57] Speaker C: oh, thank you for your blood.
[00:13:08] Speaker G: I cannot explain but nothing's more real than this in the presence of God oh, what my heart experienced when my shame hit the wayside and my sin met the most high Yes, I was washed from the inside I was washed
[00:13:31] Speaker C: from the inside Hallelu.
[00:13:37] Speaker A: Hallelujah.
[00:13:40] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could
[00:13:44] Speaker C: have only been the blood Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
[00:13:53] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could have only been the blood.
[00:14:04] Speaker C: Oh, it was your blood.
Thank you for your blood.
[00:14:20] Speaker G: Some of these words right here in this bridge.
It's never been about performance perfection or striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.
It's never been about deserving or earning. It's a gift that's freely given.
Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.
[00:14:47] Speaker C: Amen.
[00:14:48] Speaker G: It's never been about performance perfection or striving for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood.
It's never been about Deserving or earning to give the free beginning Let me
[00:15:10] Speaker C: tell you it's only by the blood does anybody want to be holy, righteous, purified and spotless Let me tell you it's only by the blood does anybody want to be worthy, forgiven, justified, really living?
Let me tell you it's only by the blood.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
[00:15:50] Speaker G: I know it was the blood.
[00:15:56] Speaker C: Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
[00:16:03] Speaker G: I know it was the blood it
[00:16:06] Speaker C: could have only been the blood Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
[00:16:16] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could
[00:16:19] Speaker C: have only been the blood Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
[00:16:29] Speaker G: I know it was the blood it
[00:16:32] Speaker C: could have only been your blood
[00:16:38] Speaker A: what
[00:16:39] Speaker C: was your blood Applied Saved my life.
[00:16:58] Speaker J: Every voice Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
[00:17:41] Speaker B: Hallelujah Hallelujah.
[00:17:48] Speaker G: I know it was the blood could have only been the blood yes, we believe that. Amen.
[00:18:03] Speaker J: Amen. You may be seated in just a moment. We're going to take our morning offering together. But don't grab those buckets yet. Hold on, hold on.
We're conditioned.
I want to take a moment to tell you a little bit about ministry that we have here at Westgate Chapel for our kids. All the way up through high schoolers, we have a ministry that is called JBQ or Junior Bible Quiz. And what Junior Bible Quiz is that students of all different ages will spend time memorizing the Bible, memorizing God's word, putting it in their heart, and then they will go and actually compete at different tournaments throughout the year, monthly tournaments. And for us as a church, we are involved with Junior Bible Quiz through the Christian Missionary Alliance. And our district, which is the Great Lakes region, has a about seven different churches that are involved in that. And again, they compete month by month. And this year, they've been practicing and working on memorizing First Corinthians and Second Corinthians. And if you've ever seen or been to one of these meets, it's quite the competition. But even more incredible about how these students can memorize and retain and hold onto God's word in their heart.
One of the cool things is that a couple of weeks ago, Westgate participated in what's called the Heartland Tournament. It's one of the large tournaments in the year. It was actually held here at our church this year, and there were over 150 different quizzers that were participating, some coming from Canada, but from kind of all across the region.
And when they get together, there are numerous awards that are earned. You can get a top individual ranking. You can be the of Part. Part of a verse memorization club. But there is one very special and significant award that's handed out. It's called a quizzer of excellence award. And the person who receives this award is recognized as being humble, helpful, supportive to other quizzers, someone who stays positive no matter how their team may be performing in a certain meet. And only one person at each tournament receives this. And I'm excited to share with you that our very own Aarav John received the award. And Aarav is right here. Why don't you stand on up and recognize Aurav? You'll see him here on the screen.
And in the next picture, you'll see him with Ed McKinney, who helps. He and his wife Bethany help head up junior Bible quiz.
And, Arav, you have been doing such an excellent job, but I think there is nothing greater than to be recognized for your character more than anything else. And I hope that the word of God that you're storing in your heart isn't just memorization for competitions, but what it's doing is creating in you a Christlike heart, because that's what will take you far. So that's what we're celebrating with you today. Would you guys give Aarav another round of applause?
Great job, buddy.
So with that again, if you see Aura or any of our other students that are participating, congratulate them. I believe their season just wrapped up, but they're gonna begin again in the fall. And if you've got kids that you would like to be involved in this, all the way up through high schoolers, I would love for you to touch base with either Marlena Burrow, our kids ministry director, ed, or Bethany McKinney. They would love to get you connected as they begin to launch as we move into the next school year. With that being said, we're gonna come to our time of offering together.
And again, as you give each week, you enable this church to be able to do ministries just like this and to reach out into our community. And so let's take a moment and pause and give the Lord thanks. Would you pray with me, Father? Thank you for this morning, and thank you for the opportunity that we have to worship together as a family.
I thank you, Lord, for each of these young people that have been involved in our junior Bible quiz. And, Lord, for just how you have been helping them as they memorize the Bible and memorize your word. But even more, God, our desire is that it would transform and change their hearts. And so we just pray that over them, Lord, that you would continue to grow them deeper in their faith in you and their knowledge of you and, Father, that you would use them powerfully for your kingdom.
