Water Baptisms | Jentezen Franklin

Good morning. ((applause)) >> You have some friends. What's your name? >> Cooper Clack. >> Cooper Clack. >> Cooper. How old are you? >> I'm 19 years old. >> You may be seated. >> You may be seated. >> 19 years old. What would make a 19-year-old get up here in front of all these people and boldly proclaim that Jesus is Lord of your life?

What happened? >> I just want to be obedient and um publicly show my faith to everyone because I've grew up grew up in the church but I was one foot in one foot out going to church on Sundays but getting messed up and partying on the weekends and stuff.

So I changed my life around and I just wanted to show everybody and show all the young people out there that they can do the same. What what was the turning point? Was there a service or did you get saved in your home or where did you turn your life over to Jesus? >> Uh I actually got in a little bit of trouble with the law and I came to M for Ministries in January and I'm almost 10 months sober now.

So and in January there was we're at a homeless outreach with Doug Doug Monroe doing um homeless like a ministry. We did an outreach, gave out clothes, cooked food, and that was the first time I really felt the presence of Jesus. Like just walking around helping those people out.

Like it just I've never felt s such joy before. And from then I decided I wanted to rededicate my life to Jesus. >> Wow. That's beautiful. That's beautiful. And upon your profession of faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Lord. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Wonderful. You got some you got some friends here. What's your name? >> My name's Jackie. >> Jackie, how long you been coming to Free Chapel? >> Uh, started coming to Free Chapel. It was August of last year when I got to New Beginnings. >> So, you got in New Beginnings, our one of our ministries, the women's ministry.

And what's the Lord doing and done for you there? Well, while I've been there, I've gotten a relationship with the Lord. Um, I was I grew up in church and stuff, but I didn't know about having like for Jesus to be in here. So, um, I got that at New Beginnings cuz, uh, I've been all over the place fighting with addiction, in and out of rehabs, in and out of prison.

Nothing ever helped me. But now I'm full-time staff at New Beginnings. So, just this has been great. Love it. And you said something that you didn't have him in here. So you you can have all the stuff of religion in church on the outside, but it's not until Jesus.

Can you do you remember that moment that Christ came into your heart when you let him in? >> Yes. I was It was at Weekend Walk with Jesus at New Beginnings. Um it's just a lot of stuff that goes on during weekend walk. But um I got prayed over um while I was during that time.

Um we did a lot of different activities and stuff, but um I do remember the moment. Um it was just I don't know how to explain it, but what I do know how to explain it is when I got baptized in the Holy Spirit because that's happened at New Beginnings and it's something I'll never forget. like I just was drenched in this love that I've never felt before because I think we're all searching for love, but can't nobody give it to us but Jesus. >> So good.

I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. ((applause)) Bless you. ((music playing)) >> Good morning. What's your name? Uh Jesse. >> Jesse. And uh who are the people screaming out there? >> A lot of special people, family and friends. >> Wonderful. Well, how did you end up at Free Chapel on the stage in the water?

Um I'm here now because the enemy has really attacked generation after generation leading up to my family and myself. And just wanted to harden my heart. He put a tumor in my head. He installed an abuse of drug addiction in my family to physical abuse to mental abuse and now led me to feelings of abandonment and feeling like I can't be loved and feelings of unworthiness.

But I know now that that's a lie and that's going to die in the water with me today. >> It's powerful. What would you what would you say to anyone who may be truly they they've come to the end of the rope. They really they really need a need something good in their life.

Again, it's first and foremost, you have to forgive yourself. Um I think forgiveness is the biggest thing for me. I mean, um someone special is in the crowd right now that I haven't spoken to in 8 years, and that's my mother. And uh after eight years, I finally forgive her.

She's here to witness this. So forgive me. She's here today. Where's your mother? Rave your hand. Mother, we celebrate this miracle. We celebrate. There she's standing. She's standing. She's proud of you. She's proud of you. You hear that? You are her beloved son in whom she is well pleased.

Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> You want to say anything else? >> Just thank you for the people and I love you, Mom. >> I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I want the church to rejoice with the angels in heaven over one lost soul.

To God be the glory. To God be the glory. Good morning. What is your name? >> Kristen. >> Kristen. >> Kristen. >> And uh how did you end up at Free Chapel? >> Um me and my children been coming here on and off for about 20 years. >> Wonderful.

Wonderful. And have you recently made a commitment to the Lord or are you just have you ever been baptized? Is this the first time? >> This is the first time I've been baptized. Um I've always had a relationship with the Lord, but not to this point. >> And you know that when Jesus said, "Be baptized."

