Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of God’s kingdom hold the act of baptism as a meaningful sacrament. We believe baptism is primarily a symbolic public statement of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes our commitment to following Jesus, while we acknowledge that our commitment is only possible because of our Savior’s unbreakable commitment to us!

We invite you to read the following excerpt from the article, Should Believers Be Baptized?.

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On the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter exhorted his listeners: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39). We are among those who are “far off,” and we can share in the grace of God along with those who heard Peter speak almost 2,000 years ago.

Note how the people responded to Peter’s call after he finished his sermon: About 3,000 accepted Christ that day, and were baptized (Acts 2:41). When people accepted Christ as the Messiah, baptism was the appropriate response. Baptism sends a message to ourselves, to others, and to God. By being baptized, we acknowledge that God is the source of our life and the reason we exist, and that Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Baptism pictures the drama of our “I do” decision for Jesus Christ—but it is possible only because Jesus has already said the “I do” for us. He has already made a commitment to us, and we are now acknowledging it. He has already given his life for us; we are now responding and giving our lives to him. Baptism is a symbolic act that says there is a life-long commitment between Christ and us, and he is our Savior. Baptism implies that we will follow him wherever he may lead us.

People who request baptism are saying they accept Jesus’ offer. He wants to be associated with us, to live with us forever and ever. In baptism, we say that we agree to be associated with Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way — to belong to Christ, to share in the benefits of his life and death. That’s what it means to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Believers share in the life of Christ. As Christ died, so do the believers. As they share in Jesus’ death, they also have a part in his resurrection and eternal life. In baptism, believers dramatize that we are united with Christ in his death and in his life. The apostle Paul explained this to the Romans:

All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:3-4

Baptism symbolizes our death and resurrection with Christ, that our old self is a thing of the past, and that our real life is in Christ. Going down into the water pictures the death of the self, and rising up out of the water pictures the resurrection of the self to a new life now, and eternal life in the future.

Baptism is not magic. It does not automatically bring the Holy Spirit to us, nor does it cause our spiritual renewal and salvation. Rather, it is done after the Holy Spirit has led us to faith and we have responded. Baptism is a metaphor that symbolizes that on the cross, Christ has crucified our former life and has brought us into a new life in him.

Joe Tkach, Elder
River Road, OR, US

Join us in praising and thanking God for the people who have been baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Here are just a few of the congregations that celebrated baptisms in the recent months:

• • River Road, Oregon, U.S.
  • Polokwane, Limpopo, Republic of South Africa
  • Melborne, Florida, U.S.
  • Logan, Queensland, Australia
  • Euless, Texas, U.S.
  • Toronto East, Ontario, Canada
  • Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
  • Carina, Queensland, Australia
  • Manchester, New Jersey, U.S.

Read on for an inspiring story of one congregation’s service.

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Baptism and Rededication Service

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Grace Communion Ladson in Ladson, SC, held a Baptism and Rededication service immediately following the morning worship. Six individuals were baptized (two adults and four teens/pre-teens). In addition, twelve more individuals participated in the Rededication service. In the weeks leading up to this special day, there was a growing sense of joy, excitement, and anticipation as our pastor prepared the entire congregation for the occasion. When we entered the sanctuary that morning, the atmosphere was filled with elation, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable.

Pastor Tommie Grant led the service, assisted by elders, Dr. Alvin Simmons and GCI CFO Rose Hamrick. Each rededicated participant received specific prayers and the laying on of hands, with prayers focused on their continued growth in God’s grace, faith, love, and their involvement in ministry. Following the prayers, each participant was presented with a certificate to commemorate the day.

After the service, many participants shared how meaningful the experience was for them. Some commented how excited they were in building their personal relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each expressed that, despite trying to put it into words, it was hard to fully describe how they felt.

The entire congregation rejoiced and praised God together, recognizing that we were being renewed, strengthened, and equipped to continue serving our great God even more.

Janie Wright, Faith Avenue Champion
Ladson, SC, US

Many years ago, a little village in Austria was about to be taken by Napoleon’s conquering army. It was Easter morning. At dawn the bells of the village pealed out across the countryside, celebrating that Christ was risen. A startled Napoleon thought the bells were celebrating the arrival of the Austrian army and so he retreated in haste. A victory was won without even fighting a battle. Peace reigned in the countryside.

During Easter, the bells are ringing again, celebrating the fact that Christ has risen. We do not have Napoleon’s army threatening us, but we struggle from without and from within. Battles that often make us feel defeated.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23

The cause or the sting of death is sin. Through Christ we have the final victory over death. No one can take this victory away from us or from Jesus. Christ defeated the power of darkness, the power of Satan by which we were subjected to it. Christ paid the price! We do not need to fear the future. The proof that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to overcome death, is seen in his resurrection.