Lord, as we come to our time of offering again, we just acknowledge that it is our privilege to be a part of what you are doing all around this world to make the name of Jesus known. And so as we give our gifts this morning, we pray, Lord, that you would multiply them and that more people would know your son because of it. We pray this together in the name of Jesus. Amen. As we take our offering. The offering buckets are here on the center aisles, and so you can grab those. Just pass them out to the sides. They're up in the corners in the balcony. You can pass those in. And we'll just continue to worship the Lord together in the taking of our offering for a few moments.
Well, again, if we have not had the opportunity to meet, my name is Rob Zimmerman. I'm lead pastor here at Westgate, and I'm thankful that you've chosen to worship with us today, a very, very special day. We're going to be launching today and in the next many weeks together into a new series. And you'll see the.
The slide that is on the screen. It's gonna be a series entitled First Things First. And we're gonna spend time each week talking about how we make the Lord first in our lives and make him truly make Jesus Lord of our lives. You know what's interesting? As I was thinking about and our preaching team was talking about this series as we were putting it together, what we recognize is this, is that following Jesus and making a decision to follow Jesus isn't about spiritual practices. And I think sometimes our world kind of defines Christianity in that way. Like, you become a Christian and then there's just this checklist of things that you need to do to be a good person, to be pleasing to God. And we kind of think that that's what Christianity is all about. But the Bible actually defines a relationship with God and following God very, very differently. It isn't just about spiritual practices, but what the Bible says is that when we give our hearts or our lives to Christ, that really what's taking place is that we are creating within ourselves a new identity. In other words, we recognize that our decision to follow Christ is really about what I would call a shift of authority in our lives, where, you know, we may have been the kings of our castles, so to speak, for most of our lives, making decisions and plans and having our own set of purposes. When we come to Christ, and we follow him. What we're doing is choosing to make Jesus the King of our lives. In other words, our desire is that his priorities and his plans would be the thing that drives the course of our lives. And each of us are at different places in that journey. I think the Apostle Paul describes it really well in Colossians, chapter three, verses one through three. And here's what he says.
He says, if then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. You see, what Paul is describing is that following Jesus isn't just about what we do.
It's about who we are at our very core. It's about a decision to put Jesus first in every area of our lives. Because when Jesus is is first, everything else begins to fall into place.
You know, this morning we get the special opportunity, as Julie mentioned, to celebrate 22 people who have made the decision to put Jesus first in their lives. It's incredible. It's great as well. I'll share with you that it was exciting. Last Sunday we had 11 people make a first time decision to follow Christ in our services. Let's give glory to God for that.
Each of us comes to a place in our lives before we know Christ of trying to understand who he is and what the Christian life is about. And then we come face to face with the opportunity to make that decision. Will I or won't I follow Jesus? And today, as we celebrate each of these individuals that are going to be baptized, it's them publicly declaring that they've made this decision. It does not mean that they have their life altogether.
It doesn't mean that they're perfect. It means that they're declaring, I'm on this journey with Jesus and I want to have him become first and to become center. And today what you're gonna get to hear is stories and them sharing their own testimonies from young kids all the way to adults of what it means for them to have Jesus first in their life. And this is how we do baptism at Westgate. We think it's important for each individual to be able to share their testimony and their story. And so today's service is a little bit different. It's an opportunity for us as a church to be able to celebrate what God is doing in their lives. Not only celebrating what he's doing in them, but also remembering what he has done in our lives and using that as an opportunity to worship. And so we're gonna begin today by introducing you to the kids that are gonna be baptized in our service. So would you give them a huge round of applause as Marlena comes up out and has them share?
[00:28:13] Speaker I: Okay. I think they need one more round of applause.
We have eight amazing kids up here who we went through the baptism class with them and we heard their beautiful stories, and so we're so excited for them to share with you. But we do need a little bit of audience participation. So when they introduce themselves, you guys are all going to say, hi, guys. It. Can y' all handle that?
Yeah. Do you think they can handle it?
[00:28:39] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:28:39] Speaker I: Yeah. Okay, let's. We'll see. We'll see. Okay, so first we have tell us your name and how old you are.
[00:28:46] Speaker K: I'm Audrey and I'm 10 years old.
[00:28:49] Speaker F: Hi.
[00:28:51] Speaker I: Excellent, Audrey. Excellent. Okay, tell us, what is something you like to do for fun?
[00:28:57] Speaker K: I like to read books, watch movies, and play outside.
[00:29:01] Speaker I: Nice.
Playing outside. That's good, right? Way to go. Way to go. And what is some. Tell us, what did Jesus do for you?
[00:29:09] Speaker K: He died on the cross to save me from my sins.
[00:29:12] Speaker I: And how has that made a difference in your story?
[00:29:15] Speaker K: I don't have to be afraid of going to hell.
[00:29:18] Speaker I: Amen. That's a good reason, right? Awesome. Everybody give it up for Audrey.
[00:29:24] Speaker K: You forgot the verse.
[00:29:25] Speaker I: Oh, she just reminded me. What is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:29:31] Speaker K: Deuteronomy 31:8. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.
[00:29:41] Speaker I: Amen. That was worth hearing, right? Thank you for reminding me.
You know, they tell us kids teach us things. It's very true. Okay, we're going to have you scoot up a little bit. There we go.
Okay, tell us your name and how old you are.
[00:29:56] Speaker K: My name is hudson and I'm 8 years old.
[00:30:01] Speaker I: Way to go. Way to go. A.
Can you tell all these great people what you like to do for fun?
[00:30:09] Speaker K: I like to read and play games.
