Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of God’s kingdom rehearse the death of the old self through the sacrament of baptism. We also celebrate being raised to new life in Christ when we come up out of the water. Hallelujah!

Learn more about baptism below. Read the full article here.

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How does baptism picture the central truths of the gospel?

Don’t you know that 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 his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)

Baptism pictures our union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. These are the primary points of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our salvation depends on his life, death, and resurrection. Our forgiveness — being cleansed of sin — depends on him; our Christian life and future depend on him.

Baptism symbolizes the death of the old self. The old person was crucified with Christ — died with Christ — buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:8; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Colossians 2:12, 20). It pictures that we are identified with Jesus Christ—he united himself with humanity. We accept that he died “for us,” and “for our sins,” and that he was raised for us as well. We acknowledge that we have sinned, that we have a tendency to sin, that we are sinners who needed a Savior. We acknowledge our need to be cleansed, and that this cleansing came through Jesus Christ.

Baptism is one of the ways that we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are saved by what he did, not by the way we respond. Therefore, the emphasis in baptism should be on what Jesus did, not on our faith or acceptance. Baptism is not a memorial of our faith — it is a memorial of Jesus’ faithfulness toward us. The only reason that we can show our response of faith is because he has already made a commitment to us. Our faith may falter, but his faithfulness toward us will not.

On a Sunday morning in August 2025, Yussel was out walking and meditating. He was asking for guidance from a higher power on how to deal with a family situation. He walked by GC Lemon Grove and felt led to come inside. He ended up staying for the worship gathering. English is his second language, so one of our leaders helped translate any words or concepts he did not understand.

After Yussel had attended for a few weeks, Reyna Stutz (one of our leaders who is bilingual), gave him a Bible and led him in a surrender prayer to Jesus. Over the following weeks, we spent time with him discussing God’s nature, forgiveness, prayer, relationship with God, and baptism. And we answered other questions Yussel had.

One day our cajon player was not there and Yussel jumped up for the last song and started playing. He has good rhythm and has been our cajon player every week for the past few months.

After more prayer and discussion, Yussel decided to publicly proclaim that he is aligning his life with Jesus through baptism. With the entire congregation surrounding him, he was baptized on Easter! We gave him an English/Spanish parallel Bible and put a customized name plate with his baptism date on the front.

By Anne Stapleton, Pastor
Lemon Grove, California, US

Kingdom citizens believe we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism pictures and proclaims this good news. Our old selves have been crucified and renounced in Christ, and we have been freed from the shackles of the past and given new being through his resurrection.

We share in the joy of these newly baptized GCI members. Read also the full story of one man’s baptism here.

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Cape Town, South Africa

Two people were baptized

Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.

Two people were baptized.

Kisii, Keya

At a church mission to Kisii, 26 people were baptized.

Jasaan, Mindanao, Philippines

Six people were baptized.

Papua New Guinea

Three people were baptized.

We’re in the Easter season, the fifty days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. It’s a time in the worship calendar that gives us an opportunity to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for us.

²⁵ Jesus said to [Mary], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” ²⁷ She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” John 11: 25–27 NRSVUE

Our loving Creator God is surely alive, and he speaks to us today. He has our best interests at heart and seeks to guide and transform us to be more like him as we choose to follow him daily. We worship and pledge our allegiance to the triune God because he deserves our total worship and allegiance.

Though often associated with religion, worship is not just “something religious people do” — it’s something everyone does. Worship is woven into the fabric of our spiritual DNA, for human beings were made for worship.

We know that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Loving God is a spiritual practice, which means it needs to be a conscious, active, daily choice.

Loving and worshiping God looks like depending on him, trusting him, and surrendering our lives in utter devotion, loyalty, adoration, and commitment.

Prayer
Dear Lord, have your way with me. Father, thank you for sending your Son. Jesus, thank you for uniting humanity to yourself. Spirit, thank you for making the resurrection life real in us. Trinity, we love you. Empower us to worship you with our whole hearts. Amen.

By Jillian Morrison, Pastor
Glendora, California, US

Adapted from an Equipper article.