Christ is risen! Are we joyfully celebrating the victory that we have won in Christ not just during this Easter season, but each day of our life? Or are we still living a life of discouragement and defeat?

Prayer
Thank you, God, that we can already be resurrected to a new life here on earth NOW! We celebrate that because Christ rose, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. You give all who believe in you a new heart. You gave us power to overcome. May our vision of Christ continue to expand our thoughts and hearts. Amen.

Santiago Lange, Pastor
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

This devotion was adapted from an article. Read the full article here.

Citizens of God’s kingdom look to Jesus’ teaching to understand kingdom living. What did Jesus say about entering the kingdom?

We invite you to read the following excerpt from a 3-part series, “What Did Jesus Teach.” Read the full article here.

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“The tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you,” Jesus told the priests and elders (Matthew 21:31). How were they going in? By believing Jesus’ words about righteousness and repentance (verse 32) and by doing what God wants (verses 28-31). People enter the kingdom by repenting and believing the gospel.

We must “receive the kingdom,” Jesus said (Luke 18:17). He talked about how hard it was for rich people to “enter the kingdom” (verse 24). The disciples then asked, “Then who can be saved?” (verse 26). Here, we see several phrases used to indicate the same thing: receive the kingdom, enter the kingdom, be saved. These are different ways of talking about the same thing.

Jesus did not preach much about the details of the future kingdom. Rather, he preached about the way citizens of his kingdom can live and think in this age. He told us how our sins are forgiven. He told us to repent and believe the gospel. His disciples preached the same (Luke 9:6; Mark 6:12).

The kingdom of God is here, Jesus said. It begins right now. In the future the kingdom will have great glory — God will see to that. There will be fabulous future rewards, but the question that Jesus brings is, are we willing to be in the kingdom right now?

Right now, the kingdom is small (Matthew 13:31-33). Currently, the kingdom has both good and bad in it (verses 24-30). The kingdom is waiting for growth (Mark 4:26-29). Eventually, the kingdom will come in power, but now, it is small. The good news is that we can enter it.

Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom would come (Luke 17:20). He replied that the kingdom already existed in their midst (verse 21). But they could not yet see it. The kingdom will eventually be seen by everyone, but the King had to suffer and die first (verses 22-25).

Jesus also told the Pharisees, “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20). The kingdom is here, he said, and the proof is in the power. The kingdom of God is demonstrating its authority over Satan’s rule — and this proof continues in the church today. Just as the kingdom could be seen in the ministry of Jesus, it is seen in the ministry of his church, too. Jesus predicted that his followers would do even greater works than he did (John 14:12). The kingdom is growing.

The kingdom of God is here, Jesus said. People did not need to wait for a conquering Messiah. God is already ruling, and we turn our hearts toward him now. The kingdom announcement demands a decision. It is a call to action. We do not need to wait — there are things to be done right now.

The good news about the kingdom is not just that it is near — it is that we can be part of it. Nearness is not good news if we miss out! Our sins would disqualify us, but in Jesus our sins are forgiven. We can believe in Jesus and turn toward God. We can be in the kingdom of God forever, and that is wonderfully good news!

Michael Morrison, GCS President
Glendora, CA, US

In February, a three-day transformative leadership gathering was held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Pastor Mauricio Diaz Burdett, our leadership team, and I hosted the gathering, titled “The Relational God and His Mission.” Pastor Marco Mejia, of the San Pedro Sula Honduras congregation, attended with 11 ministry leaders. One of our leaders from the fellowship group in El Salvador also joined us. We all came together in an atmosphere of deep reflection and spiritual growth, guided by the inspiring presentations of President Greg Williams and Pastor Heber Ticas, Superintendent for Latin America.

During the sessions, Greg Williams introduced the concept of the 5 D’s (Disruption, Discovery, Death, Design, Deploy) as experienced by the early church in the book of Acts, highlighting the transformative process within the first Christian community. He encouraged attendees to join the harmonious flow of the triune God. He reflected on Jesus’ movement towards us and through us by Jesus’ ministry of faith, hope, and love.

Additionally, he presented GCI’s vision and the path forward, reminding everyone of the building blocks toward Healthy Church and that the church’s fundamental mission is to be the healthiest expression of the Church of Jesus Christ that we can be.

Pastor Heber Ticas provided a valuable perspective on building a church MAP around the concept of the 5 D’s and how it relates to our local church’s movement toward Healthy Church. He also delivered profound teachings on faith, hope, and love, and their biblical and theological foundation that informs the practice of our ministry Avenues. He focused on building bridges between our current environments into a missional participation environment by identifying our focus group and developing a missional heart.