[00:30:12] Speaker I: Play games. Would you have a favorite book?
[00:30:15] Speaker K: No.
[00:30:16] Speaker I: No? Okay. Not a favorite. That's okay. Tell everyone, what has Jesus done for. For you?
[00:30:21] Speaker K: He died on the cross for me.
[00:30:23] Speaker I: Just for you.
[00:30:25] Speaker K: No.
[00:30:25] Speaker I: Who. Who. Who else?
[00:30:26] Speaker K: Everyone else.
[00:30:27] Speaker I: All those people out there?
[00:30:28] Speaker K: Yeah.
[00:30:29] Speaker I: Oh, man.
Even that one. Way out there?
[00:30:33] Speaker K: Yeah.
[00:30:33] Speaker I: Yeah. Okay.
Even Pastor Rob?
[00:30:36] Speaker K: Yes.
[00:30:37] Speaker I: Okay. Okay, okay.
[00:30:38] Speaker J: Okay.
[00:30:39] Speaker I: How has Jesus made a difference in your story?
[00:30:46] Speaker K: He so when I. So I Can be with him.
[00:30:53] Speaker I: Yep. Amen. And can you tell us what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:30:58] Speaker K: Proverbs 3, 5, and 6. Trust in Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your path smooth and sure. Straight.
[00:31:12] Speaker I: Awesome. Everybody give it up for Hudson.
Yeah. Perfect. Perfect. Okay, tell everybody your name and how old you are.
[00:31:21] Speaker K: I'm eli and I'm 11 years old.
[00:31:23] Speaker J: Hi, Eli.
[00:31:25] Speaker I: Eli, tell us, what is something you enjoy doing for fun?
[00:31:30] Speaker K: Playing games and swimming at my grandpa's house.
[00:31:33] Speaker I: Oh, very nice. I love that. Can you tell everybody in here what. What did Jesus do for you?
[00:31:40] Speaker K: Died on the cross for everyone so that we can get saved and go with him.
[00:31:46] Speaker I: Amen. And can you tell them how has that made a difference in your life
[00:31:50] Speaker K: so that I don't go to hell?
[00:31:53] Speaker I: That is a very, very good part of it. Right? One of the many bonuses. And can you tell everybody in here what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:32:02] Speaker K: Psalm 56.
When I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
[00:32:07] Speaker I: Amen. Everybody give it up for my friend Eli.
Okay.
Okay. Tell them your name and how old you are.
[00:32:19] Speaker K: My name is Emma.
Today I am 10 because it is my birthday.
[00:32:27] Speaker I: Happy birthday.
This is like, amazing. Birthday. Yes.
Right?
[00:32:32] Speaker C: Awesome.
[00:32:33] Speaker I: What? Tell us, everybody, what do you like to do for fun?
[00:32:36] Speaker K: I love to craft, draw, and read.
[00:32:38] Speaker I: Awesome. Do you have a favorite book?
[00:32:41] Speaker K: Harry Potter.
[00:32:42] Speaker I: Oh, yeah, that's a good one. Anything about dragons? Yeah.
[00:32:45] Speaker K: Yeah.
[00:32:46] Speaker I: Okay, what is. Tell everybody what did Jesus do for you, Emma?
[00:32:51] Speaker K: Jesus died on the cross for my sins.
[00:32:54] Speaker I: Okay, and then how has that made a difference in your story?
[00:32:58] Speaker K: Because he did this. I have hope and peace.
[00:33:00] Speaker I: Don't we all need that? Yes, we do.
And what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:33:06] Speaker K: Acts 16:31. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.
[00:33:12] Speaker I: Amen. Everybody give it up for Emma.
There we go. Okay, tell everybody your name and how old you are.
[00:33:23] Speaker K: My name is Natalie and I'm 10 years old.
[00:33:27] Speaker I: Natalie, what do you like to do for fun?
[00:33:29] Speaker K: I like rollerblading, softball, and arts and crafts.
[00:33:33] Speaker I: That's amazing. I asked her last service if she would make me a bracelet and she said yes. So thank you. Thank you for that. I told her I expect it next week.
Tell everybody in here what did Jesus do for you.
[00:33:46] Speaker K: Jesus died on the cross so we could have eternal life with him in heaven.
[00:33:50] Speaker I: And how has that made a difference in your story?
[00:33:53] Speaker K: Now he makes me brave because I talk to People about Jesus, which is
[00:33:57] Speaker I: what we should all be doing. Right? Amen.
And what is a verse that is meaningful to you, Natalie?
[00:34:04] Speaker K: Proverbs 3, 5, 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understandings. In all your ways, acknowledge him. Then he will make your path smooth and straight.
[00:34:15] Speaker I: Amazing. Everybody give it up for Natalie.
Okay, this is not a trick. We have two people name the same thing in a row. So tell us, what is your name and how old you are?
[00:34:28] Speaker K: My name is Natalie and I'm nine years old.
[00:34:32] Speaker I: Natalie, what's something you like to do for fun?
[00:34:34] Speaker K: I like swimming. For fun.
[00:34:36] Speaker I: You what?
[00:34:36] Speaker K: I like swimming.
[00:34:37] Speaker I: Oh, swimming. That's awesome. And can you tell everybody in here what did Jesus says do for you?
[00:34:43] Speaker K: He died on the cross.
