Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign Westgate.
[00:00:07] Speaker B: Welcome on this wonderful Baptism Sunday. We're so excited to be with you. Let's stand up, worship together.
I was lost in shame could not.
[00:00:26] Speaker A: Get past my name until he called my name I'm so glad that he changed me. Darkness held me down when Jesus pulled me out I'm no longer bound I'm so glad he saved me sea Now a new creation Christ.
The old has gone. There's new life I live by faith, not by sight.
There is a new written down in glory and he's mine.
Yes, he's mine.
I met the author of my story and he's mine.
Yes, he's mine.
[00:01:21] Speaker B: Sin had left me blind but Jesus.
[00:01:25] Speaker A: Opened my eyes Now I see the light.
I'm so glad you changed me. Now I'm walking free.
[00:01:34] Speaker B: Got the victim, Bree.
[00:01:36] Speaker A: It's all over me.
I'm so glad you changed me. See I now a new creation in Christ.
The old has gone there's new life.
I live by faith, not by sight.
There is a new name written down in glory and it's mine.
Yes, it's mine.
I've met the author of my story and he's mine.
Yes, he's mine.
There is a new name raising 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.
You know that 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. 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. 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. I am because the I am just.
[00:03:13] Speaker B: Me who I am.
[00:03:15] Speaker A: I am who I am because the I am just me who I am.
There is a new name written down in glory hallelujah. It's mine. Oh, it's mine. Yes, it's mine. Yes, it's mine.
I've met the author of my soul. His name is Jesus.
Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. There is a new name written down in glory and it's mine.
Yes, he's mine. Yes, it's mine.
I've met the author of my story and he's mine. Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's mine and he's mine. Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's mine. Yes, he's mine and he's mine.
Yes, he's mine.
How we doing? Westgate Chapel.
[00:04:20] Speaker C: That's what I'm talking about. Y' all can take a seat. I'm so thankful you are here this morning worshiping with us. My name is Dan. I'm the student ministries pastor here. And today is an awesome. Every Sunday is an awesome Sunday, but today in particular, we are having our baptism Sundays. And so we are so excited. We're so stoked that people are taking this next step in their faith.
So, hey, I'm glad you guys are here.
For those of you that this might be your first time or maybe you've been here and you're checking things out, we have our connect cards in our pews in front of you. If that's something you're interested in. If you want to get connected with Westgate Chapel, if you want us to get connected with you, that's a great first step. We're a big church, but we love to be able to stay connected and help us to be able to know how we can pray for you, how we can be a part of your life, all those kind of things. And so you can do that. And if you do that, you can take it back to our guest services, which is right out these doors, and you can hand it to somebody and they can answer any question that you might have and just help you get a better understanding of who we are as Westgate Chapel. And another way to do that is we have our new people party coming up on December 7th. Okay. And so if you are new to Westgate Chapel and you haven't had a chance to meet the staff here, if you haven't had a chance to be like, man, I kind of don't understand all that Westgate does or is a part of. This is a great thing to go to. All the staff's gonna be there. We go over who we are as Westgate Chapel. We go over the bigger thing that we're a part of, which is the Christian and Missionary alliance and how we fit into that and what that looks like. And so we would love for you to come to be a part of that. Bring your family.
We have food and cookies and pop, and it's a great time of just connecting and learning a little bit. So. So we invite you to come to be part of that. And so, again, super excited for this morning. We have another exciting thing happening, which is next weekend, our students, middle school and high school, we are going to our Fall retreat. Okay. And so anyone ever been to a fall retreat before or any kind of retreat? Man, retreats are it.
They're probably the coolest things we do. One of the coolest things we do as a ministry, and we're inviting other churches to be a part of it. So we're part of the Great Lakes District of the alliance. And so it's other churches that are part of our denomination that are gonna come and be a part of this retreat with us. And so Westgate students, we have a bunch of kids. So I'm gonna invite you guys to come up right now. As I'm continue to sharing. You guys get up over really quick, our Westgate students and leaders. If you're a leader and you're coming, come on up too.
And you're gonna see just a little picture of our group. We're taking about 120 students, which is.
And then altogether we're having about 300 youth that's gonna be at this fall retreat. And so we're super excited for it.
And as we're filling in, keep kind of going, keep going that way and like going behind each other. Fill in.
This retreat is an awesome opportunity for students just to grow in their faith, to grow not just closer to Jesus, which that's what we want, that's the most important, but just grow in connection and relationship with each other. Being a part of a community, man, it helps your faith journey. That's why we're here on Sunday mornings. That's why we do baptisms together as a church, because this community of believers, it matters. And so that's a really cool piece of fall retreat. And so I'm gonna pray for you guys. And then this week as we head into fall retreat, and then next Friday and Saturday and Sunday, if you would put it on your calendars to spend some time praying over these students, praying that the Holy Spirit would be moving in their life, praying that they have a moment with Jesus that is so real and tangible, that, man, it's something they'll never forget and that they'll make really good friendships and connections while they're there with each other. You guys can come on up here and the leaders, right? And so I'm going to pray for us right now, but as we lead up to it in that weekend church family, that's why we have them up here, so you can be praying for them, that God will move and you get to have a peace in what God is doing in their life by praying for them.
[00:08:21] Speaker A: And.
[00:08:21] Speaker C: And so I'm gonna Pray for you guys.
[00:08:22] Speaker A: All right.
[00:08:23] Speaker C: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for these students, God, thank you for how many said yes to this retreat? Because when you say yes to retreat, you have to say no to other things. And so, Lord, I'm thankful that they see the importance of it.
They see that you are important to retreat, to get away and to be with you. And so, Holy Spirit, I pray just this week that's upcoming start to prepare their hearts for what you have for them that weekend.