The Apostle Paul said, "We're buried with Christ in baptism." See, some people don't understand why water baptism is so important. It was the last thing on Jesus mind as he was going up on a cloud to sit at the right hand of the father. He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Baptiz in them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and those who believe will be saved, and those who do not believe will be damned." And what you're doing is you're burying the old you when you go under the water. And when you come up, you are celebrating the new life that Jesus gives.

Do you receive that? I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. ((applause)) >> What's your name? >> Cararissa. >> If you don't know, this is my daughter. This is my second born daughter. I love you. I can't believe I get the honor of baptizing you.

It means the world to me and your mother and our family. What's What's Jesus done for you, Carissa? What does he mean to you? >> Um, he brought me back to life. ((applause)) It's a journey sometimes. I thought of this this scripture in the first service came to me so strong.

And I Courtney, I hope y'all got it, but it's 2 Samuel 16 and verse 16. 14 and 14. Okay, I got to I got to see it to to read it, but it messed me up. I'll come right back. I promise. For we are like water spilled on the ground.

You have you heard the saying? Have you heard the saying, you can't cry over spilled milk? It's like there comes a point in life when we've messed up and we're spilled milk and you can't you can't put it back. You can't you can't take it back. which cannot be gathered up again.

But here's what got me. Neither does God respect any person. Yet doth he when you say is too messed up. Yet does he devise means that his banish those who are far from him be not expelled from him. I love those words. What what what hit me so strong in the first service is I heard the Lord in my spirit say I devise means it's not like your salvation is an accident.

I devise I work I work I put this I make that person cross your path. I watch and I devise means whereby the banished can be not expelled from me. And that's what God has done for you. You want to say anything else? I'm so proud of you.

No, I just He set me free and I'm grateful for as hard as the last few years have been, I'm grateful for it because it got me here and never known him like I know him today. ((applause)) >> What would you say, Carissa, to to anyone who was raised in church and been around church?

They're sitting out there right now and they're searching. Families are going out there. They're hurting. They're they feel like there's mothers and someone going through something that just feels like this is the end of my world. He's there, isn't he? He's always there. He's been there all the time.

And he's closer than you think. I think life happens and things happen and I've been addicted and hated myself and I've been in places and I I felt like my sin took me further away from him but I realized he was he was there the whole time and like that song said he he reached way down. >> Yeah. >> And and he was never far away.

He was there the whole time just waiting on me and I'm grateful and I'm thankful. >> I am too. We are too. And she wanted me and Courtney, her sister, to baptize. So my little assistant right here, Lord, I thank you. Oh, I praise you. You are a faithful God. and I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

((music playing)) ((applause)) HALLELUJAH. PRAISE THE LORD. Praise the Lord. Jesus saves. Jesus saves. Jesus saves. Jesus. Hallelujah to the lamb of God. Hallelujah to the lamb of God. Praise the name of Jesus. Hallelujah. Praise God. I want you to pray. Play Majesty. Thank you, Jesus. What is your name? >> Kelly. >> Kelly, how did you end up here?

A month ago today, I um I ended up at Made for More Ministries and um I was headed to prison. A judge on September 16th told me that um the only thing I could do was go to prison and I knew that wasn't the path I was supposed to lead.

I called my daughter who's sorry who's my best friend. >> Is she here? >> She's right over here. All three of my kids. >> See, there's a lot of people that understand all those uh breaks and those tears and those moments that you feel overwhelmed cuz it's a family that walks with you. is a family that understands those tears.

Cuz none of our families are perfect. I don't care who you are and what you got going on. You're going to need Jesus in your family. You're going to need him desperately. Your money can't fix some things. Your your your connections can't fix some things. My daughter got me into Made for More and >> wonderful ministry. >> I love it.

You know, I was actually there the day you came and I remember Marina going, "Oh my god, pastor's coming." So, we rushed. We're like just scrambling around, you know, so excited because there's nothing like God being in your home through your pastor. Um, I've always known God, but I never was obedient, never accepting.

I blamed him for all my hurt, but I have three wonderful kids that have never left my side. And I know I didn't or I felt like I didn't deserve half of it, but they've reminded me that I deserve it all and I give it all over to God.

And I'm ready to be obedient and do whatever he wants for me in my life. >> And you're doing that this morning. and upon your profession of faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. ((applause)) The other Majesty song.

Majesty. ((music playing)) >> Sorry. What's your name? >> A. >> How long you been coming to Free Chapel? Um, I've been watching sermons on and off for about a year or so, but um, but coming um, actually here um, since October. >> Did someone invite you or did you just come on your own? >> Yeah, we were invited by very good uh, friends and neighbors of ours.