[00:34:45] Speaker I: He died on the cross just for you?
[00:34:46] Speaker K: No, for all of us.
[00:34:48] Speaker I: For all of us. Right. He loved us all so much. And how has that made a difference for you?
[00:34:53] Speaker K: He made me not be afraid.
[00:34:56] Speaker I: We all need that. Right? We all need that. And can you tell us what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:35:02] Speaker K: Philippians 4, 13.
I can do all things through Christ who drinketh me.
[00:35:08] Speaker I: Amen. Everybody give it up for Natalie.
Awesome. Okay, tell everybody, all these wonderful people your name and how old you are.
[00:35:20] Speaker K: My name is Noah.
I am 12 years old.
[00:35:26] Speaker I: And what do you like to do for fun?
[00:35:29] Speaker K: I like playing football with friends under my free time.
[00:35:32] Speaker I: With your. With your brothers?
Do you take them out?
[00:35:35] Speaker L: Yeah.
[00:35:36] Speaker I: Yeah.
Helps being the oldest brother.
[00:35:38] Speaker F: Right.
[00:35:39] Speaker I: Okay, so tell all these people what did Jesus do for you?
[00:35:43] Speaker K: He died on the cross for everyone.
[00:35:44] Speaker I: For everyone. Right. And how has that made a difference in your story?
[00:35:48] Speaker K: To not be afraid of anyone.
[00:35:50] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:35:50] Speaker I: Or anything. Right.
Can you tell everybody what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:35:55] Speaker K: Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.
[00:36:08] Speaker I: Awesome. Thank you. Everybody. Give it up for my friends.
I think they want to see their friends. So we keep creeping forward. So stay back. Hudson. I'm just kidding. Okay, tell us your name and how old you are.
[00:36:23] Speaker K: I'm Gavin.
I'm 11 years old.
[00:36:28] Speaker A: 11.
[00:36:29] Speaker I: Tell everybody what is something you like to do for fun.
[00:36:32] Speaker K: I like to play video games. And do. And I like to draw.
[00:36:36] Speaker C: Draw.
[00:36:37] Speaker I: Nice. Awesome.
What is one thing you want all these people to know about what Jesus has done for you?
[00:36:43] Speaker K: He died on the cross for us and our sins.
[00:36:46] Speaker I: Yep. And how has that made a difference in your story?
[00:36:50] Speaker K: He has given all of us a reason to live.
[00:36:53] Speaker I: Amen. And tell us, what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
[00:36:57] Speaker K: John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that for whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
[00:37:08] Speaker I: Did y' all hear that? Whoever believes in him, right?
Amen. Give it up for my friends. And now we're gonna have our next group of people.
Come on, keep going. Come on, keep going.
[00:37:28] Speaker M: If you don't know me, my name is Luke. I'm the middle school pastor here. And not only is today special because it's baptism Sunday, but for me it's really special because one year ago today, I was commissioned as the middle school pastor here at Westgate. And so. So it's been an amazing year and just getting to know these students and their faith walk. And I have six students up here that walked through our baptism class and said yes to Jesus. And now they're saying yes to baptism this morning. And so I'm gonna start with you. Tell us your name, your grade, what school you went to, and your favorite food.
[00:38:04] Speaker J: Okay.
[00:38:04] Speaker N: My name is Yuli and I'm in sixth grade. I go to Fall and Timbers Middle school, and I don't have a particular favorite food. I like food.
[00:38:19] Speaker M: Sweet.
Yuli, when did you give your life to Jesus and what did that moment look like?
[00:38:26] Speaker N: So I was 9 years old, and then before I went to Westgate Chapel, I went to this place called Calvary Church and I went to their kids Sunday thing.
[00:38:35] Speaker O: Thing.
[00:38:36] Speaker N: And it was. I don't remember which Sunday. It was like some Sunday. And we were doing, like a regular schedule. We do, like, worship and then we do a game, then. Worship and game. We were playing four. We were playing, like, would you rather. And there's four corners. A, B, C, D.
And after the game ended, we all, like, were in corners. And then we had one leader come up in each corner. And then we got Core, the coolest dude ever. And then.
And then we all. And then he was like.
He said, if you haven't trusted God with your heart yet, pray with me. And then we all prayed. And then I was like, wow, God is like an entryway to a new life. And then I realized that. And then after the service, I came up to my parents and I was like, I'm a Christian now.
[00:39:28] Speaker C: What?
[00:39:32] Speaker M: Sweet Yuli, how has Jesus changed your life since that moment?
[00:39:39] Speaker N: Before I was Christian, I used to get in, like, trouble all the time at school. I was a bad person.
And.
And then after, I just, like, became more well behaved and responsible and good
[00:39:57] Speaker I: and.
[00:39:57] Speaker M: Why are you getting baptized today?
[00:39:59] Speaker N: So I can show the whole world that I'm on Team Jesus.
[00:40:04] Speaker M: Sweet. Thanks, Julie.
All right, tell us your name, your grade, what school you go to, and your favorite food.
[00:40:13] Speaker L: All right. I am James Gregory.
I'm in eighth grade at Anthony Wayne Junior High, and my favorite food is Phijones.
[00:40:24] Speaker M: Okay.
And when did you give your life to Jesus? And what did that moment look like?
