On October 12, Paitou gathering point in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, conducted a baptism ceremony during its Sunday service, where 10 sisters and three brothers were baptized by sprinkling. Following the baptisms, the congregation also observed Holy Communion.
During the service, Rev. Wu Jiangang preached on the theme "The New Creation," drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:3–4. He elaborated on three key points: the meaning of baptism, the significance of becoming a new creation, and how to live out the character of a new creation.
Pastor Wu emphasized that baptism is a public declaration of faith and a break from one's past life. Through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing a new beginning. The old, sinful life has ended, and through union with the Lord, believers are seen before God as "those who have never sinned."
He went on to explain that the grace bestowed upon the new creation means that the debt of sin is completely forgiven, everything begins anew, and this grace will never be lost. Since salvation comes from God, He will guide His people to the end so that their salvation remains.
Becoming a new creation also signifies living a transformed life. Christians should therefore demonstrate the testimony of new life through their words and actions, continually pursuing spiritual renewal. Quoting Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," Pastor Wu urged believers to constantly repent of sin, seek holiness, remember Christ's grace in times of temptation, and pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit to empower them to resist sin.
In conclusion, Pastor Wu encouraged the congregation, reminding them that their destiny in Christ is already secured and their new life unchangeable. No matter how many times the believers fall, they must rise again," he said. "When we pray for the Holy Spirit's filling and rely on the grace of Christ, we can live victorious lives."
The service concluded with the commission service, with the congregation responding in unison: "Lord, here I am. Send me!"
After the sermon, Pastor Wu officiated the baptism ceremony, during which 13 seekers publicly confessed their faith in response to the pastor's questions. Following the baptisms, the church proceeded to observe Holy Communion.
A week earlier, the congregation had been reminded to prepare their hearts through prayer and self-examination for the Communion, as Scripture warns against "eating and drinking judgment on themselves." The newly baptized believers then took turns partaking in Holy Communion for the first time.
The service concluded with a commissioning segment, during which the congregation responded together in one voice: "Lord, here I am. Send me!"
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