The sky opens. >> And and what happened when you came? I thought I cried enough earlier. Um I I I really felt the presence of God for the first time. I had never had before and I had even been baptized before, but um I really felt it and it was so relieving.

You know, I I tried to do it on my own. Um, I left the religion I was baptized in and I'd just been hurt and failed by so many people and I said, "You know what? I I can do this better on my own." And I really tried.

I did. Um, and then I came here and it it felt like I just released a breath that I've been holding for so long >> and it felt so good. >> He reached down that hand, didn't he? He can do it. and upon your you want to say anything else? >> Um, you know what?

I'll I'll say what I told my husband this morning because there are some people, you know, I promise myself I would never step foot in a church again. I did. And there are so many people that that tell themselves that and they say, "Oh, I'm, you know, I'm not ready for that.

That's not the step." I think that's when you need it most. >> That is so I'm so glad you said that. Somebody needed to hear that >> when you That That's exactly right. >> I'm so glad we I'm so glad we were invited. I I felt I felt a voice tell me. >> Do you remember anyone particularly who invited you because this is a celebration of that that just walking across the room and inviting or across the yard or whatever and inviting somebody to church can change their life forever. >> Yes, it was Angie and Phil Styopen.

Um, they're amazing. I had just a few days earlier felt a voice. I felt a voice tell me, "You need to go to church on Sunday." And you know how I felt. So I said, "I don't know why, but I do." And I I almost didn't have the courage to go.

And not even 12 hours before the service, they invited us just last minute. And I said, "That was my sign." And we haven't missed a Sunday since. >> My goodness, what a testimony. I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Praise God. Praise the name of the Lord. Good morning. >> Give me your name, please. >> Jennifer Perry. >> What has the Lord done for you? ((music playing)) Since I since I met him, he's done so many great things in my life. How did you end up at Free Chapel?

Did you meet? >> Yeah. My sister and my brother-in-law. >> I'm so proud of them. They invited me here. And and uh did you commit your life to Jesus Christ? See? >> Yes. >> Tell me what happened. Well, I was going through a really tough situation in my life.

I was in the deepest in a pit. But the Lord reached me out of there and he told me, "You were my lost sheep and I came for you and now I'm here." And in that story, in that story in the Bible, the scripture said that the good shepherd picked up the sheep, >> put it on his shoulder, and carried it back to the fold.

You could you can't get back on your own if the Savior doesn't come and and pick you up. Ain't that ain't that precious picture? And he puts us on his shoulder and he says, "I know you can't go any further. I know you can't find your way back."

And the wolf thinks he's going to destroy you, but you're mine. And he carried the sheep back to the fold. And you're a miracle. And I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. >> Praise God. ((music playing)) ((applause)) What's going on out there?

Do you know her daughter? It's her daughter. That's wonderful. What has Jesus done for you? >> Many things. The Lord has done many things in my life. I've gone through really hard situations in my life in the past. >> And I met Jesus Christ when I didn't want to know anything else about my life.

And I told him that I was going to give give him my life. I just couldn't do it by myself. And in that moment, I felt something like came into my heart and it changed my life, healed my heart. He one of the things that he gave me it's that uh I had the opportunity to come to the church and through the church I have known him better. you beautiful.

You belong here and we love you and we appreciate you. To God be the glory. And I'm going to tell you something. This man right here, he's over our Hispanic ministry and over he and his wife Alejandra. They had over a thousand from this community the other night or the other afternoon.

And the influence of the outreach into this community is unbelievable. I love you. I honor you. us. Appreciate you so much. And all of us Latinos are taking over the whole world in Jesus name. Amen. I baptize you in the name of the father, the son, Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit.

Let's give Jesus, the king of kings, the biggest praise that we can. To God be the glory. That's powerful. Good morning. >> Morning. What's your name? >> Tammy. I'm from Western North Carolina. >> Western. Did you drive down for this? >> I did. >> What part of North Carolina? >> Uh between Asheville and Cherokee. >> Wow.

And so you watch online? >> I'm part of the online campus. I attended here back in 2012. I was seeing a guy then. That didn't work out. But I was introduced to you on the church and hallelujah for that. >> I like you. So, so, uh, so you watch every Sunday and you're part of the, uh, you know, we have an online church and they have members and everything.

It's just crazy numbers there. I forget. >> I'm a part of all of it. Do the daily devotionals. And >> James is the pastor of the online. >> Yeah. >> Does he ever check up on you? Do you ever get an email or anything? >> I might occasionally. >> It's amazing what God has done online, isn't it?