[00:40:31] Speaker L: All right, so I was at this church camp called Beulah Beach. It was like a week long thing in the summer. And like, there was this, like, nighttime event called Sunset where we would do, like, a different thing each, like, each night. Just, like, we had a few scavenger hunts, but on this particular Wednesday night, we did something called the crosswalk, which was the reenactment of Jesus crucifixion. And that just really opened my mind and my heart to show that he really did this just all for us. And there's nothing that could be ever compared to what he did. So I just instantly became a child of God.
[00:41:16] Speaker M: And how has Jesus changed your life since that moment?
[00:41:20] Speaker L: I just take everything now with, like, a positive mindset that everything happens for a specific reason. And there's like, even if, like, certain events happen, they happen for a reason. Like, it's not like there was like a mishap in Jesus plans. So.
[00:41:35] Speaker M: And why are you getting baptized today?
[00:41:38] Speaker L: Similar to what Yuli said, I just want to show everyone that, like, I'm a Christian and I'm on Team Jesus.
[00:41:44] Speaker M: Thanks, James.
All right, tell us your name, your grade, what school you go to, and your favorite food.
[00:41:54] Speaker P: My name is Noah.
And yeah, hi.
I am sixth grade and I am homeschooled. And. And my favorite food is pizza.
[00:42:11] Speaker M: His last name is Paiza. So fitting.
Noah, tell us when you gave your life to Jesus and what that moment looked like.
[00:42:21] Speaker P: I don't know the exact moment that I gave my life to Jesus, but I do know when I started to think seriously about following him, which was after I saw my brother get baptized.
[00:42:39] Speaker M: And how has Jesus changed your life since?
[00:42:43] Speaker P: Following Jesus has shown me what's new, really important in life. And the most important thing is knowing and loving God.
[00:42:54] Speaker M: And why are you getting baptized today?
[00:42:56] Speaker P: I'm getting baptized today because I want to follow Jesus and be with him.
[00:43:01] Speaker A: Him.
[00:43:02] Speaker M: Thanks, Noah.
All right, tell us your name, your grade, what school you go to, and your favorite food.
[00:43:11] Speaker K: My name is Addison.
[00:43:13] Speaker J: Hi, Addison.
[00:43:15] Speaker K: I'm in sixth grade. And I go to Timberstone Junior High School and my favorite food is pierogies.
[00:43:23] Speaker M: Pierogies. Good choice.
Tell us when you gave your life to Jesus and what that moment looked like.
[00:43:29] Speaker K: Like, I gave my life to Jesus when I was in third or fourth grade on a baptism Sunday.
And I just felt Jesus calling me to be with him and learn more about him.
So I just said yes.
[00:43:49] Speaker M: And how has Jesus changed your life since?
[00:43:52] Speaker K: I've become more independent and braver because I know that Jesus will be with me wherever I go and whatever I do.
[00:44:04] Speaker M: And why are you getting baptized today?
[00:44:06] Speaker K: I'm getting baptized today because I feel the Holy Spirit calling me to do more than just learn more about him and tell others about him as well.
[00:44:19] Speaker M: Thanks, Addison.
All right, tell us your name, your grade, what school you go to, and your favorite food.
[00:44:29] Speaker E: My name's selena. I'm in sixth.
[00:44:32] Speaker K: Hi.
[00:44:34] Speaker E: I go. I'm in sixth grade and I go to St. Joseph. My favorite food.
I like Mediterranean food.
[00:44:42] Speaker M: Also a good choice.
When did you give your life to Jesus and what did that moment look like?
[00:44:48] Speaker E: It was a couple years ago. The church I used to go to, they asked us if we accepted Jesus into our lives and if not, to pray a prayer. And I prayed it.
[00:44:59] Speaker M: Awesome. And how has Jesus changed your life since?
[00:45:03] Speaker E: I've started to grow as a person and be more kind to others.
[00:45:07] Speaker M: And why are you getting baptized today?
[00:45:09] Speaker E: To show the world that I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior.
[00:45:13] Speaker M: Thanks, Lena.
All right, tell us your name, your grade, what school you go to and your favorite food.
[00:45:24] Speaker Q: My name is Ellie and I'm in sixth grade and I go to Moncler Christian.
I go to Monkovo Christian.
[00:45:34] Speaker M: Your favorite food?
[00:45:36] Speaker Q: Sesame chicken.
[00:45:37] Speaker M: Sesame chicken. Sweet.
Tell us when you gave your life to Jesus and what that moment looked like.
[00:45:43] Speaker Q: Like, I was like, around 6 years old and I was in my living room with my mom and I became a Christian then.
[00:45:52] Speaker M: Awesome. And how has Jesus changed your life since?
[00:45:57] Speaker K: A lot.
[00:45:58] Speaker Q: I had anxiety and it gotten, like, way better throughout time.
I was praying.
[00:46:06] Speaker M: Awesome. And why are you getting baptized today?
[00:46:10] Speaker Q: Because it's about time. I mean, God wants us to.
[00:46:14] Speaker M: So sweet. Thanks, guys. Appreciate it. Thanks, Ellie.
Moving on to high school.
[00:46:27] Speaker R: What's up, church family? How we doing this morning?
[00:46:30] Speaker J: There we go. There we go.
[00:46:32] Speaker R: Well, we're so thankful to be up here on this baptism Sunday. My name is Dan. I'm the high school pastor. And up here I have five high schoolers who are choosing to get baptized this morning. And so I'm going To have them introduce themselves and just share why they're doing this.
