He Has Led Me All the Way

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Short Summary
The discourse celebrates the public baptism and consecration of Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, emphasizing their personal commitment to surrender their lives to God and symbolizing this through water immersion. It highlights their spiritual journeys, the significance of their vows, and encourages the congregation to reflect on their own faith while trusting in God’s guidance, grace, and promises throughout their Christian walk. The message concludes with blessings and an invitation for others to join in consecration, underscoring the unity and support within the faith community.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on Consecration and Water Baptism of Sister Larissa Dimitriuk and Brother Ryan Fetro

Introduction and Welcome:
– The speaker warmly welcomes the congregation, both physically present in Olympia, Washington, and attending via Zoom globally.
– Special recognition is given to Sister Larissa Dimitriuk, who is symbolizing her consecration through water immersion, and Brother Ryan Fetro, who will also be baptized.
– Sister Lucica serves as translator for Sister Larissa, facilitating communication due to language differences (Romanian-English).
– The speaker outlines familial relationships: Brother Ryan is related to the speaker through marriage, with family members present including Sister Janice Fetro (Ryan’s mother) and Sister Elva (Ryan’s aunt and the speaker’s mother-in-law).

Unity and Significance of Consecration:
– Emphasis on the unity of the brethren despite diverse backgrounds, referencing Apostle Paul’s teaching of believers being “one loaf and one body.”
– Consecration is described as a deeply personal spiritual commitment that affects the entire family of God.
– The public act of baptism symbolizes a prior private consecration—giving one’s heart, mind, and will fully to God.

Introduction to Sister Larissa:
– Originally from Moldova, now part of the Sacramento, California congregation.
– Her spiritual journey began six years ago when she found “The Divine Plan of the Ages” by Brother Russell through her parents.
– She experienced opposition from former Jehovah’s Witness friends who wrongly accused her of divine punishment for leaving them.
– Despite health challenges including COVID-19 and recent oxygen dependence, her spiritual transformation is evident, marked by the “radiant glow” of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction to Brother Ryan:
– Known personally by the speaker, with lifelong connection and family ties.
– Comes from a strong faith foundation through the Roskowitz family.
– His enthusiasm and sincere desire to serve the Lord are highlighted.
– He and Sister Larissa are joining together to publicly symbolize their consecration through baptism.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Baptism:
– Baptism (Greek: baptizo) means “to completely submerge or bury.”
– It visually represents burying the old earthly self and resurrection into a new life dedicated to God’s will.
– Romans 12:1 is cited: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…”
– Romans 6:3-4 is referenced: “Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death… buried with him by baptism into death… that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… so we also should walk in newness of life.”
– The baptismal act reflects a willing sacrifice, exchanging earthly rewards for the hope of a spiritual reward—running for the “prize of the high calling,” the hope of becoming part of the 144,000 (the bride of Christ).

Impact of the Public Declaration:
– The baptism creates an indelible spiritual impression on the candidates.
– It allows the entire congregation to rejoice and renew their own commitments.
– Encourages those still contemplating consecration to take the step.

Encouragement Through Hymns and Scripture:
– Hymn #12 “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” is used as a spiritual anchor.
– Verse 1 emphasizes trust in Jesus’ guidance and mercy.
– Verse 2 reassures believers that God provides grace and sustenance for every trial.
– Final verse promises perfect rest in the Father’s house above.
– Key scriptures cited for encouragement and guidance:
– Matthew 19:29: Blessings for those who forsake for Jesus’ name.
– Malachi 3:10: Promise of abundant blessings from God.
– Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:13: God provides strength to bear every trial.
– Philippians 1:6: God will complete the good work begun in believers.
– Psalm 103:14: God knows our frailty.
– 1 John 1:9: Promise of forgiveness when confessing sins.
– Psalm 32:8: God promises guidance and instruction.
– 1 Timothy 2:4: God desires all men to come to the knowledge of the truth.
– Luke 12:32: God’s pleasure to give the kingdom to the faithful.
– 1 Peter 1:8: Joy unspeakable in present life.
– Psalm 16:11: Fullness of joy at God’s right hand.
– Romans 6:4 (again at baptism): Symbolizing new life in Christ.