I pray against any distractions while we're there, Lord. May they be present, may they be invested. And I pray against the enemy trying to work on their mind and their hearts to try to divert what you have for them, Holy Spirit, get them ready. And while they're there, Lord, I pray that you show up in ways that they did not expect or are not prepared for. And I pray for these leaders that are going as well, Holy Spirit, give them energy and a passion and extra discernment and wisdom as they are walking with these students through this weekend. Help them to just have your answers, Lord, and lead these students well. And, God, we pray that ultimately you are honored and glorified and that you get all the glory coming out of this weekend and that you do things that blow our minds and we can come back and give you praise for in the future. I pray in your holy and powerful name, Jesus.
[00:09:38] Speaker A: Amen. Amen.
[00:09:40] Speaker C: All right, you guys can exit that way and then church. I would love for us to stand up to greet each other, say hello, maybe give a little holy hug this morning.
Know y' all could do this all day.
[00:09:53] Speaker D: We got a lot of celebrating to do.
[00:09:56] Speaker C: Why don't we worship some more?
[00:09:59] Speaker A: Come on.
Wandering into the mountains wanting a place to hide this weary soul this bag of bones I try with all my mind but I just can't win the fight I'm slowly drifting a vagabond but just when I ran out of road I met a man I didn't know and he told me that I was not alone.
You pick me up, turn me around, place my feet on a solid ground I thank the master I thank the Savior?
Because you heal my heart change my name forever free I'm not the same I thank the master, I thank the savior I thank God Oh, I can't deny what I see See I've got no choice but to believe My doubts.
[00:11:28] Speaker C: Are burning.
[00:11:30] Speaker A: Like ashes in the wind so long to my old friend Bye bye bye. Burden and bitterness so you can just keep them moving.
Come on. Send him out of here. Come on get rid of him Right from now till I walk the streets of gold?
I see him high? How you save my soul? This wayward sun has found its way back? Oh, you pick me up, you turn me around? You place my feet on solid ground? I thank the master, I thank the savior?
Because you healed my heart you changed my name? Forever free, I'm not the same? I thank the master, I thank the savior, thank God and every time he wins?
Hell lost another one?
[00:12:38] Speaker D: Keep those hands up if you believe in freedom.
[00:12:41] Speaker A: Hell lost another one. I am free.
I am free.
I am. Can't hear you. Come on. And hell lost another one?
I am free, I am free. Yes, I am free?
Hell lost another one.
I am free.
I am free.
I am free?
Hell lost another one? I am free?
Yes, I am free?
Hell lost another one. I am free? Oh, I am free, I am. Yes, I am free? Hell lost another one. I am. You pick me. I am free?
You pick me up, you turn me around? You place my feet on solid ground? I thank the master, I thank the savior?
Because you heal my heart, change my name. Forever free, I'm not the same. I thank the master, I thank the savior? I thank God, I thank God.
[00:14:15] Speaker D: He is good. He is good. We may be seated. Would you join me in prayer?
God, we thank you so much for this morning and the opportunity we have to gather and to celebrate what you are doing in our lives. And, God, we just worship you with all of our hearts.
Thank you, God, for the way that you are working and moving. Thank you, God, for the 28 people that are taking their step of being baptized this morning and professing their love for you, God. May their story and their testimony be a blessing to us and a reminder, God, of the story that you have written in our hearts, if we have given our lives to you, that we would go and continue to be those who would share it with others.
Father, as we come to our time of offering this morning and collecting our tithes and offerings, Lord, again, we are just thankful for all that you have done for us as we give back to you. It is our act of worship, and we ask, Lord, that you would take it and multiply it so that more people would profess the name of Jesus in our schools, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our community, and, Lord, throughout the world. We pray this in the name of Jesus together. Amen.
[00:15:24] Speaker A: Amen.
[00:15:25] Speaker D: Well, we're going to take our morning offering. There are offering buckets here in the center aisles. You can take them and pass them out to the sides and then up in the balcony. They're in the corners. You can pass them in. If you are a guest here with us today, please don't feel any obligation to give this morning us an opportunity for our regular attenders to just have an act of worship. And so we'll do that for just a moment here and then we'll continue in our service together.
Well, as we.
As we get started, just a quick announcement and reminder for you.
Immediately following our second service, this service this morning, we have a short meeting of our membership. It's going to last about five minutes and be here in this room.
The purpose is to nominate a couple people to our nominating committee. It's a committee that gathers together names for people to serve as elder or deacon in the coming year. And so I would just ask, if you're a member, if you could hang around for five minutes at the close of our service. It'll be a fairly quick meeting as usual. Course. And then we can get on to the rest of our day.
I am excited to be here. If we haven't had the opportunity to meet, my name is Rob Zimmerman, lead pastor here at Westgate. Thankful that you have chosen to worship with us today and to come and celebrate what God is doing in these 28 people's lives. Amen. It is. It is really, really cool. And as we celebrate this morning, I thought no better way to start than to read God's word together and specifically a psalm that speaks to just how incredible and awesome and mighty our God is. And so we're going to do together a little bit of what I would call a responsive reading. And we're going to have the words on the screen for you. Anything that is in yellow, you as well as I are going read together. And then I alone will read the words that are in white. And it'll just kind of go back and forth. But as we go through, I want you to hear and think about and listen to, even as you speak, the incredible praise that is put forth by the psalmist in Psalm 145. And so as we do this, I'm just gonna invite you to stand as we read God's word together, Psalm 145 here on the screen.
And can I encourage you, because it is a psalm of praise.
Read it with exuberance and excitement for who God is. Psalm 145, beginning in verse one. Here we go. I will extol you, my God and king, and bless your name forever and ever, every day. I will bless you and praise your name Forever and ever great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. And his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand, you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all of his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him. In truth, he fulfills the desire of those who fear him. He also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him. But all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
[00:20:53] Speaker A: Amen.