I mean what tell us a little bit about what God is doing. I didn't know I didn't even know this was happening but great. >> Yeah. So uh say um our online campus is truly a global reach and uh you know what I mentioned to someone just recently the the obedience that you felt which you spoke to the college uh a couple years ago and you talked about how you felt like the Lord said get on TV and y'all used to drive the cassettes up to somewhere in Tennessee and all that back before technology allowed it to stream out and all those things and you know I I really mean this because of that obedience.

It's because that is the reason that we have this global reach. We have online small groups. They're connecting together. We have a good three or four continents. So join in on just one small group and they're praying and they're uh discussing the sermons, what they've learned, what they're walking out from that um and just leaning on each other, growing strength, you know, and support from each other.

We've got watch parties in North Carolina. We've got watch parties in Arizona. We've got watch. >> So, a watch party is when people let people come to their home and they watch it together in in a different state. And the membership is Do you have any idea what the membership is?

I have no clue. >> Yeah. There is 27,000 that we know of >> that have joined. I mean, they've gone through the process. Yes, sir. It's amaz. And this is one of those um silent heroes. When I say silent, I mean you don't see them up here. Nobody.

This this guy and his wife right here have built out our whole outreach under Pastor Brian Smith, of course, and and and over our media. But he had the vision and he said, "We need a pastor. We need a pastor." And we hired this guy. He's a tech guy and but he's anointed and he's got the burden for it and it just is growing exponentially.

We celebrate you, Tammy, all the way from North Carolina. Why did you come all the way down here for that? >> Um, back in 2012 when I attended here, when I walked into this place, I felt the Holy Spirit through you and through this church and I immediately went home and I've stayed in contact online just to hear you preach the Lord's word is the best thing in the world. >> Thank you so much.

We're honored to have you. and I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Give her a big hand all the way from North Carolina. >> Wow. Good morning. What's your name? >> Aaliyah. >> Aaliyah. And how old are you? >> 17. >> 17 years old.

Why in the world would a 17year-old in front of all these people do this? >> Um, for so long, my relationship with Jesus was hot and cold. Um, I didn't know how to navigate my feelings growing up and I was trying to fill a void with worldly things and every time I felt so empty, of course.

Um, and it wasn't until I prayed on it was a really strong prayer, you know, I had a whole breakdown. It was in my bathroom. Um, and I prayed that God um, bring me a best friend who would be there and understand me. And he answered that prayer.

She's actually here. Her name's Jasmine. Um, she's an amazing friend and she's very godly and she's helped me in my relationship with Christ and so has my mom. Um, and I now know that that void will only be filled by Jesus Christ. >> It's wonderful when you get friends and that that believe and you sh and you share life together and that that really makes a difference.

We're so proud of you. We're so Is this your daughter? Aren't you proud? >> This is a miracle day. I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord. That's wonderful. Give us your name, please. >> Shelene Suarez. >> And did you ever think you'd see your daughter getting baptized and you doing it with her? >> No, sir.

I prayed a lot for her to give her life completed to Jesus. >> And how did you end up at Free Child? uh my daughter, she kept telling me I I was didn't want to join a church. I grew up Catholic and I realized later in my life I've been deceived.

So, it kind of caused a little bit of trauma. So, I see out God for myself and started reading the Bible and started letting my daughter know the importance of having God in her life and just going by his guidance. Don't don't use your own understanding because we get in trouble and I've been in a lot of bad situations.

So, had you ever been to a church like Free Chapel before? >> No, sir. I stayed away from church because I was >> How long were you away from church? >> 10 years. 10 years. >> I mean, you can be saved and and not go to church. There's a lot of people who who don't and there's a lot of people who can't come to church there.

But, but does it make a difference for you in your life to be in these services and experience God's presence? >> Yes. Uh, seeing other people's testimonies and being around other people that love Jesus just as much as I do makes a big difference. So, it helped me out a lot. >> It's God's idea.

He said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." And it's not built on It's not built on a preacher. It's not built on a pastor. It's not built on a pope. It's not built on a priest. It's built on Jesus Christ himself.

And I'm not throwing shade on anybody. I'm just telling you, it's got to be Jesus. If it's about Jesus, it will conquer everything life throws at us. And anything else you want to say? >> Um, if you haven't given your life to Jesus, please do. Uh, he can change anything.

Uh, life without Jesus's help. >> I b That's a great quote. I baptize you in the name of the father, the son, Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit. ((applause)) Won't you write a song about that? Life without Jesus is hell. Amen. It sounds like a good country song. Say amen, somebody.

