Welcome to the 2023 edition of “Refuge Graduate” Alumni magazine! We hope you enjoy reading this issue; if you have any comments, or would like a paper copy posted out to you, please email us via: hotrtracsu@gmail.com
It is with Jesus joy that I welcome you to this maiden edition of our magazine, Refuge Graduate. This is the culmination of a yearlong enterprise in Christian education and discipleship. At House on the Rock, the Refuge, we are dedicated to changing lives for life with the word of God and building our parishioners up to Christ-like maturity, so they can help advance God’s kingdom in the church and their larger world. The Refuge Academy is our training arm and works diligently to equip our workers with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective Christian living and kingdom service. We believe that those that serve in the Lord’s house should be dedicated, committed, and available. That is why we pay special attention to teaching of sound doctrine and training in excellence. We are therefore excited to graduate 211 workers this year. They have gone through the rigors of training and have excelled. As they join the workforce, we pray that the Spirit of God Who called them will keep them and empower them to do all His good will. May they be filled with the spirit of faith and excellence and may the work of God prosper in their hands. Above all, may their lives be shining lights in the church and in the world so that people may see their good works and glorify God in them. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:6, we thank God who has made them sufficient ministers of the new covenant. Friends, join me as we welcome and celebrate the graduating classes of 2022/2023! Congratulations everyone and God bless you all.
REVEREND UCHE AIGBE
Lead Pastor, House on the Rock, The Refuge.
Provost, The Refuge Academy
Significance of Water Baptism
The word “baptize” is translated from the Greek word “baptizo”, which means “to immerse”. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward transformation that is supposed to take place beforehand. The bible teaches us that the Christian is supposed to go through a similar experience to what Jesus Christ went through in His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus Christ died physically and came back to life; we are to die to our sin, self, and old ways, and then rise to live a holy life. It is important to emphasize that this can only be accomplished through the power and strength of Jesus Christ! Baptism is also an act of initiation into the fellowship of the saints (Romans 6:1-4)
Importance of Baptism
If we believe in Jesus, then we should take part in baptism (Mark 16:16). Jesus is our example (1 John 2:6) and He was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17), which means that we should follow His leading in this matter. He also emphasized its importance in His closing words here on earth (Matthew 28:19-20).
In Acts 2:37-38, the people who wanted to be right with God asked this question “What shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” So, we see that everyone who wants to give their heart to Jesus and please Him will follow through with God’s plan of baptism. By means of water baptism, we demonstrate to the world, our identification with the crucified and risen Christ. We testify that our old life is gone and pledge ourselves to a new life, with Jesus Christ.
One Condition for Baptism – Believing in Jesus Christ
This is evident in Acts 8:36-39. Philip had been teaching the gospel of Christ to an Ethiopian eunuch while they were riding along in a chariot. As soon as the Eunuch believed in Jesus Christ, he was baptized by Philip.
Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?
Do you have to be baptized to be saved? It is not something we do to be saved, but something we do because we are saved. We cannot earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:21), but if someone knows what the Bible says about baptism and how important it is to God, then they certainly will want to be baptized.
Water Baptism is for Your Benefit!
It helps you to grasp the reality of the spiritual truth that the old “you” has died. Water baptism is a public commitment to show that the person being immersed is truly a Christian believe.
Pastor Zimuzo Ozuah