Amen.
[00:20:55] Speaker D: You may be seated.
As we think about this Psalm, Psalm 145 is a Psalm of King David.
David, when he wrote this psalm. It is unique among all of the psalms. It's kind of true. Towards the very end of the book serves as this huge capstone of praise. And what's so intriguing about Psalm 145 is this, is that it is the only psalm in the entire book that is explicitly called a psalm of praise.
And the reason for that is within it, you don't see any mixture in of lament or crying out for help. Its only purpose was to celebrate and to worship God and to make his name great.
And what's intriguing is if you were actually to look at this in the Hebrew text, it does it in a very creative way. You see what happens is that each verse that is there it's written in acrostic form. And so as you go through, each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. And the reason that it does this is it's meant to symbolize for us the idea of completeness. In other words, that God is worthy of. Of all praise, from A to Z, at all times, by all his. By his whole creation. And it covers all of these different themes of God's kingship, of his greatness, of God's goodness and compassion, of his kingdom and his power, of his faithfulness to the generations, and also his provision.
It reminds us of God's righteousness and his nearness. And all of it concludes with this universal call to worship. When it says, let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.
You see, in the Jewish Life, Psalm 145 was recited three times a day as a very special and significant prayer in the synagogue, as part of a collection of different prayers. And with each of these prayers, as they would pray them out three times a day.
This psalm specifically had a very significant section found right at the very beginning in verses four through seven. And here's what it says again.
One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on the wondrous works I will meditate.
They shall shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
When this Psalm in verse 4 begins here, it says, one generation shall commend your works to another. You see, what David wanted, those who would recite this prayer or this song of praise to the Lord. He wanted to remind them that. That our praise has a purpose, and that our praise has the purpose of celebrating the things that we have seen God do in the past, that he continues to do in the present, and that we know and trust and believe because of his faithfulness, that he will do in the future.
But the important key is this, is it talks about the importance of passing on these works, these words, the things that God has done from generation to generation, from old to young and young to old, sharing of the works of God. It's a reminder to us of Deuteronomy, chapter 6, where God reminds his people, and specifically parents, that you are to take and to teach the things that I have taught to you and teach them to your children, not just with your words, but with every aspect of your life and the way that you live, that it would be a living and a breathing testimony to them of who I am.
And so David recalls that here in this psalm, the idea of carrying on and passing on these works that God has done from generation to generation, and within it there is a clear call.
There is a call for meditation on our parts as individuals, a time for thoughtful reflection on what God has done in our lives.
But also it's a public and a corporate pouring out of thanks and prayer, celebrating the incredible work that we have seen God do. I share this with you this morning because that's what this service is about.
This service is about us as a church family having the opportunity to pause and to remember that one of the great things that God has given us as his church is to be able to celebrate the things that he is doing in our midst. And this morning, as we've mentioned, you'll get to hear from a number of our 28 people that were being baptized this morning. We had five in the first service, 23 in the second that are going to be baptized. You're going to get to hear some of their stories, from youngest to oldest of the faithfulness of God in their life and why they've surrendered their heart to Him. And my hope is that as they share their story, that would it accomplish what it's supposed to accomplish, that we ourselves, as followers of Jesus Christ, would be encouraged by what we hear.
[00:25:59] Speaker A: That.
[00:26:00] Speaker D: That we'd be reminded of the story that God has written in our own lives, but that our sharing of that story from generation to generation wouldn't just take place in a service, but it would become a part of our everyday lives as we encourage one another with the things that God is doing in our lives, but also as we share it with a world that doesn't know him, so that they would see how incredible and awesome our God is. And so I'm excited today that we're gonna get to hear different stories of what God is doing. We're going to begin with our children this morning. And so I'm going to invite Marlena Burrow, our kids ministry director, to come out and join me here as long as well as with all the kids. Please welcome them as they come.
[00:26:51] Speaker B: It takes a lot of guts to get up here and do this. So they are amazing. There's 10 of them. Isn't that awesome? So exciting.
And so we spent the last three weeks doing a class called Kid Faith where we got to talk all about what it means to be baptized. And each and every one of these kids has come up here because they know what it means to follow Jesus, and they want to be baptized. So I want you to get to hear a little bit from them. So today we're going to start with my first friend. Can you tell everybody your name and how old you are? My name is Delta. And I'm Seth. Everybody say, hi, Delta.
We're gonna do that every time. Okay?
[00:27:29] Speaker A: So that's.
[00:27:29] Speaker B: You got your assignment.
The second thing is, what do you like to do for fun? I like to go to the Imagination Station and do hair. And do hair. You have to come do mine sometimes. Okay.
Okay. Can you tell everyone what. What did Jesus do for you? He died on the cross for my sins. Awesome. And isn't that the truth for all of us? Right? And then the last thing is, what is a verse that's meaningful to you? Acts 16:31. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. You and your household. Awesome. Everybody give it up for Delta.
That was almost bad.
Okay, move up a little bit so my friends can see you. Okay. Tell us your name and how old you are. My name is MILEY and I'm 8 years old.
[00:28:23] Speaker A: Hi, Miley.
[00:28:24] Speaker B: You guys got it? Okay, tell everybody what's something you like to do for fun? Gymnastics. Gymnastics. And what did Jesus do for you?
He died from our sins and gave us.
[00:28:37] Speaker A: Me.
[00:28:37] Speaker B: An eternal life. Yes, he did. And can you tell us what is a verse that's meaningful to you?
John 3:16.
You want to say it together?
Okay. For God, so y' all can say it with us. For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal. Eternal life. Awesome. Thank you so much. Everybody give up for Miley.
Okay, tell everybody your name and how old you are, buddy. I'm Maverick and I'm six years old.