How are you? >> What's your name? >> My name's Lydia. >> And Lydia, who are all these people screaming for you? >> New Beginnings. >> New Beginnings. >> Yes, sir. >> And so, how long have you been in the program? um five months. >> What was your life like before you got there? >> Um I was in a very toxic household with my family or whatever.

Um I basically had to raise my siblings up, you know. I had a stepmom and it just we didn't really click, you know, so I was doing everything and I couldn't go anywhere doing anything. So I'd sneak out of the house because I thought I deserved to have fun, too. and I'd go get high and party and have sex and everything that I just wasn't supposed to, you know?

I mean, I was going to church and I thought I was doing everything right. And I mean, I knew Bible scriptures, too, but you know, so did the devil. And he didn't have a relationship and I didn't either. So, >> and and so you end up going a few months ago into new beginnings.

And what has happened? >> Um, I have found a relationship with the Lord and I've learned that I don't need validation from anybody else. You know, he gives me all the validation I need. >> I love that confidence. I love that. That's that's that's only God can put that steel in your backbone to go through what you've been through and hear you sit and you're not a question mark for Jesus.

You're an exclamation point. And we see Jesus all over you. And we're proud of you. God is proud of you. You know, when Jesus's son got baptized, God was so moved by the obedience that he spoke from heaven. This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased.

I believe he's proclaiming that over you today. I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord. Let's celebrate that. That's a big That's a big deal. Good morning. What is your name? Valerie. >> Valerie. And how long you been coming to Free Chapel? >> Um, for about a year, but I have family that's been going here for a few years now.

My mom, my aunt, and my brother Aaron. Pastor Aaron. >> Pastor Aaron. Pastor Aaron is your brother. >> Oh, really? That's awesome. Well, tell me all about him. No. Te tell us there's been a lot of prayers. What's the Lord done for you? Hallelujah. Praise the name of Jesus. >> Well, 2020 um during co I went through bad stuff in a marriage like with temptation and me and my ex-husband we end up separating.

Um then I began to be promiscuous just doing things that I wasn't supposed to do. Uh about May of 2023, so for a few years passed, I was in a situation and um a lady came to my door and she said, "The Lord told me to tell you and this is a neighbor."

She said he said she said, "Get out of that. Don't go back." And I thought that I was free from that situation. I said, "Okay, I'm not going to go back. I'm free." But of course, I went back. August of 2023, during my daughter's birthday party, I felt a lump in my breast.

September of 2023, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, which is a type of breast cancer. Two weeks after that, I then found out I was pregnant. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I went through that. And a few months after that, I'm still in this situation that I'm not supposed to be in.

My daughter's my youngest daughter who I was pregnant with, he was murdered in front of me, stabbed. And I just I feel so terrible because I knew better. I knew better. I was born and raised in church, but you know, we all are taught to believe in him, but we're not really taught to live for him.

And I was baptized once before, but now I have a different reason and and meaning. And I understand that I have to die of self and he has to live in me. And I I also understand that we're at war. So I don't walk all willy-nilly. I understand that everything that happens on this side happens in the spiritual world first. >> And I'm just ready for war.

And I'm ready to do whatever it is he called me to do. >> Praise the Lord. I baptize you into the will of God for your life. In the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Let's praise the Lord all over this house.

What a miracle. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus. Good morning. What's your name? >> Hey, Leah. >> And how old are you? >> 13. >> 13. Why are you doing this? >> Cuz I want to fully commit myself to Christ and live for God. So you just going to you're just going to remember your creator and serve Jesus from 13 on.

And you your testimony is going to be your life that God can not only save you out of, but he can keep you from things that will hurt you and follow Jesus. He's got a plan for your life. Do you believe that? >> Yes. >> You want to say anything else to anybody out there?

Just God can change your life completely and he comes with everything that you need. >> It's precious. I baptize you in the name of the father, the son Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit seal her with the holy spirit of promise in Jesus name. Praise God. Good morning. >> Hi. >> What is your name? >> Susanna. >> How long you how long you been coming to Free Chapel? um for three years, but it was on and off.

And I mean, I started coming more frequently this year. >> Did something happen this year that made you want to be baptized? >> Um it was >> Did you Did you make a commitment to the Lord? >> I did. Um I mean, this year it's it's been a lot within my family and just I don't know.

Um but this year I'm not sure on >> So did why are you I guess what I'm asking is have you made a commitment to the Lord this Yeah, >> I have. Yeah. Um the other day I had a total breakdown. Um I was questioning everything if this was even worth it.