[00:46:46] Speaker Q: Okay.
[00:46:47] Speaker S: Hello, my name is Sana Johnson, and I attend Maumee High School, and I'm a junior.
[00:46:52] Speaker J: Gotta let him answer.
[00:46:53] Speaker S: I keep forgetting that.
[00:46:54] Speaker J: Hi, guys.
[00:46:57] Speaker S: I accepted Jesus into my life when I was at a tough spot in my life. And even though I was surrounded by my family and friends, I still felt alone. And for a while, I felt like I was missing something that I tried to fill with temporary things, which caused me to overthink myself and to feel sadness within myself, even though I tried not to show it.
But following Jesus has closed that void for me that I was trying to fill by myself. And he has helped me endless times, even when I felt like no one understood me and I didn't even understand myself.
And so today, that is what I want to show everybody, and I want to encourage everybody to do the same.
[00:47:34] Speaker J: Amen.
[00:47:40] Speaker T: My name is Nicholas Brown.
[00:47:43] Speaker J: Hi.
[00:47:44] Speaker T: I'm a junior in high school.
I accepted Jesus at a young age when I was in the park with my parents. I don't remember it that well because it was so long ago, but I followed him. Since then, Jesus has changed my life by comforting me through hard times and encouraging me to be the best version of myself.
And I'm getting baptized because I feel called to and is a commitment to God.
[00:48:10] Speaker U: Hi, everyone. My name is Preston Struble.
I'm a senior at Northview High School, and I've been coming to Westgate since last December. I'm 18 years old, and I honestly haven't lived a life that I'm always proud of. But over this past year, I've been given so many opportunities to meet so many amazing people, people who truly live their life for Christ and to be in environments that have helped me grow my faith. And through that, I've experienced so much grace. I had the opportunity to attend an event called the Life Conference. And that's where I accepted Jesus as my Savior. The overwhelming amount of God and people worshiping him made my heart so available, and that's where I felt God calling me. Since then, my life has changed a lot. I realized that I wasn't proud of the way that I was living or the choices that I was making.
And I spent a lot of time searching for the right path. And I came to understand that Christ is the way and that he has the plan for me. I'm getting baptized today as the next step of my faith and to continue living more like Christ and to show my commitment for Him.
[00:48:55] Speaker J: Amen.
[00:48:56] Speaker C: Amen
[00:49:00] Speaker R: Everybody, this is Myla.
Hi, Myla. And she loves Jesus, and she wants to follow in obedience with the Bible, tells us and get baptized this morning. So we're super pumped she's up here.
[00:49:11] Speaker J: All right,
[00:49:15] Speaker V: I said it once, I'll say it again. This feels weird, but.
[00:49:18] Speaker S: Right.
[00:49:19] Speaker V: So we're just gonna go. Hi, my name's Amelia Kidd.
I said it once, I'll say it again. Y' all don't need to do that. I'm in high school. Come on, now.
[00:49:31] Speaker A: I.
[00:49:34] Speaker V: Crap. What was I gonna say?
I'm sorry.
I was baptized this morning in that beautiful little tub of there.
Warm water. Nice.
I was originally baptized at Mama United Methodist Church when I was very little, had a kid like Faith and was asking questions, was writing things down. And then after some events in my life, like falling out with a friend, my mental health took a turn for the worse. I've been struggling with autism, anxiety, ocd, which stands for obsessive compulsive Disorder, and depression for a while now, all diagnosed at different times.
And my journey has not been perfect.
I've overthought my faith, overthought my relationship with family and friends, which is why I was so distant from them and still am kind of quiet, keep to myself, just drawing, writing, doing whatever.
And then I was just like, wait a minute. Maybe I just need to take a leap of faith and stop relying on my emotions for things, because we do that way way too often.
And it's just something that, like, it's not based on feeling. It's based on just knowledge and reading the Bible and talking to God, doing all that stuff. So it's not feeling, it's just knowing.
While I cannot stay and watch the baptisms for second service because of a family thing we're doing, I am very happy for the people getting baptized, and I hope that y' all just get the salvation you've been wanting. So God bless y'.
[00:51:19] Speaker A: All.
[00:51:19] Speaker R: All right, thank you, guys. You can head on out.
[00:51:37] Speaker O: All right.
Hi, everybody.
We have some wonderful stories. I'm going to let them share their stories. This is the Holy Spirit doing a work, and you get to experience. Listen to these guys stories. Share your story and introduce yourself.
[00:51:53] Speaker F: Hi, I'm Jamie Niederkor, and a lot of you guys, I keep forgetting that I've been coming here for a while, so a lot of you guys already know me. I did not grow up in a Christian home. I grew up in a home that they followed whatever knocked on the door, it seemed like, and they really liked the occult. So I saw a lot of seances as a child.
But when I was nine, my dad decided to move up in the Rotary. So becoming part of a church was part of that. And I was sprinkled in a private ceremony when I was nine.
And then we joined the church. It was social, it was fun.
But two years later he died.
And I was mad at God.
He left me with a crazy mom who was abusive, mainly mentally. But I was very, very angry at God.
And I stayed angry at God for a while.
So when I was about 15, my mom met my stepfather. And he was part of a church that was very dogmatic that everything was a sin. I was going to hell, every little thing I did.