[00:29:17] Speaker A: Maverick.
[00:29:17] Speaker B: What's something you like to do for fun? With my sister and brother. Oh, that's so sweet. Right? Most kids will not say that, so way to go. Way to go, mom and dad. The third thing is, what did Jesus do for you? You died for our sins.
[00:29:31] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:29:32] Speaker B: Just your sins.
[00:29:33] Speaker C: What about.
[00:29:34] Speaker B: What about all these people?
Did he die for them, too? Yes.
[00:29:38] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:29:38] Speaker B: Even Pastor Rob?
[00:29:40] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:29:41] Speaker B: Even Pastor Rob. Way to go. Way to go. Awesome. And what is a verse that's meaningful to you?
John 3:16. We're going to say it all again together. Ready? For God so loved the world that he gave his one in all only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Awesome. Give it up for Maverick.
Okay, tell us your name and how old you are. I am Kara Tork and I am 7 years old. Hi Kara.
Can you tell us what's something you like to do for fun?
Gymnastics. Gymnastics. You guys are all so sporty. Tell everyone, what did Jesus do for you?
He died on the cross for everybody.
[00:30:34] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:30:34] Speaker B: And how has that made a difference in your story?
When I was 5 years old at VBS, I asked Jesus in my heart and then I became saved and I wanted to follow him. Awesome. And can you tell us what is a verse that's meaningful to you?
John 3:16.
Say it with us. O God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish having eternal life. Awesome. Give it up for my friend.
Okay, tell us your name and how old you are. I'm Timmy Tonic and I am nine years old. Say hi, Timmy.
Okay, what's something you like to do? Fun, Timmy? I like to play Nerf wars at Westgate. Nerf Wars? We like Nerf wars here, if you didn't notice.
And can you tell us what does Jesus do for you? Died on the cross for our sins and cares for us and loves us. Yeah. And how has that made a difference in your story?
Well, I was sitting in bed with my brothers.
They kept saying, timmy, why don't you go to mom and dad and pray?
And then I was thinking about that for like a long time. And then one night I just really wanted to be saved. So I went to my dad and I prayed with them and I got saved.
[00:32:11] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:32:11] Speaker B: Isn't that amazing?
And can you tell everybody here what is a verse that's meaningful to you?
First Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 31.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Amen. Amen.
Okay, tell me your name and how old you are.
[00:32:37] Speaker A: Are.
[00:32:37] Speaker B: My name is Quinton Tonic and I'm 10 years old. Hi, Quentin. Quinton.
[00:32:43] Speaker A: What's.
[00:32:44] Speaker B: Tell us what? Something that you'd like to do for fun. I like to play basketball. Awesome. What did Jesus do for you? He died on the cross for our sins. Yeah, and what. How has that made a difference in your life?
I was 7 years old, laying in my bed and I just felt like Jesus was calling me me. So I went down to my parents room and we prayed and I became a Christian that night. That's awesome. Woohoo.
And then what is a verse that's meaningful to you, Quentin?
1 Corinthians 1:31.
However as is written, the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
Amen. Everybody, give it up for Quentin.
Okay, tell everybody your name and how old you are. My name is Zachary and I am nine years old.
Hi, Zachary.
Zachary, what's something you like to do for fun? Reading.
You're a great reader. What has Jesus done for you, Zachary? He died on the cross and then he rose three days later. Yes, he did. Isn't that the truth, guys? Yeah, we can celebrate in that.
And what is a verse that is meaningful to you? John 14. 2. In my father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. Amen. Give it up for Zachary.
Okay, tell us your name and how old you are. I am Luke and I am 11 years old.
Luke, what's something you like to do for fun? I like to play sports like golf and baseball.
Awesome. And what does Jesus do for you? He died on the cross for our sins. Just your sins?
[00:34:32] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:34:33] Speaker B: No, everyone's right.
[00:34:35] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:34:36] Speaker B: Awesome. And what is a verse that is meaningful to you?
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Awesome. Everybody give it up for my friend Luke.
Okay, buddy, tell everybody what your name is and how old you are. My name is Leo. I'm 10 years old.
We can see you.
[00:35:02] Speaker A: There we go.
[00:35:02] Speaker B: Okay, what is something you like to do for fun? I like to play soccer and other sports. Awesome. And what did Jesus do for you?
He died on the cross for us.
[00:35:15] Speaker A: Yep.
[00:35:15] Speaker B: And his first son. Yep. You're right. And what is a verse that's meaningful to you? Philippines 4:13.
I do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Awesome.
[00:35:36] Speaker A: Woo hoo.
[00:35:39] Speaker B: And last but not least, tell everybody your name and how old you are.
[00:35:42] Speaker A: Are.
[00:35:43] Speaker B: My name is Isaiah and I am eight years old.
Okay, Isaiah, what's something you like to do for fun? Biking and karate. Oh, yes. Excellent. He's really good at karate. I've seen him.
The third thing is, what did Jesus do for you?
He died on the cross because he loves us.
[00:36:05] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:36:05] Speaker B: He loves everybody.
[00:36:07] Speaker A: Yeah? Yep.
[00:36:08] Speaker B: Everybody. Even those people out there?
[00:36:12] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:36:15] Speaker B: Okay, and what is a verse that's meaningful to you? Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Awesome. Everybody get up. For all of my friends.
Come on. And all of your buddies up there in kids ministry are trained for you. Okay, guys, guys. Next you get to hear from Pastor Luke.
[00:36:41] Speaker D: All right?
[00:36:42] Speaker C: If you don't know me. I'm Luke Khadid.
[00:36:44] Speaker D: I'm the middle school pastor here and.
[00:36:45] Speaker C: I got five middle schoolers here.
What's really cool is last time I was up here was baptism Sunday and I just gotten commissioned 20 minutes before.