Is is anything going to change? But um I did feel God talked to me that same night when I broke down and said that everything's going to be okay. My family will be healed. The enemy has nothing on us because now I there's someone in my family that wants to get closer with God.

And it's it's going to be a tough, you know, journey, but it's going to happen. You know, my family healings. >> Yeah. And just make Jesus number one. Just say, "Lord, you're number one. and come and not if this happens and if that happens. Take all that off the table and say you are my everything and I'll never leave you and he'll never leave you and he'll never forsake you.

And so everything's better with Jesus. I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Bless her, Lord. ((applause)) Give me your name, please. >> Sabrina. >> Sabrina, how long you been coming to the church? >> I'm about 13 months now. >> Good.

Did somebody invite you? >> Well, New Beginnings. Yes, sir. I'm a graduate of New Beginnings. >> Congratulations. That's wonderful. And what's the Lord mean to you today? >> He means everything. I just want to um grow in him and his word and um just be a stepping stone for other folks's life that stuff that I've gone through in my time. >> I know he's going to use you for his glory.

Anything else you want to say? >> I'm good. Thank you. >> You know, you've been born again. >> I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. ((applause)) Give us your name, please. >> Ryan. >> Ronnie. >> Ryan. >> Ryan. Ryan.

How long you been at the church? >> About three years. >> Good. What made you come? >> My wife. >> Did Okay. >> Watching YouTube and you came up on my news feed and there's Jensen Franklin. You'll love him. And we tuned in and watched and I love you, brother.

You're awesome. >> That's good to hear. Uh so you so you just started coming from after watching online. >> Well after a few weeks of watching online we live in Hayawasi so we can't come all the time >> but after a couple of weeks of watching I said to her I said we need to go and it's the best decision I've ever made. >> So you >> So you drive from Hawaii.

How far is that? >> It's about an hour and 20 minutes. I'm not sure the miles, but it's about an hour and 20 minutes. >> That's amazing. >> Yeah, that's worth every bit to be here. >> Well, it's an honor to baptize you and baptize one of our members up in Hawaii.

And Lord, I baptize him in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for this couple. Amen. And amen. >> Good morning, sir. How are you? >> Good. >> What's your name? >> Steve Morris. >> Steve, how long you've been coming to the church? >> I started coming around 2010.

I uh lived down in Florida taking care of my mom uh that that passed in 2019. Um I've volunteered coming back and forth from Florida at the Ford Conference because it's amazing. Um, this church has taught me in the beginning I I wasn't the best father, wasn't the best husband.

Uh, because of that process, my kids have gone through stuff that I now take the responsibility for. Um, I lost my wife in '08 in a motorcycle accident on our 26th anniversary. And I blamed God for that until about 8 months later, we found out that she was diagnosed and didn't tell us with an inoperable brain tumor.

She loved riding the motorcycle with me. We loved traveling a lot on it. Um, and that just brought my faith back, letting me know that I was wrong, that God didn't take her from me. God allowed her to die doing what she wanted to do instead of the miserable death with a brain tumor.

That's powerful. ((applause)) >> A neighbor uh in a house that I had bought to try and keep our family together after the accident. Um, he came to me. He rode he rides used to ride a Harley. Um but we rode together. He asked asked me to go for a ride with him.

We went up to Helen and he said, "I want to invite you to church." And I said, "Uh, under one condition, I will go to church with you, but if I don't like it, are we still going to be neighbors? Are we still going to ride together?" And he said, "Yes, we did." on a Wednesday night was the first night I came because we used to have services on Wednesday night. >> Did you ride your Harley? >> Yes. >> I'm loving this story.

Hold on now. Let's Let's So you you ride up on your Harley? >> Yes. When I got here, um I hadn't been to church in a while and I was going through a lot with my daughter and grandkids. And when I came in here, I was under the impression that I was coming for a one-time visit only, and I'd still have a neighbor that I could ride with.

Um, the Holy Ghost got me right there. I mean, hit me. I was raised in the church. I preached I was baptized at 10 years old only because that's what I thought I was supposed to do. and I preached when I was younger and I wanted to go to college to become a preacher.

I went into the Air Force instead. Um, but I've learned from coming to Free Chapel, there's so many things that can help me be a better father and lead my family. I know I'm not going to be around for a long time, but I've got enough time to where I can lead by example. >> Yes, >> the men's ministry.