 

Citizens of God’s kingdom live embedded in Kingdom Culture. One aspect of Kingdom Culture is whole-life discipleship. Citizens equip children to follow Jesus from the very beginning of their lives. We value and prioritize youth and children as disciples — not future disciples, not partial or lesser disciples.

Check out GCI’s age-graded resources to help congregations disciple their members — all their members!

Read below to learn how two Australian regions are bringing together youth and families for a weekend of fun and discipleship.

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Queensland, Australia

In January, forty-six enthusiastic participants gathered at Tallebudgera, Queensland for a weekend of connection and growth. The event kicked off on Thursday afternoon with meaningful discussions about the weekend’s themes and ways to support one another. Icebreaker activities and board games after dinner set a joyful tone of fun, faith, and fellowship.

Breakfast devotionals were held on both Friday and Saturday focused on Jesus’ baptism and what baptisms mean for us today. Campers were deeply moved by heartfelt testimonies shared about personal journeys of faith.

Friday brought adventure on the canoes as groups worked together to explore the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek. A thoughtful session on responsible social media use followed, along with a beach swim, dance practice, basketball, jump rope, and more games to end the day.

Saturday challenged campers at The Cliffs with abseiling and a thrilling height drop. The afternoon was spent preparing for Sunday’s worship service, followed by swimming, soccer, and dinner. That evening featured a Sacred Imagination dinner and an energetic dance session.

Sunday’s Worship Service was a highlight. Youth led every aspect, even the sermon, showcasing their gifts through music, art, readings, testimonies, and a Fijian dance. The service was deeply inspiring and reflected the servant-heartedness of these amazing young people.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all church members for your prayers and support that made this camp possible. We cannot wait to see what God has in store in 2027!

By Lara Olsen, GCI-Australia Admin and Registrar
Camira, Queensland, Australia

 

 

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Victoria, Australia

In January, the first Victorian Youth and Family weekend was held on Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne. Thirty people attended. Each morning after breakfast we had a time of devotion focusing on God’s delight is us, his love, and willingness to carry all our burdens. The Amazing Race activity, a race around the camp with various puzzles to solve, was enjoyed equally as much as a casual beach stroll exploring the nearby rocky foreshore and cliffs.

At our Sunday worship service, the Congolese Bolikoko family led us in songs. We also heard from two recently baptised young adults about their journey thus far. They shared moments when they felt God’s presence during difficult times, describing baptism not as a single profound moment but as a growing awareness of a lifelong journey with God. They spoke of learning to trust God’s guidance, even as letting go of control remains an ongoing process.

Along with conversations and laughter, the three days were also filled with outdoor sports like the giant swing, volleyball, gaga ball, and the most favourite of all – 9 Square in the Air. When we needed relief from the heat and wind, we enjoyed indoor activities like trivia, karaoke, and tie-dyeing t-shirts. The t-shirts were a big hit. At the end of camp, we had ‘the reveal’ as each person’s shirt, after being washed and dried, was unfolded to smashing applause and cheers.

It was an enjoyable and meaningful time, and we are very grateful for the staff that attended. We look forward to returning in 2027.

By Matthew Gudze, Pastor
Mooroolbark, Victoria, AU

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28–30 NIV

Jesus did everything the Father asked of him. In the midst of intense human suffering, he gave up his spirit in union with the Father — an act of faith and implicit trust. He did not hesitate. Instead, he surrendered himself into God’s care and courageously entered death for our sake.

We participate in Christ’s death. This participation invites us to reflect continually on what may need to die in us. There are seasons when we have completed what God has asked of us, and the time comes to move on.

At times, this means allowing relationships, jobs, or responsibilities to end so that new ones may begin. We may not know what lies ahead or how it will all unfold. But in Christ, we are invited to step forward into the new life God is opening before us.

How might Christ’s love, poured into you by the Spirit, be closing a door in your life? How might the Spirit be inviting you to enter a world of new possibilities and new relationships?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for loving us all the way to the grave. Father, thank you for never abandoning your Son. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus, and us in him, to new life. Amen.

