Here is the fabulous and true story of Christianity:
God created a good and wonderful world. Originally everything existed in perfect harmony. On a cultural level, the earth was designed to take care of us and we were designed to cultivate it. This is the most important decision you could ever make. Really.On a relational level, people were designed to take care of each other. And on a personal level, people were created for a loving and intimate relationship with God.
But even though God created to world to be good, we chose to live apart from God. The Bible calls this sin. Sin disrupted the harmony that existed between us and God. The effects of sin spread outward, continuing to damage our relationships with each other and with God’s creation.
The good news, though, is that God loves us. He loves us and His creation too much to let us exist in a state of permanent brokenness. So He sent His son Jesus to die to pay the debt for our sins and to defeat the power of evil through His resurrection. As we put our trust in Christ, our relationship with God is restored.
As our relationship with God is restored, we join God in bringing healing to His broken world. We become the agents of Jesus’ kingdom revolution, bringing freedom, forgiveness and hope to the entire world. This is what Engedi is all about.
God promises to someday make all things new. Just as a seed planted grows into a thriving plant, God will take the kingdom work we do in this life and bring it to its full potential in the new creation.
Join us as we work to bring to our broken world the healing and restoration that only God can provide. Put your trust in Jesus and accept His free gift of grace and new life. Then come join the revolution.
If you have any questions about putting your faith in Jesus, please don’t hesitate to ask us. If you’ve recently become a believer, we’d love to hear about it . And if you’re still not sure, stop by our church anyway. We’d love to show you what a revolutionary community of Jesus-followers looks like. We think you’ll like it here.
Baptism signifies new creation.
When a person who believes in Jesus is lowered into the water and raised out again, he or she is identifying with the death and re-birth of Christ. Romans 6:4 reads: “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 have new life.”
If you have faith in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins, and have accepted God’s free gift of grace, we encourage you to be baptized.
The process of baptism at Engedi looks something like this:
Step 1. Attend a baptism information meeting.
Prior to the baptism service, we ask each participant to attend a brief information meeting. Meeting times are listed in the Sunday handout. At the meeting, we will review Engedi’s statement on the biblical basis for baptism and answer any questions. We will also discuss the logistics of check-in and the order of events for the gathering.
Step 2. Complete the Baptism Registration and Baptism Testimony forms.
At the baptism information meeting, you will receive a packet that contains additional information about baptism as well as a registration form and space for writing down your testimony. Please fill out both forms and return them to the Engedi office no later than the Tuesday before your baptism.
Step 3. Share your testimony with the Engedi community.
Your testimony is a powerful tool to advance God’s kingdom, and the congregation (along with your friends and neighbors) needs to hear it. Remember, your testimony is your story; it is powerful, and no one can refute it. Simply be honest.
Step 4. Get baptized.
Welcome to the family.
It is important to remember that baptism is not a way to earn forgiveness. It does not save you. Instead, baptism profoundly represents the salvation that is found only in Christ; it is an outward sign of an inward commitment. When you are baptized, you are making a powerful statement about what God has done in your life as a result of putting your trust in Christ.
Engedi baptizes people several times each year. Baptism is kind of a big deal, so we let loose a little bit and have a big celebration. If you’re ready to take the step of being baptized, contact Bill for information about the next baptism service.