[00:36:56] Speaker D: So I made a joke. I'd been the pastor for 20 minutes. Now it's been about six months.
[00:37:00] Speaker C: And I just can't tell you the pleasure and joy it's been to serve.
[00:37:04] Speaker D: With these students and get to just.
[00:37:06] Speaker C: Pour into them and lead them. And so I got five here that.
[00:37:09] Speaker D: Said yes to getting baptized this morning.
[00:37:11] Speaker B: And first.
[00:37:13] Speaker C: Yeah.
And so first I'm going to ask you what's your name, your grade and your favorite food?
[00:37:23] Speaker B: My name is Dakota Turnick.
I'm in eighth grade and I. I like pizza.
[00:37:29] Speaker C: Pizza.
[00:37:29] Speaker A: Sweet.
[00:37:31] Speaker C: When and how did you put your faith in Jesus?
[00:37:36] Speaker B: I was around 8 years old and I just gotten back from Wednesday night church and they were talking about how to like become a Christian. And I remember it being heavy on my heart because my parents have had a few talks with me before this about it and it was. So I went down to their room and I asked if I could pray with them and they said yes. So I became a Christian that night.
[00:38:00] Speaker C: Sweet.
And why do you want to get baptized today?
[00:38:05] Speaker B: I want to proclaim my faith to the world, put down my old life and start a new one.
[00:38:10] Speaker A: Sweet.
[00:38:10] Speaker C: Sweet. All right, you can pass it down.
[00:38:13] Speaker A: All right.
[00:38:13] Speaker C: Your name, your grade and your favorite food.
[00:38:17] Speaker B: Hi, my name is Peyton Turnick and I'm in sixth grade and I like steak.
[00:38:24] Speaker D: Like steak. Good choice.
Good choice.
[00:38:27] Speaker C: Alright. When and how did you put your faith in Jesus?
[00:38:31] Speaker B: When I was 8 years old, we came home from a VBS and I was laying in my bed thinking about it and I felt like I felt God calling me to become a Christian. So I went down to my parents room and I asked them if I can talk with them. It took a little while.
Like I went down a couple times and then one night we all were in a room together and then we prayed together.
[00:39:01] Speaker C: Sweet.
[00:39:01] Speaker D: And Peyton, why do you want to get baptized today?
[00:39:05] Speaker B: I want to grow closer to God and I want to show other people that I believe and also to help other people.
[00:39:13] Speaker C: Sweet. Sweet. Thanks, Payne.
All right. Your name, your grade and your favorite food.
[00:39:21] Speaker B: I'm Braxton Harst, I'm in eighth grade and my favorite food is a five Wagyu.
[00:39:29] Speaker C: Okay, cool, cool.
[00:39:32] Speaker D: Okay.
[00:39:33] Speaker C: When and how did you put your faith in Jesus?
[00:39:37] Speaker B: It was probably at the start of the school year when I switched to Toledo Christian, and I remember the first Friday of Bible class, we had a talk with our teacher about just questions about faith and stuff. And I remember, I think I prayed in the last four months, in the last four years.
[00:39:53] Speaker C: Sweet.
[00:39:55] Speaker D: And why do you want to get baptized today?
[00:39:58] Speaker B: I want to get baptized to show my faith to other people and try to help others come closer to faith.
Great, great.
[00:40:05] Speaker C: Thanks. Braxton.
[00:40:06] Speaker B: Pass it down.
[00:40:09] Speaker D: All right, your name, your grade, and your favorite food.
[00:40:12] Speaker B: Hi, my name is Andy, and I'm in sixth grade, and my favorite food is steak.
[00:40:20] Speaker D: Steak. Another good choice.
[00:40:22] Speaker C: All right, Andy, Mae, when and how did you put your faith in Jesus?
[00:40:27] Speaker B: So I've been coming to this church for, well, my entire life. And so when I was probably, like, seven, I.
I took the.
The Baptist class, but for younger kids. And there I learned that God was in Jesus for the people I love and cherish and who I be with and follow for the rest of my life.
[00:40:59] Speaker A: Great.
[00:41:00] Speaker C: And why do you want to get baptized today?
[00:41:02] Speaker B: I want to get baptized today to make that public statement that he is who I believe in and who I will forever believe in.
[00:41:11] Speaker C: Sweet. Sweet. Thanks, Andy, man.
[00:41:15] Speaker D: All right, your name, your grade, and.
[00:41:18] Speaker C: What is your favorite food?
[00:41:20] Speaker B: My name is Brett, and I'm in seventh grade. My favorite food is tacos.
[00:41:25] Speaker C: Tacos.
[00:41:26] Speaker D: Another great choice.
[00:41:28] Speaker C: When and how did you put your faith in Jesus, Brett?
Okay, sweet. And why do you want to get baptized today?
[00:41:44] Speaker B: So show a public statement that.
[00:41:48] Speaker C: Great, great.
[00:41:49] Speaker D: Well, give it up for these guys.
[00:41:51] Speaker A: Sweet.
[00:41:57] Speaker D: Awesome.
Well, we have got a number of adults that are being baptized here this morning as well and wanted you to be able to hear just a little bit of their personal story and testimony. And so you got the microphone. There we go. Thank you.
And this is Matthew. Matthew, would you share just a little bit of your own spiritual journey and why you want to be baptized today?
[00:42:20] Speaker C: Yeah. So my name is Matt. I'm 22 years old. Obviously, kind of grew up in a Christian household, so that helps a lot. But really found my. My life through Christ at some Christian camps like HMI and Beach. So if you want to send your kids to those, definitely do it.
I probably had my biggest moment in my faith walk and in my junior year of high school when I broke my hand playing hockey.
I kind of feel like I lost a big part of myself and really didn't know how to deal with that.