Guidance for the New Creatures:
– The speaker outlines three ways God guides believers:
1. Through His written Word—the Bible and Brother Russell’s writings.
2. Through the “new creature” or inner spiritual conscience, a divine compass.
3. Through circumstances and opportunities orchestrated by God.
– Believers are encouraged to test decisions by:
– Harmony with biblical principles.
– The peace it brings to the new creature.
– Prayerful submission of personal preferences to God’s will.

Dealing with Trials and Failures:
– Trials are valuable and meant to spiritually exercise believers.
– Discouragement must be resisted; God judges by heart intent, not perfection.
– Prompt confession and faith in forgiveness are key to recovery.
– God’s protection is assured, including angelic care and divine permission of events.

Call to Positive and Joyful Faith:
– Believers should maintain positivity, seeing God’s plan as glorious and inclusive.
– Sharing the “good news” is crucial.
– Emphasis on God’s plan to bless all mankind, not only the “little flock.”

Ultimate Hope and Eternal Perspective:
– The final hymn verse points to eternal rest and joy in God’s presence.
– The earthly race is temporary; the eternal prize is perfect love and immortality.
– The hope of resurrecting and nurturing mankind is described as a staggering joy and privilege.
– God’s eternal plan is infinite and majestic, unfolding forever.

Closing and Baptismal Questions:
– Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan are asked three confirmation questions, requiring affirmation:
1. Recognition of being part of a fallen race needing a Savior.
2. Repentance of sin and acceptance of Jesus as Savior.
3. Full, unreserved consecration and running for the prize of the high calling.
– Both answer “yes” to all questions.
– They are officially welcomed into the body of Christ with the right hand of fellowship.
– Scriptures given:
– Sister Larissa: Philippians 1:6
– Brother Ryan: Romans 6:4

Invitation and Fellowship:
– Others desiring consecration and baptism are invited to join.
– Congregation encouraged to warmly welcome the new brethren with smiles, handshakes, and embraces.
– Service concludes with the baptism ceremony and transfer of leadership to Brother Peter and Brother Ernie.

—

Key Bible Verses Cited:

– Romans 12:1
– Romans 6:3-4
– Matthew 19:29
– Malachi 3:10
– Philippians 4:7
– 1 Corinthians 10:13
– Philippians 1:6
– Psalm 103:14
– 1 John 1:9
– Psalm 32:8
– 1 Timothy 2:4
– Luke 12:32
– 1 Peter 1:8
– Psalm 16:11

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This discourse beautifully blends personal testimony, biblical exposition, hymn reflections, and pastoral encouragement, emphasizing the sacredness of consecration, the symbolism of baptism, the realities of the Christian walk, and the glorious hope awaiting faithful believers. It warmly welcomes Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan into the family of God and exhorts all to pursue the path of faith with joy and steadfastness.

Transcript

Good morning, brethren. I have two special brethren that would like to. I would like you to say good morning to. First, we have Sister Larissa Dimitriuk. Sister Larissa wants to symbolize her consecration this morning through water immersion.

So if I could. If I could have you, Sister Larissa, stand up, say good morning to everybody, or have them say good morning to you. It’s okay.

So if you would, brethren, say, May God bless us, all of us. Thank you.

And Sister Lucica is her translator, so she’s helping. So that’s good. So she’s going to help me because I can’t speak Romanian. So that’s a good thing. So thank you, Sister Lucica.

Next is my brother in Christ, Ryan Fetro. Ryan, if you would stand up and let the friends say good morning to you, please. If you turn around.

And Ryan has his daughter Lorelei joining him as well. So she’s his. Helping him out, a little bit of support. I’m a little bit nervous. He’s a little bit nervous.

So, yeah, Lorelai is solid. She’s right here. So thank you, Lorelai. Thanks, Ryan. Have a seat.

And also Sister Janice. Janice Fetro is Ryan’s mom, and then I also have to say my mother in law, Sister Elva is Sister Janice’s sister and then Ryan’s aunt. So that’s kind of the relationship, and we’ll talk about that in a minute.

And I want to bring the love from Sister Elva as well on this very, very special day. So thank you. Friends, we’re going to get started.