Adapted from the following resource: April 7, 2023 – Good Friday – GCI Equipper

 

Kingdom Citizens take our call to serve seriously. We steward our time and resources to help others. Jesus’ Church is not meant to store up resources for itself. We exist to pour them out in love for the world.

When we serve and give, we do it so the light of Christ can shine through us into our neighborhoods and relationships. Our stewardship reflects our trust that God will provide and our desire to be part of what he’s doing around us.

How can we serve our neighbors by growing in healthy stewardship? As you prayerfully consider this with your congregation, the following GCI Buzz may spark ideas.

Serving others is a part of Kingdom Culture. Because we give and serve generously out of the abundance we have in Christ, we can do it joyfully.

Read how three congregations are serving their neighbors with joy.

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Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Flip the Fit is a GC Steele Creek Love Avenue event that brings together a clothing swap and hands-on activity stations for children and families in our neighborhood. What began as a small step of faith with about ten guests at our first gathering last summer has grown into something we did not manufacture.

At our most recent event, more than fifty neighbors joined us, with families lining up even before the doors opened. We are so thankful for how this simple offering of hospitality has continued to grow and reflect the heart of what it means to live as a sent people. When we create space for community in ordinary ways, God often brings more than we expect.

This event is not just something we host. It is something we are becoming together. Generosity at Flip the Fit has not flowed only from our congregation. Neighbors have contributed clothing and even signed up to volunteer alongside us. In doing this, we are joining Jesus in his ongoing work of love. It is not love flowing from us alone, but Christ sharing his life through us and with us. As children laugh and experiment with slime, balloon rockets, and paper airplanes, we see curiosity and joy take root.

In the rhythm of giving, receiving, testing, and trying again, we are reminded that Jesus is forming us as we participate in what he is already doing. Flip the Fit is becoming a place where we see the Spirit drawing people together and shaping us more deeply into a fellowship that lives sent in his name.

By Michelle Hartman, Communications Director
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

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Pikeville, Kentucky, US

GC Pikeville served their community dinners on Easter and Christmas for approximately ten years. Eventually, there was a nudging from the Lord to serve meals more often.

In May 2015, The Grace Community Kitchen was officially launched and began serving meals on a more frequent basis. Currently meals are served every Monday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome.

GC Pikeville partners with two other nonprofits in the community who also care about food insecurity: Mountain View Pace, which helps seniors live at home, and Mountain Comprehensive Care Outreach Team, which provides assistance to unhoused people. Volunteers give free haircuts, and a limited number of hygiene and laundry kits are distributed monthly.

Their service to their neighbors is a beautiful example of reflecting the light of Christ to others.

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Pasadena, California, US

GC Pasadena has been distributing donated food from local grocery stores for more than three years. They want to be a consistent presence in the community, so they do this weekly.

Every Saturday morning, they set up in the hallway of their church building. Then they welcome their neighbors with food insecurity to pick up groceries.

The congregation is demonstrating that they are truly intentional about loving and helping their neighbors.

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” John 20:24-28 CEB

By the Spirit, our risen, ascended Lord is with us always. And through his presence, he extends to us his peace (shalom), even in the most trying circumstances. Do we, trusting in Jesus, receive that peace and so live into it? I suppose we’d all have to answer, “sometimes.”

There are times we doubt the reality of God’s presence. At those times, perhaps we, like Thomas, want a physical sign to prove Jesus is with us. Or perhaps we are like the father of the demon-possessed son who Jesus reached out to help, yet the father cried out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24 NRSVUE).

To overcome our unbelief, we cannot just try harder or insist that God give us a physical sign as proof he can be trusted. We can look to Jesus, God’s ultimate sign, and trust him as our representative High Priest to do something quite amazing — believe for us.

Yes, Jesus, who in his representative humanity, perfectly and fully trusts in God. He shares that trust (his faith) with us. And so, in times of doubt (which we all experience) we can go to Jesus in prayer.

Prayer
Jesus, help me in my time of doubt. Allow me to believe that you truly are the risen Christ. Help me see how you are present with me today in this circumstance. Lord, grant me your faith. Grant me your peace. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Amen.

By Ted Johnston, Grace Communion Seminary Faculty
Foley, Alabama, US