((applause)) Free chapel men's group is amazing. And I'm finishing up I'm wrapping up my first course with uh School of Disciplehip. ((applause)) and I'm part of the prison ministry. Um, I do greeting. Uh, >> so, so you go into the prisons? >> I haven't been allowed to yet. Um, I'm waiting for my approval and my badge, but I do get uh the the church has an amazing program where they send us out prayer cards from all the people that are asking for prayers.

So, I pray for them. Um, and I'm just hoping that I'm going to lead my family in the right direction this time. Man, you're doing it right now. And upon your profession of faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Come on, let's hear it. The Holy Roller riding that Harley. What about that? Hi, how are you? What is your name? >> Laurel. >> Laurel, how long you've been coming to Free Chapel? >> I've been coming to Free Chapel for two years now. >> Wonderful. And how did you end up here? >> Um, my best friend invited me on a random Sunday.

Um, and as soon as I stepped foot in that sanctuary, um, I encountered the Lord in that pull pit and I was saved that day. and a new person ever. I've been coming back ever since. So, >> and what would you say to anybody who may be searching? >> Um, he's closer than you think he is.

Absolutely. Um, but no one's too far gone. Um, my my testimony is my family and you just said that you need Jesus in your family and that's absolutely right. um they are my testimony and um I just want to fully surrender my myself to the Lord in front of them and I want to give my my life to the one who gave it to me.

So >> this is what it's all about. I baptize you in the name of the father, the son, Jesus Christ and the holy spirit. Bless her Lord in Jesus name. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Good morning. What's your name? >> I'm Desiree. Isra, >> is that your family? >> It is. >> So, what does Jesus mean to you?

What do you want to say? >> Well, I always grew up in Christianity, and I always knew about Jesus, but I didn't always know him. And God blessed me with an amazing family and an amazing granny who always mentored me in my walk with Jesus. And I I first encountered the Holy Spirit about seven or eight years ago at North Georgia church camp.

And that's when I knew I wanted to learn about Jesus. And so my granny actually bought me my first study Bible and I started studying the Bible and I still have that Bible. Um, I went through a lot of toxic situations and hard situations and it drew me away from God cuz I didn't think he was there.

But now I know that he was always with me. I went to Free Chapel as a kid. I remember being in Kid Pack and we stopped going after we moved out of Gainesville. But around November of last year, we decided to come back and I felt the Holy Spirit again and knew he was there with me.

And that's when I dedicated my life to Jesus. >> Praise the Lord. Welcome home. And I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. God bless you, grandmother, in Jesus name. And whoever that grandma is, God bless you, mama and grandma.

Love it. Good morning. >> You're it. >> What's your name? >> Emma. >> Emma, how old are you? >> 16. >> 16. >> You got you got a family, parents here, friends? >> Yeah. Friends, family. >> What What does Jesus mean to you at 16 years of age?

He's just I um I've always grown up Christian and but I never like had a relationship with him and I've been going to camp FCY for four years now and the first three years I go I kind of just gave my life to God but then I came back home and I kind of just didn't change my way ways.

Um, and I went through like this time in my life where it was just like I was just like filled with anxiety, stress, um, I felt like unworthy of love, all this stuff. And I kind of just went through it alone. Like I knew I should go to God, but I didn't go to God.

And when I went back to camp for this fourth year this year, I remember um Courtney was preaching and her message just like it touched my heart and I was like I just need to like change my ways and right after her message we had like the hour of power and it was just like worship for an hour and I remember worshiping and I just felt like the Holy Spirit and I was just like I dropped down to my knees and I was just praying and I prayed about everything and after that Like I just been living with God and I came back home and I've been living with God and I don't like I know if I ever do feel like unworthy of love like that's just the enemy in my head because God loves me and I know he loves me.

((applause)) >> That's great. That was that was powerful. Maybe you you're here today and you're searching and you'd say, "I need a change in my life. Tried to fix me and I I can't fix me." And we're not promising you a perfect life without troubles and situations that come in as part of the price of being alive is you're going to deal with stuff.

But when Jesus comes in, he changes everything and you can know him. So, with every head bowed and every eye closed, and those of you watching all over the before I baptize this last person and dismiss this group of people, if you want Jesus Christ to be Lord of your life this morning, the same savior that touched the 16-year-old and the father with a Harley a few baptisms back and all of these testimonies, he's reaching down his hand as I sung for you.

The part of that verse that gets me of that court of that song I sung, I was lost. And here's a word that described how I felt and undone, spilled out like water that couldn't be gathered. But God will rearrange and he he the scripture said designs means whereby the banished can be brought back.

He even brought you here. He even has you listening right now. And if you know you need a change in your life and you want to make Jesus your Lord. Normally we call people down. We're not going to do that. will pray for you right where you are.