I’m going to dim the lights. If someone’s uncomfortable or want the lights brought back up, please tell me there’s a button right here that I can push. Okay.

Dearly beloved brethren, what a profound and joyous privilege it is to gather together in the Lord’s presence. Today. We’re assembled here in Olympia, Washington, and also globally via Zoom for one of the most joyful, sacred, and deeply moving occasions in our entire Christian walk. Before we turn our attention back to Sister Larissa and Brother Brian, I again want us to take a moment to look at one another. Look at the faces in this room and online.

We we are a family drawn from all corners of the earth. We come from different backgrounds, we speak different languages, and we have lived entirely different lives. Yet the apostle Paul reminds us that we are one loaf and one body. When one member of our spiritual body makes a public vow of consecration to the Lord, it sends a ripple of divine joy, strength, and encouragement through every single heart in this room and globally via Zoom. Today is a celebration not just for one sister or one brother, but for all of us, the entire family of God.

For the remainder of this discourse, I’m going to direct my thoughts personally and intimately to our new sister in Christ, Sister Larissa, and our new brother in Christ, Brother Ryan. But I ask the congregation to listen closely, too. Reflect on your own previous vows and your previous baptism as we speak, and let these words be a comforting spiritual renewal and encouragement for all of us. For more of a formal introduction to your new brother in Christ, I will start with Sister Larissa. Sister Larissa, we are thrilled that you are here.

Originally from the beautiful country of Moldova, you now live and meet with the beloved brethren in Sacramento, California. Sister Larissa, we are deeply moved by the story of how the truth found you six years ago when you discovered Brother Russell’s first volume, the Divine Plan of the Ages, through your parents. Recognizing the truth in his writings instantly opened your eyes to God’s true character of boundless love and gave you the courage to step into the light. When former friends from the Jehovah’s Witnesses cruelly claimed your struggle with COVID 19 was divine punishment for leaving them, you bravely severed those ties, knowing our Heavenly Father does not punish his children. Guided by faithful brethren like Brother Matthew, you held fast to your faith despite lingering through health trials.

And your move here to the U.S. despite requiring oxygen just days ago, your physical and spiritual transformation is beautiful to witness. The radiant glow we all saw during Sunday night’s vesper service is undeniable evidence that you are truly filled with the Holy Spirit. We know you are hearing these words through the loving voice of your translator and dear companion, Lucica. Please know this. Even though we speak different earthly languages, we are perfectly united in the language of the Holy Spirit.

Every single word spoken today is spoken directly to your heart, wrapped in the deepest love, respect, and joy from myself and all of your dear brethren. It is a true joy for me to know and announce that Brother Ryan Fetcher will stand alongside Sister Larissa, a baptismal candidate for this discourse. My relationship with Brother Ryan is a deeply personal one, as he is my cousin in law. I have had the blessed privilege of knowing Brother Ryan for his entire life and watching him grow both with the brethren and within our own earthly family. He comes from a wonderful foundation of faith.

As the son of Sister Jan and Brother Doug Fetro, all members of the Roskowitz family, many of you here might know and fondly recall Brother Steve Roskowitz and his dear wife, Sister Frances. Brother Ryan, as you And I spoke a couple days ago about your consecration and your desire to symbolize it through water baptism. I was absolutely thrilled. Your enthusiasm, your energy, and your sincere desire to serve the Lord are so wonderfully evident. As we discussed, the Lord makes it clear to us when the time is right.

And as you and I agreed a couple days ago, Brother Ryan, now is the time. We are all so glad to have you here with us today, sharing this meaningful step with Sister Larissa and all of your dear brethren.

Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, we recognize a very important and beautiful truth today. We know that your consecration did not happen this morning, last night, or the day before. Consecration is not a public event. Your consecration, that quiet, sacred, entirely personal moment when you gave your heart, your mind, and your human will completely to God, has already happened. It happened privately between you and your heavenly father.

The Apostle Paul beautifully describes what you have already done in Romans 12:1. Romans 12:1. I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable. Acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. To consecrate means to set apart.

It means you looked at your life, your time, your talents, and your future, and you said to God, it’s no longer mine. It’s yours. Do with me as you please. Consecration is the surrender of the human will in exchange for the divine will.

