Friday, January 28, 2011

The Weekly Dispatch ~ BAPTISM

(by Kevin Clancey)


Water baptism has never been an option for Christians. The scriptures clearly teach us to be baptized in water. Christians may differ on what age or how much water is needed but all agree that baptism is essential. Every place in the book of Acts where the Holy Spirit is poured out on new believers it is always linked with water baptism. In other words Spirit baptism and water baptism go hand in hand. Baptism is a means of grace. This means it is a way Christians encounter God. It is more than a symbol. When submitted to in faith it makes real in us three important truths. The first is the forgiveness of sins. Water is used for washing and in baptism we are washed from our sins. Baptism is the visible sign of the invisible reality that by faith in Christ our sins are forgiven. The second truth is the death of the old life and the resurrection of the new life. The Bible teaches that when we come to Christ the old us dies and Christ raises us to a new life with Him at the center. In baptism we go down into the water and die, then we raise out of the water in new life. The third reality is the refreshing of the Spirit. God sends the Holy Spirit in us to give us the character of Christ, but the Spirit also comes on us to give us the ministry of Christ. We are empowered by the Spirit to represent Christ on earth. In baptism we are refreshed and renewed into this life of character and power. If we have been baptized we don’t need to do it again. The Bible says there is one baptism. Sometimes people want to be re-baptized but it is impossible. It is like being remarried to the person you are already married to. However people can recommit there baptism just like people can reaffirm their wedding vows. If you have never been baptized or you want to reaffirm your baptismal vows, let me know and we will set a date soon. The Bible says repent and be baptized. Now is the time.

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Weekly Dispatch - Fasten Your Seatbelts (by Kevin Clancey)



The emphasis of the apostles preaching in the first century was on the resurrection of Jesus. Much contemporary Christian preaching and music focuses on the cross of Christ. I don’t think we overemphasize the cross, but I think we underemphasize the resurrection. While it is important to point out what Christ has done for us on the cross, it is equally important to point out He is risen and alive. Our gospel, our good news, is a message of life. Yes our response to the cross is repentance and faith in what He has done for us, but now it is also living out a Spirit filled resurrection life.
I believe this Spirit filled resurrection life is what we have to offer to the city of Bremerton WA and our region as The Firehouse Church. We are people of hope, joy, peace and love. We live during a time and in a region where those things are needed. God is calling us to be a visible witness to the resurrection of Jesus. This includes passionate worship, joyful witness, sacrificial love and authentic fellowship. These traits will be highly contagious as we pray them down upon us.
Sunday January 9th will our first time to gather at the Oyster Bay Inn as we make the move to Bremerton. It will be a time of joy and we expect His presence to lead us. I am looking forward to worshipping with you, praying with you, hearing His voice with you. And I am looking forward to witnessing a great awakening in Bremerton, Kitsap County, the Pacific Northwest, the Western USA, all the USA and more. Fasten your seat belts.