I'm going to pray for you and Jesus will be your best friend. He'll give you forgiveness and he'll give you a future. I said he'll give you a future. He'll give you the friend that you've never known nor experienced. And he'll give you forgiveness. What a beautiful word, forgiveness.

Pastor, I need that. Pray for me. If that's you, boldly lift your hand as high as you can lift it right where you're sitting at every campus. Just lift your hand high all over the room. All over the room. This is beautiful. Just keep your hand high. This is nothing to be embarrassed or shamed about.

That's why she's sitting in the water. It's real. And if you see anyone around you with her hand raised, just reach over and lay your hand on their shoulder and and begin to pray this prayer. Everybody out loud, those of you at every campus watching, pray this prayer.

Say, "Jesus, I give you my life. I give you my heart. Wash me and cleanse me. I want to follow you. I need a friend. I need forgiveness. And I need a future. And it's all in you, Jesus Christ, my savior. I give you my life. Amen. and upon your profession of faith, you are born again.

You're cleansed. You're forgiven. And you need to get signed up and be next in this tank. And I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Give the Lord a mighty praise. I want to speak the blessing over you as you leave today.

Thank you for being faithful to God's house. Thank you for I always am thankful for people who support this ministry. Just stand still just a moment. Just stand up. We're going to let you go. Thank you for your support. We don't pass offering bags. We just say let God lead you.

You know what the scripture teaches. You know that we are to be givers. And if you don't know that and you got a bad taste about money in churches, you don't give. You be our guest. But those of us who've walked with the Lord, we've learned that God blesses the work of our hands.

And he blesses people who will be a blessing. Raise your hand toward heaven. In the 9:00 service, there was a woman that I baptized that had a baby a few months ago. And New Beginnings took the offering that we gave them to have, which was a $500,000 offering.

She She took that money and built a house for mothers and babies that were homeless. And that woman in the 9:00 service was living on the streets and and had to go to the hospital, had her baby, but she was fully nine months pregnant. Went to the hospital over here and had her baby.

And they didn't know what to do. But Miss Sharon had built that house at New Beginnings and they called her and she said, "Come on over, baby, and bring that little baby." And now that mother and child are being fed and clothed and taken care of and learning skills and she's doing things that she never dreamed she could do.

That's what Jesus can do with our brokenness. And what a blessing. Isn't that great? Now I'm done. Raise your hand. It's 12:24. You're getting out sooner than when I preach. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine on you. May the Lord be gracious unto you.

May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. We love you all. I'll see you next Sunday right here. Bring a friend and share a miracle. Have a wonderful day everybody. God bless you. What an incredible service, Skyler. I never fail to be amazed and inspired walking away from baptism Sunday.

And we hope you feel that too. And it inspires you to share your story or maybe sign up to get baptized. >> Yes, for sure. >> Absolutely. But if it is your first time joining us, we want to say thank you so much again. We hope to see you back next week.

But if you said yes to Jesus today, if you gave your life to Jesus, we want you to text the word yes to 510510. It's a way for us to get connected with you, send you resources, and have a team come around you, help you in this walk, but also if you need prayer, you can also text prayer to 510510.

We would love to pray with you, walk alongside of you, and be in your corner and cover you. >> Absolutely. Another incredible thing I want to remind you of, which was actually mentioned during baptism, one of those incredible men who got baptized, Forward Conference. It is so powerful.

God moves every single year, and I love seeing how Jesus just impacts our youth at this conference. But we want to tell you guys as our online family tickets right now are the absolute lowest rate they will ever be and the price increases on October 31st. So if you are the parent of a middle schooler, high schooler, or young adult, if you are a middle schooler, high school, young adult, make sure you get your tickets and join us for Ford.

It's going to be absolutely phenomenal. >> Yes, our best party of the summer. Such fun weekend. We'll be there, too. >> It'll be so much fun. But again, as pastor already said, we want to again just thank you to all of you who generously give to this ministry.

Lives would not be changed without you. And we get to be a global ministry as you saw even from someone joining us from our online family getting baptized today. The gospel is being spread all over the world because of your giving. So we thank you so much. And if you are looking for a way to give or resource to do, you can go to the free chapel app which you can download from the Apple store or Google Play Store. probably got. >> Yes.

But download the app and you can give to see the gospel to keep spreading it all over the world. >> Yes. Well, that is it for our time with you today. We love you all so much. You guys are the absolute best. I could just talk all day about how much we love the online family, but that's it for our time.

We love you. We'll see you next week. Bye everybody. >> Bye. ((music playing))