Because of that profound internal change for both of you, you are here today to symbolize your consecration through water baptism. What you are doing today is simply showing us, all of us, what has already blossomed inside of you. You are giving all of us an outward symbol of your inward reality. The Greek word for baptism is baptizo, which means to completely submerge or to bury. When Brother Gary lowers each of you backwards into the water, it is a dramatic visual picture of how you have buried your own human will.

It symbolizes that the old earthly Larissa, an old earthly Ryan, had been figuratively put to death.

The Apostle Paul explains this in Romans 6:3 and 4. Romans 6:3 4. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death. All of us, all of us, need to deeply appreciate the full magnitude of what both of you are bearing today.

You are not just sacrificing your present earthly life and fleshly desires. You’re making a much grander, joyful exchange. You are willingly sacrificing the beautiful, perfect earthly reward of the completed kingdom, the restitution. Of all things on a paradise earth. In exchange for the spectacular opportunity of a spiritual reward, you are stepping out of the human family to run for the prize of the high calling with the hope of becoming a member of the 144,000, the bride of Christ.

What a magnificent willing surrender this is, and as you rise up out of that water, it vividly pictures how you will now walk in newness of life, doing only the will of God. But, Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, the joy does not end in the water. As you rise up out of the water, it is a glorious, triumphant picture of how you will now walk in newness of life, a new creature in Christ Jesus, living only to do the perfect will of God. Your public declaration here today does three wonderful things for all of us.

First, it creates a lasting, indelible impression in your own mind of the sacred vows you have made today. Both of you will never, never forget this day and its importance in your life eternal. Second, it gives us, all of your brethren, all of us here and all of us around the world, the privilege of rejoicing with you, allowing us to link our hearts with yours as one loaf and one body, and third, it brings a profound blessing of renewal to all of your brethren. It causes every consecrated heart in this room and on zoom to reflect back on our own vows.

And it serves as a beacon of encouragement for anyone among us still considering, still counting the cost, to accept God’s magnificent invitation to an opportunity that will never, never be offered.

Let us consider the beautiful and comforting words of our opening hymn, number 12. All the way My Savior Leads Me. The first verse begins with a profound rhetorical question. All the way my Savior leads me what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt his tender mercy?

Who through life has been my guide? Heavenly peace divine as comfort here by faith in him to dwell For I know whate’ er befall me Jesus doeth all things well.

While the modern world tries to flood our minds with daily anxieties and uncertainties, the opening words of our hymn ground us in the comforting text that we are never, never walking alone. We do not need to have the next 10 years figured out. We simply need to trust the flawless track, the flawless track record of the one guiding our very next step. By choosing daily faith over daily fear, we can experience heavenly peace and divinest comfort as a quiet sanctuary in our minds right now, regardless of the world’s case. I really like this saying.

Fear knocked at the door, Faith answered, and lo, no one was there. Ultimately, our greatest safety net is the reality that Jesus does all things well. Meaning whatever unexpected challenges or trials you may find today, we can rest assured that there are no loose threads in God’s hands. Thank you, Brother Nina and He is actively and expertly working all things together for our eternal good. Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, with each step our Lord will be at your side.

He will be there helping you, encouraging you, nudging you when you hesitate, and yes, on occasion, lovingly chastening you. But always bear in mind, and let this be a comfort to every brother and sister listening today, that every experience you go through for the rest of your life is an act of Divine love specifically designed for your eternal best interest. By far, both of you will find your life will be filled to overflowing with blessings Jesus promised us in Matthew 19:29 Matthew 19:29 and everyone that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters, or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My name’s sake shall receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. God extends a similar beautiful challenge in Malachi 3 10. Malachi 310 prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts.

If I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. As you both know so well, these are not material blessings of the earthly kind. These are the blessings of the spirit, spiritual joy, spiritual vigor and an inner, unshakable peace. It is a peace that comes only when you know deep in your heart that you are doing something entirely pleasing to your heavenly father. Philippians 4:7 Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, as you step out of the water, the real work of the new creature begins.