So I found out I also needed surgery. And I am the biggest scaredy cat when it comes to needles and knives, and I didn't Think I could get through that, but I remember I prayed a lot through that. And I remember so perfectly the second I walk in the hospital, all that scaredness and fright went instantly away.
And then going through college, obviously that's a hard time to stay faithful, but a lot of work in that helped. Then through my years, I decided to do a study abroad in Germany. Found a really cool church there with a lot of different, diverse people. Got to go my grandparents church, sing a bit in German there. So that was pretty cool. And then, and then in terms of baptism, I kind of thought always that there was a perfect time to get baptized, but that's really not the case.
I thought I need to be this faithful, you know, not sin for a week just to be baptized. But that really isn't the case at all. Obviously I'm not perfect, and this is kind of a way to show my faith in Jesus.
[00:43:48] Speaker D: Awesome. That's great. Thank you for sharing.
And this is Lauren. Lauren, share a little bit of your story with us as well.
[00:43:58] Speaker B: Hello, my name is Lauren Schulte and I am 19, almost 20 years old. And I'm so grateful to be here today and share what Christ has done for me. So I also grew up in a Christian household, went to church, and it was a huge part of my life growing up. But it wasn't much more than just attending Sunday service and being with my friends. I didn't know the true meaning of being here and what it was to grow up with Christ. Before giving my life to Christ, I felt I was alone and everything I was, I didn't have anything or anyone to lean on. And as I grew up, I'd attended church camp all the time. And I finally knew what it was like to have a relationship with Christ. And then I finally realized what I was missing in the tough times. And then right before COVID I was going to church on Sundays, even attending Monday night youth group.
And I was very strong in my relationship with Christ.
But once Covid hit, it went downhill. It was very hard not seeing my friends at church or school anymore. And it took a huge toll on me.
My relationship with Christ was barely there because of how hard it was for me. Now, Covid was hard for everyone. But going into my freshman year of high school, I was lost and felt like I didn't have anyone to lean on again. Ever since then, I have been building my relationship with Christ again. And baptism is showing my commitment to Jesus for now and forever.
[00:45:17] Speaker D: Thank you, Sariah Johnson. Go ahead and share a little bit.
[00:45:22] Speaker B: Hi, my name is Saria Johnson, and I'm 19.
I didn't grow up in a Christian household at all.
I had an idea of who Jesus was, but I wasn't a follower.
Growing up, I moved a lot, and because of that, I started to become afraid to open up to people or make new friends.
Every time I got close to somebody deep down, it felt like I would have to start over. The change made me feel out of place and unsure of who I really was. I was afraid to be myself and worried of what people would think of me. So I often changed just to fit in. I first heard the gospel when I stayed with my aunt's Nisha in North Carolina. If you're watching.
Before I went back home, she sat me down and explained who Jesus was and what he had done for us.
She encouraged me to think about surrendering to him and to find a community of believers back home. It caught my attention, but I pushed that feeling away, telling myself, I'm fine. I can handle things on my own.
As time went on, my curiosity about God grew. I remember praying during hard times saying, God, if you're really there and you really care like people say you do, help me get to know and understand you. During my senior year of high school, God opened doors for me to make new friends, and they happened to be Christians.
One of those friends invited me to Westgate and then a youth group. The more I learned about Jesus and saw how they lived out their faith, the more I knew that Jesus was for me.
One day at the end of service, Pastor Rob said, if you want to follow Jesus and haven't yet put your faith in him, then pray this prayer with me.
That day, I chose to follow Jesus. It hasn't been easy, but I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. Through every trial, while I've seen God's faithfulness, today, I want to be baptized as an act of obedience to the Lord and to publicly declare Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. He's taught me so much about who I am, opened my eyes to trust and follow him, and surrounded me with people who helped grow me in my faith.
I'm so thankful for God's love as he's truly saved me for myself.
[00:47:28] Speaker A: Amen.
[00:47:34] Speaker D: This is Summer. Summer, share a little bit with us also.
[00:47:38] Speaker B: Hi, my name is Summer, and I am a mom of three boys, and two of them are going to be baptized today. So this.
This was about them until it wasn't about them.
That was like, okay, well, we know as.
As mothers, as parents, that, you know, our children don't just do what we tell them to do. Right.
You know, they do what we do.
[00:48:13] Speaker A: So.
[00:48:16] Speaker B: When I was younger, grew up coming to Westgate Chapel as a Christian, so you. I mean, I felt like I was a faithful follower of Jesus and married an awesome Catholic guy.
And we baptized most of our or two of our three boys in the Catholic Church when they were babies.
So this has newfound meaning for our family today because we're actively choosing to follow Jesus. And so I'm really proud to be here to just show them, you know, not just tell them what to do. So I'm grateful to be in this congregation. We just love this church and you know, our commitment to be followers of Jesus Christ.
[00:49:03] Speaker D: So that's awesome.
I love that.
[00:49:11] Speaker C: Hi, my name is Jack Camaro. I grew up coming to Westgate from about third grade through high school.
[00:49:16] Speaker A: School.
[00:49:17] Speaker C: The youth program played a huge part in my life and my walk with God by keeping me surrounded by people who love the Lord and would keep me accountable.
In seventh grade, I accepted the Lord as my Savior at an event called Tent City where we did praise and worship after helping clean up after Hurricane Katrina. A short time after accepting the Lord, I was baptized right here with my dad, stepmom and brother.
Around 19 years old, I started straying away from God. My life was full of sin and I started using alcohol to numb the pain of things I was going through.
Shortly after 21, I spent a lot of my time at a bar.
My wife and I have always been friends while growing up, but when we finally started dating, she was going to church with her family often and would invite me to ago.
Her pastor would use the term CEO Christian, meaning people that only came to church for Christmas, Easter and other.