His presentation challenged all of us to activate our missional movements in a strategic manner. The Avenue champions from the Tegucigalpa congregation and their teams had the opportunity to reflect and map out a better path forward for each Avenue based on the teachings we received and the customized consulting that was provided by Greg and Heber.

The gathering culminated in an inspiring Sunday worship service attended by 98 participants, where Greg reaffirmed GCI’s commitment to being a healthy, Christ-centered church. The fellowship among attendees and the shared passion for the gospel left a lasting impact, reinforcing the importance of continuing to grow in faith and in our missional calling.

This gathering not only strengthened GCI’s vision in Honduras and El Salvador but also renewed each congregation’s commitment to moving forward in God’s calling and purpose for our church.

Joel Aleman, Associate Pastor
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies
will spread a wonderful feast
for all the people of the world.

It will be a delicious banquet
with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.

There he will remove the cloud of gloom,
the shadow of death that hangs over the earth.

He will swallow up death forever!
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears.

He will remove forever all insults and mockery
against his land and people.

The LORD has spoken! Isaiah 25:6-8 NLT

Throughout history, a king coming to town is momentous. From a villager’s point of view, a king and his army coming to town is bad news. Your family’s storehouses would be raided to feed his soldiers. They might butcher your livestock for meat or even consume next year’s seed corn. This could easily be a disaster for you and your village.

Isaiah dreams of a King who flips that script. Instead of taking your wealth and ruining your future, this King blesses us with plenty. He gives instead of taking. He fills our lives with the very best, out of his abundance, at no cost to us. Our King honors us with a royal banquet and spares no expense in enriching our lives. Our future with him is one of celebration, not sorrow.

We who are enlisted in his service and enlivened by his love look to his lead. When we “come to town,” we can be his agents in announcing and enacting a kingdom that is like this King.

Prayer:
Lord, may we find an end to our want and our loss in the abundance of your love. Meet us at your table of mercy. May we be quick to rejoice in your goodness and live out your good news for the sake of our communities!

Matt Royal, Church Plant Team Member
Durham, NC, US

Citizens of God’s kingdom believe that Scripture is sacred. They trust that when they read God’s word, they will have an encounter with the Word made flesh.

We invite you to participate in the practice of Lectio Divina. The exercise below has been adapted from an Equipper article and revised to include a psalm of repentance for this Easter Preparation season.

Subscribe to Equipper for more spiritual formation articles like this.

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So how can we, as Christians, slow down and connect with God on a more profound and intimate level?

I would like to introduce you to the spiritual practice of “Lectio Divina,” which translates as “divine or sacred reading.” Lectio Divina is an ancient approach to reading the scriptures while intentionally listening for the voice of God. While most of us are used to reading scripture for information, Lectio Divina invites us to encounter Jesus in the text for the purpose of relational transformation. The writer of Hebrews tells us that the “Word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). It’s a reference to Jesus as the living Word of God, and Lectio Divina assumes that God is inviting us into interaction and conversation as we read the written words of God.

There are four different movements associated with this practice:

1. 1. Lectio (reading/listening) Slowly read the text aloud.
   2. Meditatio (meditation/reflection) Meditate on the word or phrase that captures your attention.
   3. Oratio (prayer/response) Open your heart to God and pray.
   4. Contemplatio (contemplation/rest) Quietly sit in the presence of the Father and rest in his arms.

Lectio Divina can be done alone or in a group. For the purpose of this exercise, you will be guided through an actual Lectio Divina exercise as if you are by yourself.

Before you start, make sure you are sitting comfortably. Begin to breathe slowly in and out. With your eyes closed, let your body relax and allow yourself to become consciously aware of God’s presence with you. Quietly let go of any distractions and ask God to speak to you through the passage that you are about to read.

Lectio Divina exercise

Step One: Read

Read Psalm 51:6-17 slowly, out loud if possible. Read the passage a couple of times. Notice any words or phrases that seem to jump out at you. Don’t analyze the text, just let it sink in. Are you drawn to any images or characters in the story? Don’t feel rushed, linger in the story, and be open to any gentle nudges. Quietly listen for the still, small voice of God. What word or phrase is your attention being drawn to?

Step Two: Reflect

As you read the passage again, allow God’s word to become his personal word for you. The psalmist writes, “You desire truth in my inward being.” Consider how your response to God might intersect with your life right now. Here are a few reflection questions:

• • What is God showing you about yourself?
  • How does this relate to something in your life today?
  • What is God saying to you?
  • Are there any distractions that God is highlighting for you today?
  • What is the “one thing” that Jesus says is needed?