And I had a choice. I could be baptized in the back of their church in a little kiddie pool, or I could have a.
Or could find another place to. To live at 16. And so I chose to be baptized with them. But I still was mad at God. Then I went to college. And my second year in college, I was in the library talking with a friend. And the cute guy came over and found out he was part of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship along with my friend. And I followed along and I found God there, found Jesus, found that he is a personal savior, that he is a personal relationship. And through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, I started to find out what a true family was.
But then I was on the six year plan of college because I was having fun.
And I.
The last year all my friends had graduated and I had a falling out with my best friend and I kind of moved away from intervarsity and that friendship. And I met my husband at that time and he was not a believer at all. He did not want anything to do with God. He didn't want me to have anything to do with God.
But then I had my oldest daughter, Abby, in 2004, and we came to the church with my aunts, Sharon Lou, who a lot of you guys already know, know. And we decided that we wanted to get back with God. We wanted to get back with church.
So over a year later, we joined the membership class.
At the membership class, I met with two elders who asked me, do you want me to go talk to your husband about God? And I'm like, no, he wants nothing to do with God. You're going to cause me problems.
So I went out to the parking lot underneath one of those lamp post in my car and I cried like God, I don't know what to do. I want to. I'm drawing closer to you. I want to be with you, I want to just worship you, but I feel like I can't because of my husband.
Less than a week after that I found out he was cheating and he left.
And a couple months after that I went to the Whipple community, the Sunday school class that was meeting at the time, and, and just bared my soul.
And God gave me the family that I desperately needed to get me through that time and he got me through that.
And then two years later in the singles group I met my current husband and we've been married for 17 years.
[00:55:50] Speaker K: And
[00:55:54] Speaker F: so I. I am choosing today to be baptized again because I was sprinkled and I was emerged but it wasn't by my choice and I wasn't a believer.
So 30 years later with my 13 year old daughter and her best friend Myla, I get to be baptized with them and I can't think of a better time to be baptized with them. So thank you.
[00:56:22] Speaker O: Go ahead and introduce your story and tell us your story.
[00:56:26] Speaker W: Hi, I'm Alexia.
I'll start off by saying that when I got pregnant with my daughter around 18, 20 weeks pregnant, we found out that she was going to have down syndrome and other medical conditions. And I was being encouraged by many people to have an abortion and I knew in my heart it wasn't the right thing to do. So. So later on I end up keeping my daughter and choosing life. And I now have a beautiful four year old little girl who is resilient, smart and she overcomes a lot of challenges.
Throughout the past couple years, The past couple years she's been alive. I've been just reflecting on my life knowing I haven't been living for God and what he has made us to live for. And I asked him to convict me of my sins and make my heart pure. And I'm here today because I choose Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
[00:57:26] Speaker J: Amen.
Well said, huh?
[00:57:29] Speaker O: Anthony, Introduce yourself. Share your story.
[00:57:34] Speaker X: Hi, my name is Anthony.
[00:57:35] Speaker J: Hi Anthony.
[00:57:38] Speaker X: I am grateful for this moment to share what Christ has done in my life.
Before Jesus, my life felt like I was going nowhere.
I was not treating people right and I was not living the way I knew I should towards God and others.
I felt off track and unsure of my direction.
Growing up, my family and I did not attend church.
There came a moment when I was sitting thinking about my life and, and how I was treating others and something wasn't right.
Sitting in my room thinking about the wrong I was doing to people.
I asked God to help me.
That's when I noticed on my phone that I was getting notifications about the Bible app.
Inside my spirit, I heard what I believe was God telling me to download the app.
I also heard go to church, get involved.
So I went to church.
Ended up at Westgate Chapel.
Through one of Pastor Rob's messages, I decided to follow Jesus. I filled out a connection card and said yes to Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Shortly after that, I received the Bible from the church.
I was baptized as a baby, but don't remember anything about it.
I wanted to show my new church God, anyone else that I am follower of Jesus.
I am thankful for the Lord, continued love and grace, and looking forward to growing in my faith and following Jesus for the rest of my life.
[00:59:44] Speaker J: That is awesome.
Would you give them all a huge round of applause one more time?
You know, one of the things that I love about how we do baptism here at Westgate is that really it's a celebration of what God is doing in each of their lives. And as we move towards baptism, what we're going to be doing is we're going to actually be singing a couple of worship songs together because it's all about Jesus and what he has done. But what I want to encourage you with is this, is that as we're singing, you'll notice that 18 of our 22 are going to be baptized in this service. They're going to come out into the tank and be baptized. And when they come up out of that water, I want you to give a shout out of praise to the Lord for every single one. We're gonna worship him with all of our heart together this morning. And I encourage you as well, not just to worship God for what he's done in their life, but for what he's doing in your life and for the way that he's shown you the depth of his love for you through sending his son, Jesus into this world to die, to pay the penalty for your sin so that you could have a relationship with Him.
We're gonna worship together. And so I'd invite you to stand with me me and let me pray us into this time of worship. Father, we praise you and we thank you for today.
We thank you, Lord, for what you're doing in each of these individual lives. We thank you, God, for how you have taken them on this journey. And each one of them are a different place. Some having come to you just in this past year, putting you first in their life. Others have been walking with you for over 20 years.
But today, Father, marks a significant moment in their life. Where they declare publicly today, I choose to follow Jesus and let people know that.