And it would make me mad. But looking back, I knew it was God convicting me.
I am thankful for even when I was far out that God could reach me.
And moving forward, I'm going to do my best to lead my family to him and put him first in our hearts home.
So I want to be baptized today because I have four children looking up to me and I want them to see me rededicate my life to God and show them no matter how far you stray away, God will always be there.
[00:50:59] Speaker B: Hi, my name is Allie Camura.
I was raised in church. I was saved and baptized in 2007, six at 13 years old.
@ that time I knew I wanted a relationship with Jesus and knew I didn't want to go to hell.
But I don't think I knew what it actually meant. To put Jesus first in my life and slowly but surely he was on the back burner.
As I got older, one of the main things that kept me at a distance from God was drinking alcohol. I think I hear my son.
I wasn't a daily drinker and I didn't need it, but it felt like I was missing out on the fun if I didn't.
So for a long time I tried to do both. But the thing about alcohol is it always seems to find a way to become the priority.
I am the mother to four beautiful children, my oldest being eight years old and youngest being six months.
Now that my oldest two are maturing and realizing some things, I started to realize some things myself. One of those things being that your children are like mirrors. What you pour into them and what you teach them is exactly what you'll see reflecting back at you.
It wasn't sitting right with me what I was seeing in my mirrors. When I was growing up, I had not ever witnessed a drunk adult until later in my teen years.
Because of that, I always remember feeling safe. I want my kids to feel safe and be their safe place. I am now putting God first and showing my children how much easier life is when they do too. Today, Jack and I are one month sober. And I know that doesn't sound.
I know that doesn't sound like a lot and there are plenty of people doubting us, but I can honestly tell you, since giving up alcohol and doing my best to put God first, I have never felt such peace. I am thankful for the conviction God places on our hearts. No matter how far away we may stray. He never gives up on us and always welcomes up back with open arms.
So today I want to be baptized in honor of rededicating my life to Jesus.
[00:53:34] Speaker D: That's awesome.
[00:53:36] Speaker A: Thank you.
[00:53:37] Speaker D: Give them all a big round of applause again and thank them for sharing with us this morning.
Man, I'm like tearing up making my own baptism over there, you know, Know.
Incredible to hear these stories of what God is doing, isn't it? To hear how God is working from the youngest to the oldest.
Our God is a God that consistently, if we will surrender our hearts and our lives to him, is constantly changing and transforming us. And today as a church family, we get to celebrate that. We get to celebrate their stories and what God is doing. But even more, as I mentioned, my prayer and hope for you is that as you listen, you will be reminded of the story that God has written on your life.
Certainly in the same way as others. There are probably really high highs and at times really low lows that you can look back on. But hopefully what you'll see is that all along the way you will find and be able to testify that God has always been faithful. He has always been there, and he has always been pursuing you. And because of that, you have a story and a testimony to tell. And so my encouragement for you today as we move into this time of baptism is to be reminded not only of the stories that we're told here and to celebrate what God is doing, but to be reminded of your own and that God has called us collectively as his church, to share and to pass the stories of what he has done from generation to generation that more people would know and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Today, as we have our time of baptism, we're going to do so as the band comes out, we will sing some great songs of worship to the Lord. We'll praise him loudly, and then we'll begin bringing people out to be baptized. And as we sing, feel free as each person is baptized to just give a shout of praise to the Lord and celebrate what he is doing and what. And we'll give him all the glory together this morning. So would you pray with me, Father? We give you praise and we give you thanks for what you're doing. Thank you, God, for every story that is shared here this morning, from young to old.
God, I thank you that even as we read in Psalm 145 this morning that not only are you the great, high and almighty God, who sits enthroned in heaven, who has power over all things, who is perfectly holy and righteous, I thank you, God, that even though we as your creation have sinned against you, that you have shown us and displayed your grace and your love and your mercy in such a tangible way through your son, Jesus Christ, who has been professed here this morning.
God, I thank you because in sending your son and in the stories that you you're writing in our lives, you are proving to each of us, time over time, day over day, just how faithful of a God you are.
And so collectively we tell those stories, not just in this service, in this room, but God. May you challenge each of us to share stories of what you're doing in our lives every single day, that you would be glorified and that your name would be made great in this world. We love you and we give this time to to you as a whole act of worship. May you be glorified. In Jesus name we pray.
[00:56:57] Speaker A: Amen.
[00:56:59] Speaker D: I'm going to invite you to stand and to sing and worship with us.
[00:57:43] Speaker B: My name is registered in heaven.
[00:57:48] Speaker A: I.
[00:57:49] Speaker B: Believe in signs and wonders.
[00:57:53] Speaker A: I have resurrection power still the miracle that I just can't get over. My name is registered in heaven.
My prayer grace belongs to you forever.
This is my testimony.
From death to life.
Cuz grace rewrote my story.
I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous, I'm justified.
This is my testimony.
This is my testimony.
[00:58:43] Speaker B: Come together sons and daughters.
[00:58:48] Speaker A: Both with blood and washing water.
Sing the praises of the spirit, Son and father. Our God will finish what he started.
[00:59:01] Speaker B: Yes, our God, we'll finish what he started.
[00:59:06] Speaker A: Pray.
This is my testimony.
From death to life Cuz grace rew my stone. I'm testified by Jesus Christ the right I'm justified.
This is my testimony.
This is my testimony.
If I'm not dead, you're not done.
[00:59:47] Speaker B: Greater things are still to come oh I believe.
[00:59:52] Speaker A: If I'm not dead, you're not done.
Greater things. Things are still to come oh I believe.
If I'm not dead, you're not done.
Greater things are still to come oh I believe.
If I'm not dead, you're not done.
Greater things are still to come oh I believe.
This is my testimony.