We look to the comforting second verse of our opening hymn, all the Way My Savior Leads Me cheers. Each winding path I tread Gives me grace for every trial Feeds me with the living bread in our fast paced modern lives, our spiritual journey rarely feels like a simple straight line, but the second verse of our hymn beautifully reassures us that the Lord does not expect us to navigate this mixed up maze on our own. Instead of promising, he does not promise us an easy and clear road, he promises us fellowship exactly when we need it the most. Whether you are facing sudden challenges or the everyday exhaustion of a difficult week, you can rest confidently in the powerful promise of First Corinthians 10:13. God is faithful and he will never allow you to Be tested beyond what you are able to bear.

God provides a precise, custom, tailored measure of grace for every single trial, giving you exactly the strength required for the step that you are on today. When the world drains your energy and your weary steps falter, he faithfully replenishes your new creature with living bread, the sustaining power of his truth, and the deep love of your brethren, ensuring you will always, always have the spiritual nourishment needed to finish your race with joy. One of my favorite scriptures for both of you is Philippians 1:6. Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Yet, Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, as our hymn reminds us, our weary steps may falter because of our human frailty. There will be times you slip, come short, and fail to achieve your heart’s pure desire. When this happens, you must absolutely refuse to let discouragement take root. Satan will try to whisper in your ear, there is no use trying. You just aren’t good enough.

Do not. Do not ever believe him. God already knows you cannot perform flawlessly according to the flesh, as Psalm 103:14. Psalm 103:14 reminds us. He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust.

God is judging you according to your heart’s desire and the pure intent of your new creature. The moment you realize you have come short, instantly, instantly go to the Lord in prayer. Confess your fault, ask for His Holy Spirit, and fiercely believe the promise of First John 1:9. 1 John 1:9, that he is faithful to forgive and cleanse you. Brother Bob Goodman covered this soul yesterday.

Thank you, Brother Bob. In short, when these things happen, pick yourself up, learn the lesson, and march forward with joy. As both of you progress in the narrow way, strive to live completely free from fear and anxiety. You. You are the object of God’s special care.

He has promised you. You. That not even a hair of your head will fall without his notice. He has promised you that his angels are encamped around you. Nothing can happen to you without his permission, and he will only permit that which serves your.

Your eternal good. My own dear mother taught me something that a dear friend of hers, Sister Sonbaum, used to say. Our trials are worth millions. Let’s not waste any of them. Do not fear your trials.

Embrace them, use them. Acquiesce to them, and most important, allow yourself to be rightly exercised by them. In Psalm 32:8, Psalm 32:8, God makes a stunning promise to you, Sister Larissa, and to you, Brother Ryan, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eyes. How does the Creator of the Universe guide you?

He does it in three primary ways. First and foremost, our Heavenly Father leads us directly through his written word. I encourage both of you to continue in your joyful, unquenchable passion for studying the Bible. Let its pages fill the quiet moments of your morning, sustain you during the day, bring you deep peace at night. Dive into it with your brethren and share its beauty together in our meetings.

Let these beautiful scriptures wash over your mind until God’s principles become your new nature, gently and perfectly guiding every life decision you make. Additionally, continue in your studies in the Scriptures and the writings of Brother Russell. These resources are essential to truly know the plan of God. They serve as beautiful keys that unlock the deep, harmonious mysteries of God’s glorious plan to eventually bless every single family on this earth. Secondly, our Heavenly Father lovingly guides you through the active voice of your new creature.

Think of your new creature as a finely tuned spiritual compass designed to beautifully measure every single thought and action against God’s perfect will. While our earthly nature might sometimes suggest easy compromises, you have the profound privilege of empowering your new creature to confidently set the highest standard. Brother Russell beautifully captures this in reprint 3777, noting that when guided by the Bible, this inner voice becomes really the voice of God. Whenever you feel a sudden nudge of unease or hesitation, do not feel discouraged. View it as a loving tap on the shoulder.

It is your new creature safely guarding your path, gently inviting you to pause, to pray for heavenly strength and joyfully, joyfully realign your steps with your beautiful sacrificial covenant. Thirdly, our Heavenly Father lovingly guides us through the perfectly timed circumstances and opportunities of our daily lives. In our fast paced world, the adversary will sometimes present convenient paths that are merely earthly distractions. But we must always remember one beautiful absolute truth. Our Heavenly Father is never trying to deceive us or distract us.

