8 & 9 Nov 2025 (Pastoral Page) REMEMBERING OUR BAPTISM: LIVING A LIFE OF SURRENDER

by Asst Ps Timothy Lee

This weekend, we will hold our baptism and membership transfer, which is held twice a year.

Baptism is important because it symbolizes the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ (Acts 22:16). It signifies our union with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5). Through baptism, we are initiated into the body of Christ, the church, becoming part of his family (1 Cor. 12:13). It is also a public declaration of faith—that we belong to Jesus and are committed to following Him.

Jesus himself set the example by being baptized (Matt. 3:13-17), and He commanded His followers to continue this practice as a sign of discipleship and obedience (Matt. 28:19-20).

For many of us, our baptism may feel like something long ago - an important but distant memory. Yet, as we witness our brothers and sisters in Christ being baptized today, I invite us to remember our baptism.

Baptism reminds us that we have died to ourselves and been raised to new life in Christ. It is not just a moment to look back on – it points us to a daily way of living. Rom. 12:1-2 calls us to a life of continual transformation – not a one-time act, but an ongoing surrender of our whole selves to God.

1) So how do we present our bodies as a living sacrifice each day?

• Surrender your will to God each morning

• Start your morning with a short prayer:

“Lord, I surrender my day, my will, and my desires to You.”

• Acknowledge that you are not living for yourself but Christ.

2) Examine your Heart

• Spend some time reflecting on attitudes, habits, or desires that need to die.

• E.g. “Where am I holding on to pride, fear, need for control, or anger?

• Commit these areas to God.

3) Meditate on God’s Word

• Read and reflect on passages such as:

○ Gal. 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…”

○ Luke 9:23 “...Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

○ Rom. 6:6-11 “...count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

• Allow His Word to guide and renew your mind throughout the day.

4) Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s Leading

• Listen for His promptings - He guides through peace, conviction, and truth (John 16:13).

• Keep in step with the Spirit in your thoughts, decisions, and actions (Gal. 5:25).

5) Practice Small Acts of Self-Denial

• Listen fully to others before speaking (Jas. 1:19).

• Serve someone without being noticed (Matt. 6:4).

• Letting go of personal preference for God’s will or others’ benefit. (Phil. 2:3-4).

6) Respond to Trials with Faith

• When difficulties or temptations arise, pause and pray:

“Lord, I surrender my fears and challenges to You. Help me depend on Your power and leading, not my own.”

• Trust that God will see you through.

7) End of Day Reflection

• Ask yourself:

○ How have I lived for Christ today?

○ Where did I struggle to surrender?

• Thank God for His mercy, provision, and presence.

• Commit areas of your life that you have not surrendered to him, asking for grace to do so the next day.

As we witness the baptisms and welcome new members into our church family today, may we be reminded of the grace that first called us and the new life we have in Christ. Let us continue to live a life of continual transformation - dying to sin, living in obedience, and growing in love.

May the joy of witnessing today’s baptism renew in each of us a deeper desire to walk faithfully with Him every day, and may our lives reflect the transforming power of Christ, so that others, too, may be drawn to His saving grace.