My life - life passages
Baptisms
Weddings
Dedications
Funerals
Divorce
Baptisms
YOUR
decision to be baptised may be one of the most important you will make as a follower of Jesus Christ. Baptism expresses your decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Three things happen in your baptism experience:
First: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. People who wish to be baptised are aware that something has happened to them spiritually; that they have had a spiritual rebirth. Jesus put it like this in John 3:3 "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." The water symbolises what has happened to our soul - a complete cleansing and washing away of the effects and the very nature of sin.
Second: It is a public statement of identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that at a specific point in space and time Jesus literally died, was buried, and rose again…conquering death once and for all, and offers real life to all who would accept it. In baptism, we’re illustrating that we have died to our old, self-centred ways, are buried in the water, and are raised up as new - spiritually alive for the first time.
Third: It is a public confession to the personal Lordship (leadership) of Jesus Christ. When we are baptised, we're conscious of a fresh decision and desire to walk in obedience to God’s will. Life is no longer about what I want, but rather, what God wants to do with my life. My life is now under new management - God’s management.
Weddings
CONGRATULATIONS!
Since you’re reading this, you’ve probably met someone special, have grown to love him or her and chosen to marry each other.
The Pastoral Staff and I celebrate with you. Nothing compares to being engaged. Enjoy this time of preparation as you begin to share even more of your hearts with each other.
Through Riverlands Christian Church’s premarital preparation meetings, we desire to give you the most valuable wedding present we can: a loving, lasting investment in your relationship as you get ready to make this commitment to one another.
Pre-marital classes are REQUIRED for those wishing to be married. These are free to church members.
If you decide to pursue having a Riverlands Christian Church wedding, either on-site or off-site,
Dedications
ACCORDING to the Bible, everyone (adult or child) who recognises his or her need of a Saviour, and who then repents and believes in Christ, should be baptized (Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-38).
But in the Scripture there is no record of infants or very young children being baptised. This is because they are not yet able to understand the need of a Saviour.
Yet God places a high priority on children. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). God’s love for children is also shown in the Old Testament. We believe children are loved by God, and until they come to an age of understanding (the "age of accountability"), they have a place in the kingdom of God. This means if a child dies before developing to a point where the knowledge of Christ can be understood and applied through forgiveness, we believe that child will inherit eternal life in heaven as an heir of God’s kingdom.
In Luke 2 we see Jesus' parents taking him to the temple "to present him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22). Later, the Gospels tell us little children and infants were brought to Jesus to bless them (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). Following this practice, we encourage parents to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord. This is normally done in a church service. The parents acknowledge the child as a gift from God, and promise to set a godly example for the child and teach the child about God's love and grace towards us in the hope that the child one day will accept Jesus as Lord personally.
Some who have accepted Christ as adults wonder if the baptism they received as infants (in some churches where babies are 'baptised') fulfils the New Testament mandate of water baptism (1 Peter 3:21). We believe baptism in water should follow salvation (acceptance of Christ and his forgiveness of our sins), as shown in the New Testament. For this reason we urge all new converts to follow the biblical pattern of water baptism in obedience to Christ.
Funerals
ACHURCH community can be a special help when someone in the family dies. Professionally-trained pastoral staff can also give practical, much-needed assistance.
Not only are they able to be a useful ‘sounding board’ but they are also able to recommend what should be done at a time when it’s often difficult to know what to do.
Assurances from the Bible: Jesus said to her, I am [myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) me, although he may die, yet he shall live (John 11:25, Amplified Bible). And if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11, Amplified Bible). You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence (Acts 2:28, NIV Bible).
Some helpful hints:
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Some of the decisions to make when planning a funeral include:
Time of service; Location of service; Type of service: memorial, funeral, military; Use of chapel; Care of the body (eg, cremation or burial); Music; Burial site; Newspaper obituary; Pallbearers; Guest book; Photos/keepsakes; Flowers; Poems/quotes; Opportunities for donations or other arrangements.
Our suggested order of service is:
Greeting; Scripture; Prayer; Song/music; Sharing by friends, relatives and small group members; Message; Closing prayer; Graveside comments (if required). We also conduct ceremonies at the crematorium or graveside.
The following information often is needed for the funeral home and the newspaper:
Deceased name; Date of birth; Location of birth; Last residence; Date passed away; Location of death; Date of service; Burial location; Survived by.
Talk about the person who has died:
Find some good friends who can share what this death means to you, or contact our pastors.
Many people have a need to share their thoughts and feelings, especially if the death came suddenly.
Some say they need to "do something" to remember their loved one (eg, place flowers at an accident site, set up a charitable fund, give to a charity, visit a special place, learn more about God and eternity).
Medical assistance or professional counselling may be necessary in some circumstances. It's easier when you share the burden.
Divorce
NOBODY goes into a marriage planning to get a divorce later on.
At 'Riverlands', we promote marriage for life and teach regularly on this. We are also aware that divorce is a fact of life for many people, affecting those who attend churches as well as those who don’t. At this demanding time, we aim to provide comfort,
grief recovery, practical
help, and assistance with your children, and help you to set new directions for your life. Divorce does not have to cut you off from ‘the Church’.
Instead, at Riverlands Christian Church you will find understanding people – some of whom have been through the same suffering, yet who have found an even stronger faith and
new possibilities for their lives. We don’t want to intrude. But we are here to help. God cares for people in divorce.
Whether you consider yourself the victim of divorce, or you initiated the process, we invite you to find support at Riverlands Christian Church. Through short seminars, companionship and one-on-one counselling, we will help you to face painful issues in a safe and relaxed environment where you are surrounded by people who understand your feelings. If you think you are alone, you are not. While your situation is unique, you will meet people with common experiences and feelings. In spite of the sadness in your life, we guarantee that this contact will be an investment to a brighter future.
I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.
But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ,
who has so wonderously reached out for me.
Philippians 3:12 (Message Remix Bible)
