en http://www.gccdenver.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=25&article_id=31 Sermon Audio - MP3 Messages Below are recent Sunday Morning messages given at Grace Community Church. Select "MP3" for streaming audio version. To Download MP3 files: Windows/Explorer users: Right click the download link; then choose "Save Target As." Windows/Firefox users: Right click; then choose "Save Link As." Mac/Safari users: Control (ctrl) click; then select 'Download Linked File." View the applicable notes, handouts or outlines in pdf format by clicking the "notes" reference. View the applicable scripture references on-line at biblegateway.com by clicking on the Passage links. Galatians Series Holy Spirit Series Ephesian Series Date Speaker Passage Message Series 06-29-2008 David Bendinelli Matthew 5:3-5 The Broken Blessed mp3 06-22-2008 David Bendinelli Matthew 5:1-3 Introduction to "The Sermon" mp3 06-15-2008 David Bendinelli Matthew 4:18-22 God's Chosen Helpers mp3 06-08-2008 Tim Gillmore 1 John 2:15-17 relate: Do Not Love the World mp3 Relationships 06-01-2008 Tim Lambros Genesis 23 relate: Faith to Die For mp3 Relationships 05-25-2008 David Bendinelli 1 John 1:7-10 relate: Our Sins & God's Grace mp3 Relationships 05-18-2008 David Bendinelli Luke 17:32 relate: Remember Lot's Wife mp3 Relationships 05-11-2008 David Bendinelli Romans 14: 1-5, 13 relate: The Weak, the Strong, and the Glory of God mp3 Relationships 05-04-2008 Paul Porter John 13:1-17 relate: Imitate mp3 Relationships 04-27-2008 Tim Gillmore Jonah relate: Evangelism: God's Heart for the Nations mp3 Relationships 04-20-2008 Tim Gillmore John 4:1-42 relate: Evangelism: God's Heart for the Individual mp3 Relationships 04-13-2008 David Bendinelli James 4:12 relate: There is Only One Judge mp3 Relationships 04-06-2008 David Bendinelli Luke 16:1-13 Jesus, Money, and Trust mp3 Mission Fund 03-30-2008 David Bendinelli Luke 12:32-34 God & Giving mp3 Mission Fund 03-23-2008 David Bendinelli 1 Peter 1:3-5 Resurrection Hope mp3 Easter 03-16-2008 Keith Jacob John 17 relate: A Prayer that Shapes How We Share mp3 Relationships 03-09-2008 David Bendinelli Romans 15:1-9 relate: Just as Christ Accepted You mp3 Relationships 02-24-2008 Tim Gillmore Hebrews 3:12-14 relate: Caregroups - A Context for Relationships mp3 Relationships 02-17-2008 David Bendinelli Acts 20-21 relate: Kneeling Together on the Beach mp3 Relationships 02-10-2008 David Bendinelli Proverbs 27:5-6 relate: Caring Through Correction mp3 Relationships 02-03-2008 David Bendinelli 1 John 1:1-5 relate: Kissing the Leper mp3 Relationships 01-27-2008 David Bendinelli 2 Cor 12:7-10 Sufficient Grace in Times of Thorns mp3 01-20-2008 David Bendinelli James 2:14-20 Truth Alive is Truth Applied mp3 01-13-2008 David Bendinelli Genesis 3:1-13, 20-24 Back to the Tree of Life mp3 01-06-2008 Tim Gillmore Psalm 90 Don't Waste Your Life questions mp3 Tue, 1 Jul 2008 17:13:59 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=33 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:10:19 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=35 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=35&article_id=33 Our classes are broken up by age, and we've labeled each classroom by color. To find out where to bring your child, come to the Children's Ministry Reception table. More questions, email Bruce Donnelly at bruce.donnelly@gccdenver.org, or call him at the Church Office at 303-429-3499. Tue, 13 May 2008 14:38:21 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=22 God intends that every christian be in relationships with other christians in a local community of believers - a local church. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 Though our church is just one of many good local churches, we invite you to consider whether God is calling you to join us as we seek to Glorify God together, and love one another as we live life together. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:20:08 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Our first desire is that through our website we might serve you to know Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior, and Friend. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:30 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 Secondly, we invite you to learn more about us as a local church; what we believe, our history, when and where you can meet with us, and what ministries and programs are available to serve you. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:20:08 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=8 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=8&article_id=3 As with all we do, the youth ministry of GCC exists to glorify God. Our theme is: " So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (taken from Ephesians 2:19-22 ). The goal of the ministry is to help form teens into young adults who passionately love and worship Jesus Christ, and to provide contexts for them to experience, apply and proclaim the glorious gospel. The format of the ministry consists of monthly corporate gatherings (for all teens ages 12-17 and their parents) small group meetings (teens 14-17 and their parents), regular fun/recreational times, and several annual service projects. Parental involvement in all events is strongly encouraged. We have witnessed God's faithfulness to us in raising up teens who aggressively pursue humility, growth and service in the chruch for the Glory of God. Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:02:03 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=6 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=6&article_id=4 The Single's Ministry meets as care groups on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. There are four care groups, all located in the Westminster area. During care group we spend time worshipping, discussing the Sunday morning messages and praying for one another. We also have corporate meetings once a month, where all the care groups come together for various activities, including picnics, campouts, and other events. See the church event calendar for additional information on these meetings. Our desire for this group is that we grow together in our love and pursuit of Christ. That we continue to understand the cross of Christ and its ramifications on our lives. That our gratitude to our Lord and Savior would grow through our fellowship together and that we would be friends that affect each other for a lifetime. If you would like to join our community and run this race with us, or if you just want to know a little more about this thing called Christianity, call our church offices and we would be happy to connect you with one of our care groups. Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:51:04 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=4 Our church facility is located at 9050 Yates Street in Westminster, CO 80031. Sunday morning service starts at 10:00 a.m. For an interactive map to our new church home, click here. Tue, 7 Nov 2006 11:56:52 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=33 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=33&article_id=13 At Grace Community Church we believe that relationships are an essential part of church life. God's intent is that church not just be a meeting to attend, but a shared life to be lived. Care Groups help to provide the context to form friendships, study God's word, and serve one another with our spiritual gifts. We have several different care groups that you are able to attend. They meet twice per month either on Wednesday or Friday evenings. If you would like a list of the different care groups that are available, please email the church office at office@gccdenver.org Tue, 7 Nov 2006 11:53:32 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=5 CALL US, EMAIL US OR FAX US Telephone: (303)429-3499 Email Address: office@gccdenver.org Fax: (303)439-8055 SEND US A LETTER Our mailing address is: 9050 Yates Street Westminster, CO 80031 OUR OFFICE HOURS Our church office is open to serve you Tuesday thru Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Please feel free to contact us at any time during those hours. Directions to the Church From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Sheridan, turn right (east) on 92nd Street and turn right (south)on Yates Street. Turn left into the parking lot. HERE'S AN INTERACTIVE MAP TO OUR CHURCH. Wed, 23 Aug 2006 17:50:24 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=26 Grace Community Church has the joy of building a local church here in Denver, Colorado. However, the family of churches that we belong to goes far beyond our little gathering of believers. Sovereign Grace Ministries is a church-planting ministry with a family of 61 churches in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and the U.K. Our primary purpose is to establish and nurture local churches to God's glory. Indeed, our greatest desire is that the members of these churches - both corporately and as individuals - would bring glory and honor to God in their public and private lives. Additional information about Sovereign Grace Ministries, as well as a list of the other churches affiliated with our ministry, visit their website at, Sovereign Grace Ministries. Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:36:46 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=24 Our Sunday morning meeting begins at 10:00 AM. We invite you to arrive early in order to browse through our books, tapes, and CDs, and to meet other people who call Grace Community Church their home. We begin our service with music and singing. Our main focus and desire during this time is to thank and praise God for His kindness toward us - which always leads us to the cross. Our music style could be described as contemporary. Following the time of singing we will welcome our guests, there are some announcements, and then we take a short break to release the children to their Children's Ministry classrooms. Those not involved in Children's Ministry return back to the auditorium to listen to the message. Our service dismisses around 12:00 PM. If you have any additional questions about our Sunday morning meeting, please feel free to call us at our Church Offices at 303-429-3499, or contact any of the staff via email. We look forward to welcoming you! Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:05:01 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=21 The following is the story of an ordinary Christian. It could be the story of a member of Grace Community Church. It can be your story... THE TURNING POINT of my life began with events that happened before I was even born. Those events tell a powerful, true story—one that completely changed my life. Nearly two thousand years ago, a child was born. His birth was unlike any other before or since. His mother was a virgin who, through God's power, became pregnant without ever having sex. This child was Jesus—God's one and only Son. Jesus grew up just like anyone else, except for one important thing. He never thought, or said, or did anything wrong. When Jesus was thirty years old, He began telling people what God his Father was like. He told people how they could have a relationship with God by turning away from sin and believing in Him. And He showed God's great kindness by healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even bringing dead people back to life. Everything Jesus did was good and right, but some people still hated him.They falsely accused him of crimes. Finally, they persuaded their ruler to kill him by nailing him to a rough wooden cross. Jesus hung from that cross until he died. Heartbroken, his friends buried him. But three days later an astounding thing took place—God raised Jesus from the dead! During the next forty days, over 500 people saw Jesus—solid proof that he really was alive again. Then, with many watching, he rose through the skies to his Father to take his place as ruler over all the universe. Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:02:30 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=23 But what does this all have to do with me? The story you have just read is known as the gospel, or "good news." I think you'll be able to understand why this good news changed my life after I tell you some bad news. God created men and women to honor, serve, and enjoy him. But, from the very beginning, people have chosen to live their own way, rather than obeying the desires and commands of God. That's called sin. Though every human being sins, God himself is sinless. He hates sin, and he has warned that everyone who sins will be severely punished. There's not a thing men and women can do to save themselves from the punishment they deserve. That's bad news. But Jesus has done what no person ever could. You see, Jesus died for a reason. It wasn't simply because men hated him. He died because his Father lovingly decided to punish Him instead of us. In other words, Jesus took our place. He became our substitute. God's sinless Son received the punishment we deserved, so that we might receive the reward He deserved. How can we be sure God accepted his death in our place? By the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead and took Him up into heaven. Jesus is not just another religious leader telling us what to do. He is God. Because He has freed us from the power and punishment of sin, He deserves our total trust and obedience. Let's Get Personal. THE TURNING POINT of my life came on the day I heard these things and believed them. That day I asked God to forgive my sins and to help me start living for him. God granted my request—but not because I deserved it or did anything special. He mercifully forgave me on the basis of what Jesus did on the cross. The good news of the Gospel changed my life. God has turned me around and given me a sense of joy and fulfillment that keeps growing. Though I'm far from perfect, God is helping me live the way he always wanted me to live. THE TURNING POINT of your life could be just ahead of you, too. Maybe you think that none of this applies to you. But God sees things differently. He sees you living your own way rather than living for him. He sees you heading for eternal punishment. And he knows there is nothing in your own power you can do to change. But God will have mercy on you—just as he had on me... What to do? Trust in Jesus' death as the only thing that can pay the penalty for your sin. Turn away from your sins and live to please and obey God rather than yourself. Know that God is eager to forgive you. He wants to have a relationship with you as your Father. And he offers you the power to live the rest of your life honoring, enjoying, and serving him in the context of a local church Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=35 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=35&article_id=14 Children's MinistryThe Bible is clear that the call of Christian parents is to train and teach their children the gospel. We eagerly desire as a church to support parents in this effort. Although teaching and training children in the gospel is the greatest challenge and task parents have been given, God has provided many promises and reasons for faith in the process. God has also provided the local church to train parents and to join with them in this responsibility. Several ministries exist in our church to help Moms and Dads fulfill their calling. Our goal is to provide an environment that is safe and fun, but with the gospel as the defining emphasis of everything we do during these hours. We seek to do more than simply provide childcare while parents attend the Sunday meeting. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=17 JAMIE - to write this text. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=14 JAMIE - to write this text. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=15 JAMIE - to write this text Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=19 JAMIE - to write this text. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.gccdenver.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=2 We believe there are "major doctrines" over which there must be unity, and "minor doctrines" over which we may disagree as brothers and sisters in the Lord. In an effort to be clear as to what we believe as a local Church below you will find the core of our beliefs. THE SCRIPTURES We accept the Bible, including the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, as the written word of God. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God's self-disclosure. It leads us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Being given by God, the Scriptures are both fully and verbally inspired by God. Therefore, as originally given, the Bible is free of error in all it teaches. Each book is to be interpreted according to its context and purpose and in reverent obedience to the Lord who speaks through it in living power. All believers are exhorted to study the Scriptures and diligently apply them to their lives. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. Every doctrinal formulation, whether of creed, confession, or theology must be put to the test of the full counsel of God in holy Scripture. GOD IS TRIUNE There is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. In the unity of the godhead there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-existent, co-equal, co-eternal. The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - is the foundation of Christian faith and life. GOD THE FATHER God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By his word and for his glory, he freely and supernaturally created the world of nothing. Through the same Word he daily sustains all his creatures. He rules over all and is the only Sovereign. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted. He is faithful to every promise, works all things together for good to those who love him, and in his unfathomable grace gave his Son Jesus Christ for mankind's redemption. He made man for fellowship with himself, and intended that all creation should live to the praise of his glory. JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He was perfect in nature, teaching and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He was always with God and is God. Through him all things came into being and were created. He was before all things and in him all things hold together by the power of his word. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, and in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is the only Savior for the sins of the world, having shed his blood and died a vicarious death on Calvary's cross. By his death in our place, he revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, the third day he rose bodily from the grave, victorious over death and the powers of darkness and for a period of forty days appeared to over five hundred witnesses, performing many convincing proofs of his resurrection. He ascended in to heaven where, at God's right hand, he intercedes for his people and rules as Lord over all. He is the head of his body, the church, and should be adored, loved, served, and obeyed by all. THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit a person is led to trust in divine mercy. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who in turn came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God's Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshipped as God the Third Person of the Trinity. MAN God made man - male and female - in his own image, as the crown of creation, that man might have fellowship with him. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God. Being estranged from his Maker yet responsible to him, he became subject to divine wrath, inwardly depraved, and - apart from a special work of grace - utterly incapable of returning to God. This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to his mind, will and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. He is at enmity with God, hostile toward God, and hateful of God. Fallen, sinful people, whatever their character of attainments, are lost and without hope apart from salvation in Christ. THE GOSPEL Jesus Christ is the gospel. The good news is revealed in his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. Christ's crucifixion is the heart of the gospel, his resurrection is the power of the gospel, and his ascension is the glory of the gospel. Christ's death is a substitutionary and propitiatory sacrifice to God for our sins. It satisfies the demands of God's holy justice and appeases his holy wrath. It also demonstrates his mysterious love and reveals his amazing grace. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. There is no other name by which men must be saved. At the heart of all sound doctrine is the cross of Jesus Christ and the infinite privilege that redeemed sinners have of glorifying God because of what he has accomplished. Therefore, we want all that takes place in our hearts, churches and ministries to proceed from and be related to the cross. MAN'S RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL Mans' response to the Gospel is rooted and grounded in the free and unconditional election of God for his own pleasure and glory. It is also true that the message of the gospel is only effectual to those who genuinely repent of their sins and, by God's grace, put saving faith in Christ. This gospel of grace is to be sincerely preached to all men in all nations. Biblical repentance is characterized by a changed life, and saving faith is evidenced by kingdom service or works. While neither repentance nor works save, unless a person is willing to deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Christ, he cannot become his disciple. MAN'S INHERITANCE THROUGH THE GOSPEL Salvation, the free gift of God, is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and looking to Christ and his substitutionary death received the gift of eternal life and is declared righteous by God as a free gift. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him. He is justified and fully accepted by God. Through Christ's atonement for sin an individual is reconciled to God as Father and becomes his child. The believer is forgiven the debt of his sin and, via the miracle of regeneration, liberated from the law of sin and death into the freedom of God's Spirit. SANCTIFICATION The Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification and seeks to produce his fruit in us as our minds are renewed and we are conformed to the image of Christ. Though indwelling sin remains a reality, as we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping his commandments and endeavoring to so live in the world that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. All believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith, knowing they will have to give an account to God for their every thought, word and deed. The spiritual disciplines - especially Bible study, prayer, worship and confession - are a vital means of grace in this regard. Nevertheless, the believer's ultimate confidence to persevere is based in the sure promise of God to preserve his people until the end, which is most certain. EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT In addition to effecting regeneration and sanctification, the Holy Spirit also empowers believers for Christian witness and service. While all genuine believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at conversion, the New Testament indicates the importance of an ongoing, empowering work of the Spirit subsequent to conversion as well. Being indwelt by the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit are theologically distinct experiences. The Holy Spirit desires to fill each believer continually with increased power for Christian life and witness, and imparts his supernatural gifts for the edification of the Body and for various works of ministry in the world. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the church of the first-century are available today, are vital for the mission of the church, and are to be earnestly desired and practiced.. THE CHURCH God, by his word and Spirit, creates the church, calling sinful men out of the whole human race into the fellowship of Christ's body. By the same Word and Spirit, he guides and preserves that new redeemed humanity. The church is not a religious institution or denomination. Rather, the church universal is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also exists to serve him by faithfully doing his will in the earth. This involves a commitment to see the gospel preached and churches planted in all the world for a testimony. The ultimate mission of the church is the making of disciples through the preaching of the gospel. When God transforms human nature, this then becomes the chief means of society's transformation. Upon conversion, newly redeemed men and women are added to a local church, in which they devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper and prayer. All members of the church universal are to be a vital and committed part of a local church. In this context they are called to walk out the New Covenant as the people of God and demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God. The ascended Christ has given gift ministries to the church (including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) for the equipping of Christ's body that it might mature and grow. Through the gift ministries all members of the Church are to be nurtured and equipped for the work of ministry. Women play a vital role in the life of the church; however, in keeping with God's created design, they are not permitted "to teach or to have authority over a man" (1 Tim. 2:11). Leadership in the church is male. In the context of the local church, God's people receive pastoral care and leadership and the opportunity to employ their God-given gifts in his service in relation to one another and to the world. SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Water baptism is only intended for the individual who has received the saving benefits of Christ's atoning work and become his disciple. Therefore, in obedience to Christ's command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself and the world, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual demonstration of a person's union with Christ in the likeness of his death and resurrection. It signifies that his former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts a person's release from the mastery of sin. As with water baptism, the Lord's Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ's body and the shedding of his blood on our behalf and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ's death. As we partake of the Lord's Supper with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ's body. THE CONSUMMATION The Consummation of all things includes the visible, personal and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the translation of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ's kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the Consummation, Satan with his hosts and all those outside Christ are finally separated from the benevolent presence of God, enduring eternal punishment, but the righteous, in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with him forever. Married to Christ as his bride, the Church will be in the presence of God forever, serving him and giving him unending praise and glory. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled, and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God who makes all things new. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:39:20 MST