[01:00:30] Speaker B: From death to life.
Cuz grace rewrote my story.
[01:00:35] Speaker A: I'll testify by Jesus Christ the right I'm justified.
This is my testimony.
Oh I'm alive.
This is my testimony.
From death to life, this grace, spirit, my soul I testify I by Jesus Christ the righteous, I'm justified.
This is my testimony.
This is my testimony.
[01:01:14] Speaker B: This is my testimony.
[01:01:28] Speaker A: Sam.
So I'll rejoice and be glad, Rejoice and be glad in it.
This is where I believe, yes I do.
You are more than enough, more than enough for me. We declare that together, Church, you are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I am weak, When I'm stable. Standing in your presence I have everything I need.
The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength, yes oh the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. It's more than a feeling.
Bless his name, all that is within me. Say the joy of the Lord, the joy of the one is my strength.
Your is Jesus, come what may.
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 your presence I have everything I need.
The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Yes, it's true, we know that. The joy 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.
Let it rise up like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let let it pour out with no limit.
Overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Oh, let it rise up like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit.
Let it pour out let's the joy of the Lord oh, the joy of the Lord the joy of the Lord is my strength. Yes, it is. Yes, it is the joy of the Lord Joy of the Lord.
O my soul.
O my soul. Bless his name all that is within me say O my soul, Bless his name all that is.
O my soul. O my soul. Bless his name all that is within me say the joy of the Lord. Joy of the Lord is my strength.
Hallelujah.
[01:07:07] Speaker C: Wondering into the night Wanting a place.
[01:07:12] Speaker D: To hide this weary soul.
[01:07:16] Speaker A: This backbone I try with all my mighty But I just can't win the fight I'm slowly drifting Just when I ran out of road.
I met a man I didn't know.
And he told me that I was not alone.
He picked me up, turned me around Place my feet on solid ground. I thank the master, I thank the Savior because you healed my heart you change my name Forever free no, I'm not the same I think the master, I think the Savior, I think God.
No, I can't deny what what I'm see Got no choice but to believe.
My doubts are burning oh, like ashes in the so so long to my own from now till I walk the streets of gold.
I'll sing of how you save my soul. This wayward son has found his way back.
Pick me up, turn me around and place my feet on solid ground. I thank the master, I thank the Savior.
Because you healed my heart changed my name Forever free I'm not the same I think the master, I thank the savior, I thank God.
You lost another one.
I am free.
I am free.
Hell lost another one.
I am free. Yes, I sing it out.
Hell lost another one night come on.
I am free.
I am free.
Hell lost another one. I am free.
I am free. Come on.
Hell lost another one. I am free. Oh, I am free. Yes, I I am free.
Hell lost another world. I am free.
I am great.
You pick me up, turn me around.
You place my feet on solid ground. I thank the master, I thank the Savior because you heal my heart Change my name whenever free. I'm not the savior. I thank the master, I thank the savior I thank God.
I am free Yes, I I am free and hell lost another one I am free, I am free I am hell lost another one I am free, I am free oh, I am free Lost another one I am free I am free, I am free yeah lost I am free yes, I am I am free yes, I lost another one I I am free Hell lost another one I am free I am free I am free?
Hell lost another world I am free? You pick me up you pick me up turn me around and place my feet on solid ground I thank the master, I thank the savior?
Because you heal my heart, change my name forever free I'm not the same I thank God thank you savior because you healed my heart you change me around place my feet on in my heart, change my name forever free I'm not the same I think the master I think the same because you pick me up, turn me around and place my feet on salad I think the master, I think the savior because you heal my heart change my name from every ever free I'm not the I think the master, I think the savior I thank God.
Oh, I thank God.
[01:13:54] Speaker D: Good. Praise to God.
God is good.
Who'd have thought we could baptize 24 people and get out on time?
[01:14:10] Speaker C: Not with me.
[01:14:11] Speaker D: Well, hey.
[01:14:12] Speaker A: Hey.
[01:14:13] Speaker D: Has it been a great morning of celebrating or what?
Man, remember that in our celebration, what we are celebrating is our almighty God. He is the one that you changes and transforms hearts and lives. And so this morning as we go, we want to give him all praise, glory and honor. A few things this morning before you go. One is we want to remind you that whenever we have a baptism service over in our atrium, we've got a photo booth that is set up where families can take friend and friends can take pictures together. We have these baptism jars where you can write. Just a special note of encouragement to those who have been baptized. I'd encourage you to stop by and do that and just give them all sorts of encouragement this morning as well. I just want to remind you that God has written a story on your heart. You have a great story to share and may you go from here sharing it with those that God has placed in your family and your schools, in your workplaces and anywhere God takes you in this community that somebody needs to hear of how great and awesome and mighty he is and how he changes and transforms hearts and lives. Be bold in sharing that story this morning. If as we close our service, if there are any prayer needs that you have, anybody, whether it's prayer for healing or anything that you may be walking through with the Lord. Our prayer team is going to be here at the front on both sides, and they would love that opportunity to pray with you today. And so I'm going to close us here together in prayer for just a moment. And then as a reminder, we do have a short meeting of our membership that'll follow for about five minutes.
Let's pray. God, we glorify your name together this morning.
You are good. The stories that you're writing, and it encourages us and reminds us of your faithfulness throughout the generations and throughout our lives. And so, Father, take that story. Remind us of what you have done and how you are still working and your promises to work in the future and give us boldness to share it with others. We love you, God, and we give today to you as an act of worship. May your name be raised up and lifted high. We pray this together in the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Savior.
[01:16:20] Speaker A: Amen.
[01:16:21] Speaker D: God bless you, church. We love you. We'll see you guys next Sunday. And again, we'll get our meeting started in two minutes.
[01:16:35] Speaker A: Sam.
