Gillette Baptisms - VBC Baptisms 09.27.26

Main message: Baptism celebrates and proclaims the new birth that comes through faith in Christ — a free gift of salvation by grace that produces a transformed life and calls for obedience. The service featured two sons publicly affirming that faith and explaining why baptism matters to them.

Key points:

• Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone; believers become children of God (John 1 paraphrase).
• The paradox: the gift of salvation is free, yet it demands total commitment and changes everything about life.
• Evidence of new birth includes growing obedience, perseverance, maturing character, fruit of the Spirit, evangelistic openness, and stronger sibling love.
• Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised to new life (Romans 6:3–4).
• Personal testimonies: Parker cited Philippians 4:13 for strength, and both boys explained their sense of God’s calling and growth leading them to be baptized.

Scriptures mentioned: John 1, Philippians 4:13, Romans 6:3-4