He is not trying to confuse you or place stumbling blocks in your way. On the contrary, he lovingly wants you to succeed. He deeply desires for your new creature to grow, overcome and, Lord willing, make your calling and election sure. Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, therefore, when you face a major life decision, pass it prayerfully and thoughtfully through these three simple tests. First, does it completely harmonize with the principles of the Bible?

Yes or no? Does it bring deep peace to your new creature? Yes or no? And finally, have you prayed earnestly to set aside Your own earthly preferences, yes or no? If an opportunity passes these three loving checks, you can step through that door with absolute joy and confidence, knowing that the Creator of the Universe has personally opened it just for you.

As both of you go forward from the waters of baptism, we want to emphasize the supreme importance of being positive in your daily walk. Brother Russell covers this many areas, but especially Convention Report 310. He covers it beautifully and exhorts that brethren need to tell them the good news and what glorious news it is. We are so incredibly blessed. We live in a world that is largely blinded to the truth at this time.

Yet God has given all of us, all of us, blessed eyes to see and blessed ears to hear. We have been given the profound privilege of understanding God’s perfect, beautiful plan, and the most magnificent part of that plan, that it is not just for us. It is not just for those, the potential little flock. It is a plan for the blessing and uplifting of all mankind.

Right, Brother Ensley? Brother Mesra.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1st Timothy 2:4, 1st Timothy 2:4, it is the desire of our Heavenly Father that all men to be sin saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Brother Comey brought this out beautifully. Thank you, Brother Comey.

What a positive, world changing message you can carry in your heart and on your phone. In addition to this grand hope for the world, always remember Jesus’s tender words in Luke 12:32. Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. God is not looking for ways to disqualify you from his plan. His absolute intention is for your consecration to be 100% successful.

He has called you because he wants you to win this race, to attain the divine nature and ultimately bring honor and glory to his name and his eternal purposes. Therefore, Sister Larissa and Brother Brian make it a habit to look for God’s great gifts in all things that you do. Look for the good in every experience, in every brother and sister in every trial. If you actively look for the good in all that you do, I promise you, I promise you, you will find it. Let your life be a shining, positive testament to the joy serving Jehovah.

As we look to the final verse of our hymn, we see the glorious culmination of our walk. All the way my Savior leads me oh the fullness of his love Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above when my spirit clothed immortal wings its flights to realm of day this my song through endless ages Jesus led me all the way Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan as we reach the final triumphant verse of our hymn, it gently lifts our eyes from the daily grind of our modern world up toward the ultimate glorious destination. In an age that so often leaves us feeling physically weary and spiritually overworked, what a breathtaking comfort it is to be promised perfect rest in our Heavenly Father’s house. This beautiful verse reminds us that our earthly struggles are only temporary, but the fullness of his love is eternal. When this brief earthly race is finally over and we are joyfully clothed in our immortal spiritual bodies, we will not look back and boast of our own human strength or endurance.

Instead, our hearts will overflow with pure gratitude and our joyful song through all the endless ages will simply be a testament to the beautiful truth that our loving Savior faithfully, patiently and perfectly led us every single step on the way home. As you continue your spiritual journey, let your ultimate goal be the beautiful development of God’s perfect agape love. As you both know, this is not merely a fleeting human emotion, but a principled sacrificial love that joyfully seeks the highest external welfare for everyone that you interact with and expects absolutely nothing in return. While deep scriptural knowledge, mountain moving faith, and dedicated sacrifice are wonderful traits, First Corinthians 13 reminds us that they completely miss the mark if they do not produce a tender, abiding compassion in our hearts even for our enemies in a blinded world. Our fervent loving prayer for you and for every brother and sister gathered here today is that each passing day brings us all closer to this magnificent peak of Christ Christian character perfectly mirroring the fullness of our Heavenly Father’s love.

Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, the journey you continue on today is a narrow way. It will test you at times to prove that you are worthy of this divine nature, but I assure you it is the most joyful path a human being can walk. As Peter said in 1st Peter 1:8 1st Peter 1:8 even now is this present life. You can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and if you remain faithful, oh, just think for a moment of what awaits you beyond the veil.

Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above. If you are faithful unto death, you will be granted divine immortality. Psalm 16:11 Psalm 16:11 Promises, in thy presence is fullness of joy at thy right hand. There are pleasures forevermore. One of those unspeakable pleasures will be the staggering privilege of partnering with Christ in the resurrection of the World of mankind.

Imagine the joy of awakening a loved one from the tomb of death. Imagine reaching out your immortal hand to touch the eyes of someone who was born blind, watching them see the vibrant colors of the perfected kingdom for the very first time. Imagine touching the ears of the deaf and watching them hear the music of life.

Imagine the sheer delight of day by day, year by year, nurturing mankind as they walk up the highway of holiness, and then one day, with tears of divine joy, you will watch them pass their final test and receive perfect, everlasting life on a restored Edenic earth. But the work of God’s omnipotence does not end there. God is infinite. The universe is vast, filled with billions and billions of galaxies.

We are told little of the ages to come, except that there will always be something new, a majestic facet of God’s eternal plan unfolding. It will take all eternity to fully comprehend the depths of God’s wisdom, God’s power, God’s mercy, and God’s justice. Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, all dear brethren, One loaf, one body. Strive with every fiber of your being to be faithful so that when the. When the sun finally sets upon your earthly life, it will be your ultimate joy to hear those beautiful words from our Lord.

Well done, thou, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord. Sister Larissa and Brother Brian, we all love you. We are so happy for you and your new creatures. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you today and evermore.

I’m going to come down and ask a few questions.

Following our questions of confirmation for Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan and our closing hymn, I encourage every single one of you to seek out Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan. Ask them their full story. Ask them why. Ask them where. Ask them how.

Even if you do not speak Romanian, a warm smile, a handshake, and a loving embrace needs no translation. Let both Brother Ryan and Sister Larissa feel the absolute joy, the protection, the warmth of their new entire family. At this time, we would like to encourage, if there’s any others in the audience who’ve been listening, who have given their hearts to the Lord and would like to come down and join Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan and symbolize your consecration to the Lord through water baptism. We invite you to come join Sister Larissa and Brother Ryan.

Beautiful day, brethren. I’m going to ask each of you three questions. They’re not hard questions. The answers are easy. You’re able to say yes, nod your head, or say no.

I think, do you want to rise Up, Sister Larissa. Okay. If you want to stand up, please, and then Brother Ryan will have you stand up as well.

So I’m going to ask. I’m going to ask each of you of these questions. So. Sister Larissa, do you recognize that you are a member of a fallen race condemned to death, and, and as such, you have need of a savior?

Da means. Yes, I know that.

Brother Ryan, do you recognize that you are a member of a fallen race, condemned to death, and as such, you have need of a savior? Yes. Thank you. Second question. Sister Larissa, have you repented of sin?

Do you accept Jesus as your savior? Are you trusting the merit of Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins and your justification? Yes.

I like it. I like the challenge. Brother Ryan, have you repented of sin? Do you accept Jesus as your savior? And are you trusting the merit of Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins and your justification?

Justification? Yes. Third question. Final question. Have you made a full.

Sister Larissa, have you made a full, unreserved consecration of your lives and all that you possess to be buried into the sacrificial death of Jesus? And are you running for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? Yes, sister. Thank you, sister. Brother Ryan, have you made a full, unreserved consecration of your lives and all that you possess to be buried into the sacrificial death of Jesus?

And are you running for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? Yes. Thank you, brother. On the basis of both of your answers in the affirmative, it is our privilege to welcome you into the body of Christ. To extend to you the right hand of fellowship in the name of the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sister Larissa, we welcome you to the body of Christ, and the scripture we give to you is on the screen. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Brother Ryan, we welcome you to the body of Christ, and the scripture we give to you is Romans 6:4.

Romans 6:4.

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 live a new life again. Our final thought for sister Larissa and Brother Ryan, we love you both. We are so happy for you and your new creatures. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you today and forevermore. Amen.

Friends, we’re going to conclude. I think I’m looking for brother Peter.

Right here. So that concludes our service, Brother Ryan, and Sister Larissa are going to go with Brother Peter to the pool. I’m going to have a seat. I’m turning over to Brother Ernie.

Thank you, Brother.

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