And so, Lord, I pray that this would be significant moment as they grow deeper in their relationship with you.
But as well, God, I pray that you would remind us in the same way of the depth of your love for us. And that, Father, we would allow you to keep transforming our hearts and our lives.
And that, Father, you would be first in all ways in our lives.
We pray this together in the name of Jesus. Amen. Let's stand and sing together.
[01:02:02] Speaker G: This is a new song. Okay.
Sound good?
Are you thankful for what Jesus has done for you?
[01:02:13] Speaker C: Are you?
[01:02:18] Speaker G: I got the joy of the Lord Deep down inside of my soul and I can't hide it no more I gotta praise you I got the joy of the Lord Deep down inside of my soul and I can't hide it no more I gotta praise the one
[01:02:32] Speaker C: who broke my chains and bought my freedom what else can I say but thank you Jesus?
Cause you're just that good Just that faithful and you're just that kind I'm so grateful that you saved my life like you said you would yes so with my hands up high Heart abandoned and a faith on fire singing and dancing Cause you saved my life like you you said you would Cause you're just cause you're just that good.
[01:03:21] Speaker G: You put a song in my heart and sing with all that I've got and tell the world who you are I'm going to praise you I'm put a song in my heart I sing with all that I've got and tell the world who you are I'm going to praise the the one who broke
[01:03:36] Speaker C: my chains and bought my freedom what else can I say but thank you Jesus?
Cause you're just that good Just that faithful and you're just that kind. I'm so grateful that you saved my life like you said you would.
So with my hands up high Heart abandoned and a faith on fire singing and dancing Cause you saved my life like you said you would Cause you're just Cause you're just that good Just that good.
Praise the one who broke my chains and bought my freedom what else can I say but thank you Jesus?
[01:04:43] Speaker G: You're the one who broke my sins
[01:04:47] Speaker C: and bought my freedom what else can I say but thank you Jesus?
Cause you're just that good Just that faithful and you're just that kind. I'm so grateful that you saved my life like you said you would.
So with my hands up high Heart abandoned and I'm faith on fire singing and dancing because you saved my life like you said you would.
Cuz you're just Cuz you're just that good.
Yes, you're just that good.
[01:05:44] Speaker A: Woo.
[01:05:45] Speaker C: Go buddy.
Yeah.
[01:06:14] Speaker A: This is the day you made
[01:06:19] Speaker I: so
[01:06:20] Speaker A: I'll rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in it.
This is where I believe that you are more than, than enough.
More than enough for me.
You are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I am weak.
When I'm standing in your presence, I have everything I need.
The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Strength. It's more than a feeling of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Oh my soul, bless his name all that is within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
[01:07:30] Speaker B: Jesus, come what may, for you are worthy of all, Worthy of all my praise.
You are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I am weak.
When I'm standing in, in your presence I have everything I need.
[01:07:58] Speaker J: The joy of the Lord, the joy
[01:08:01] Speaker A: of the Lord is my strength. It's more than a feeling. The joy of the Lord, the joy
[01:08:08] Speaker J: of the Lord is my strength.
Oh my soul, bless his name all
[01:08:17] Speaker A: that is is within me, say the
[01:08:21] Speaker J: joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
[01:08:38] Speaker A: Let it rise up like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it pour out with no limit.
Overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it rise up like a river
[01:09:14] Speaker C: overflowing
[01:09:18] Speaker A: Holy Spirit.
Let it pour out with no limit.
[01:09:29] Speaker C: Overflowing,
[01:09:33] Speaker A: Holy Spirit.
The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. It's more than a feeling. The joy of the Lord, the joy
[01:10:01] Speaker C: of the Lord is my strength.
[01:10:03] Speaker A: My strength, oh my soul, oh my soul, bless his name. All that is within me say, O my soul, bless his name.
All that is within me say oh my soul, bless his name all that is within me say the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Let it rise up like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it pour out with no limit.
Overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it rise up like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it pour out with no limit.
Overflowing Holy Spirit.
Is my strength. It's more than a feeling. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength Unto my soul, bless his name. All that is within me say, O my soul, bless his name. All that is within me say, O my soul, bless his name.
All that is within me say the joy of the Lord, the Joy of the Lord. Lord is my strength.
[01:13:03] Speaker J: Who knew we could turn that into a 10 minute song?
I love it.
Hey, it has been so great to worship with you all this morning. A couple of things before you leave. One, our prayer team is here this morning at the front. If there are any prayer needs that you have at the close of our service, we invite you to come. They would love to minister to you this morning. If you're one of the families or friends of someone who is baptized today as well, I want to make sure you know that over in the 8 channel we do have a photo booth for you to celebrate this moment. Take a photo together. So we would encourage you to stop by over there. But also we have right next to that photo booth, church family, these baptism jars is what we call it on a table. And we love as a church family to be able to write just special notes of encouragement or scripture verses to encourage all of those who have been baptized. And so I would encourage you to stop by, you can fill those out, drop the them in the different jars and we'll give those to them as a special gift. With that being said, what a great morning of worship together to celebrate all that God is doing in these individual lives and to recognize that he is continually, day by day doing the same work in us, but he also wants to do it through us. And so as you go out this week, keep your eyes open to the opportunities God is giving you to share of his goodness and his love with others. God bless you, church family. We look forward to worshiping with you next Sunday.