Step Three: Respond

Take a few minutes to respond to God in prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with the God who loves you and likes you, no matter what. What do you want to say to God about this experience reading scripture? Talk to God about what bubbled up for you and how you sense he might be inviting you to act or respond to the word you have heard. You are free to allow your real, authentic self to be touched and changed by the word of God. Some find it beneficial to journal their response during this process.

Step Four: Rest

The last step offers space to rest and wait in the presence of the Lord. This is not about doing, this is abiding. Simply rest in the presence of God. Lay down all the insights, words, and images you’ve encountered and simply dwell in the presence of God. This is a time to absorb God’s gentle grace and allow God to do the life-changing work in you. Sense God’s love flowing effortlessly through you. You may close with a prayer thanking God for his willingness to open up the scripture for you, enabling you to better understand your life in Christ.

Participating in Lectio Divina during the season of Easter Prep gives us time to pause and commune with God. At the heart of Lectio Divina is a dynamic relationship between God and you, his beloved. The Father, Son, and Spirit invite you to participate in their dance and discover this deep spiritual practice within the daily rhythms of your life.

May God bless you with real rest as you make space to commune with him through scripture and come to know God more fully and more intimately.

By Davina Winn, Assistant Pastor
Hanover, VA, US

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

Four days after we evacuated from the Altadena firestorm, we returned to find our house still standing. We had feared it had burned, but we were deeply grateful it had been spared. The government sent police, National Guard reservists, and members of the Army to provide security against looters. Though our house was still within the “do not cross” yellow tape, we were given an exception to return.

The following morning, I found my wife in the kitchen preparing many sandwiches. Seeing my amazement, she simply said, “It’s for the police and soldiers guarding our neighborhood.” No one had asked her to do it; she simply saw a need and met it.

When we delivered the sandwiches and hot coffee, I noticed that there were no portable toilets for the service people. I asked them about it, and they said they had to travel a few miles to Pasadena just to find a restroom. So, we told them that we would keep our house open 24/7, giving them permission to use our facilities anytime. It was a small act of kindness, but they were incredibly appreciative.

For the next seven days, they had breakfast at our house and used our restroom. These officers and reservists repeatedly told us they would never forget our service and the hospitality we had shown them.

Our GC Glendora pastor, Jillian Morrison, and her husband, Steven, also volunteered with relief efforts. They were joined by other members, including Maryann and Fred Stevens (pictured below), who sorted and distributed supplies at a Pasadena relief drive. In addition, a few church members went to another member’s house to assist with cleanup.

In times of crisis, even the smallest act of kindness can shine the brightest. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand — it just must be intentional. The world may be filled with division, but as followers of Christ, we are called to something different. We are called to love as He loves, to serve as He serves, and to be a light in a dark world.

From Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

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By God’s grace, we are doing well. On behalf of GC Pasadena, I would like to thank the Home Office staff who prayed and arranged for disaster relief funds to be distributed to financially support our members who were affected by the fire.

The vast area that was affected is unimaginable, and one area was the neighborhood of Jeff Swartz, a longtime member. He lost his home and all his personal belongings except the clothes he was wearing at that time. We thank God that he left and got to safety with his pets before the fire reached his area. My family took care of him for ten days until he finally found a hotel with a vacancy in Glendale.

Another member hosted a couple who evacuated due to the smoke and ashes. It was necessary to clean our church hall because of the ashes and smoke. Since we have an ongoing partnership with Trader Joe’s to distribute food, we were able to take some to the evacuation area where it was needed. I also had the opportunity to pray for neighbors who were directly affected by the fire.

Thank you again for including us in your prayers.

From Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US

 

Growing up in the Pacific, my fellow islanders and I have always been blessed with a rich heritage of culture, tradition, and faith. Just as the waves shape our shores, Christ’s love shapes our lives, calling us to stand firm in faith, hope, and love. As citizens of his kingdom, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Jesus is our living hope, the source of our faith, and the embodiment of perfect love. Like the vast ocean that sustains island life, his love is endless. His faithfulness unwavering, and his hope unshaken. He is the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep, leading us into his everlasting kingdom. As Pacific Islanders pass down their traditions, we too must also carry forward the message of salvation and grace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, through your Son Jesus. Like the waves that never cease, your love surrounds us. Thank you for being the centre of our lives. Help us reflect your love, faith, and humility in all we do. Strengthen our communities and remind us that we are citizens of your kingdom, walking in righteousness and grace. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Epeli Nakautoga, Hope Avenue Champion
Suva, Fiji

Citizens of God’s kingdom seek God’s will in all they do. They do not depend on their own understanding. Instead, they rely on the Spirit’s lead to bring discernment. Learn more about discernment in this GCI Buzz.