Baptism | AGC & Discipleship training (February 11th)

Name: Baptism | AGC & Discipleship training (February 11th)
Uploaded: 2025-06-06T06:41:27.000Z
Duration: 2 h 52 min 3 s

Introduction to the Five-Day Program

Overview of the Five-Day Program

The speaker welcomes attendees and introduces the importance of the Five-Day program.

Emphasizes that all leaders, coaches, and participants should be aware of the significance of this program.

Highlights that willpower is a key focus area, aiming to refine it through collective fasting and discussions on grit and resilience.

Special Features of This Year's Program

The speaker expresses excitement about meeting leaders in person during the program.

Kim and Dan Wheeler are introduced as special guests who will lead sessions on biohacking and longevity.

Kim's background in exercise science will contribute to discussions on health, while Dan offers insights into supplementation for longevity.

Launch of New Crypto Product

Introduction to Crypto Investment

Announcement of a new product related to cryptocurrency investments being launched soon.

The product has been developed over several years with guidance from Dan Wheeler, known as 360 Trader.

Subscription-Based Platform Details

Participants will have access to transparent investment portfolios managed by Dan Wheeler.

A session at the Five-Day program will focus on navigating this new educational platform for financial growth in crypto.

Baptism Discussion and Cultural Insights

Importance of Baptism

Transitioning into a discussion about baptism, emphasizing its relevance within spiritual contexts.

Cultural Engagement Through Epic Model

The speaker introduces cultural elements related to engagement with church events using an "epic" model created by K.

Draw parallels between movie editing techniques and understanding deeper meanings in spiritual practices.

Leadership Training Insights

Purpose of Leadership Training

The training sessions occur every Tuesday and Sunday, emphasizing the commitment participants have made by investing their lives, time, and resources into this movement.

Participants are encouraged to reflect on the purpose of their investment; without a clear understanding, they risk feeling lost or unfulfilled in their journey.

The Epic Model

"Epic" serves as a guiding framework designed to enhance both personal reception and leadership facilitation within the ministry context.

Leaders play a crucial role in introducing newcomers to the Epic model, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and informed about its principles.

Key Elements of Engagement

Energy

Energy is essential for engagement; it does not require physical exuberance but rather an internal readiness to receive and participate meaningfully.

Participants must consciously choose to activate their energy levels instead of succumbing to fatigue or disinterest.

Positive Emotion

Maintaining a positive emotional state is framed as a choice; individuals are urged to adopt hopefulness and belief actively.

A mindset shift is necessary for learning; participants should approach teachings with openness rather than skepticism.

Immersion

Immersion involves being fully present in experiences, akin to baptism—participants should lose track of time while engaging deeply with content.

Community Focus

Emphasis on community highlights that individual growth contributes to collective well-being; self-indulgence undermines the essence of being part of a larger society.

Creative Arts Impact

Transformation Through Art

The discussion touches on how creative arts can inspire personal growth and transformation by exposing individuals to beauty and mastery in various forms.

Learning Environment

The training environment aims at shifting identities and worldviews, addressing misconceptions or twisted doctrines among participants.

How to Engage in a Transformative Process?

The Nature of Engagement

The process of growth is scientifically and psychologically proven, with philosophical and theological foundations. It emphasizes the importance of engagement in personal development.

Engagement should be active and conscious, moving beyond mere attendance at church or events; it requires focus and intention.

This transformative process is continuous, not limited to isolated moments like baptism; it needs ongoing nurturing to thrive.

Understanding the Dynamics of Church Meetings

The meeting dynamics are crucial; they should be energetic and emotionally positive, distinguishing them from everyday life experiences.

Participants must actively process worship through an "epic" lens, which enhances their experience during meetings.

The concept of "rays" serves as a model for how attendees receive teachings and engage with the community.

Reflection as a Learning Tool

Reflection involves intentional processing of information received during worship or teaching, reinforcing existing beliefs or discarding outdated ones.

It is both cognitive and emotional, focusing on individual transformation while also considering community impact.

Acquisition: Taking Ownership of Learning

Acquisition refers to actively claiming ownership over what one learns during worship or ministry engagements.

Awareness plays a critical role in this process; participants need to immerse themselves fully rather than passively listen.

Enhancing Engagement Techniques

Encouragement and Mastery in Learning

The Role of Encouragement

Encouragement is an active process that involves reaching out to others, not just oneself. It fosters reflection and acquisition of knowledge.

Active participation in learning leads to mastery; taking notes helps build on previous knowledge for deeper understanding.

Building Your Toolkit

Writing down insights allows for continuous growth and mastery, enabling individuals to reflect on past teachings and integrate them into their lives.

Acquiring knowledge contributes to a personal toolkit or portfolio, which should be used actively rather than hoarded for personal gain.

Sensitivity and Reflection

Being sensitive to one's physiological responses during preaching or worship enhances the learning experience; humor can distract from this engagement.

Balancing humor with serious reflection is crucial; excessive joking can desensitize one’s ability to receive spiritual messages effectively.

The Process of Acquisition

True acquisition occurs when emotional responses are triggered by the word being preached, leading to moments of realization or conviction.

Engaging physically (e.g., coming forward for prayer or worship) signifies active acquisition of spiritual teachings.

Importance of Response

Reflecting on teachings post-service helps gauge how well individuals have acquired the message; many fail to retain insights without active engagement.

Historical liturgical practices emphasized responsive engagement as a form of acquiring knowledge, which remains relevant in modern contexts.

Transformative Learning Experience

This learning process is dynamic and transformative, aiming not just at intellectual absorption but at profound personal change.

Transitioning to a Higher Reality

The Importance of Sustaining Transformation

Transitioning from a fallen reality to a higher creation requires sustained effort; simply experiencing the moment is not enough.

In business contexts, prioritizing your goals over distractions is crucial when acquiring significant assets or shares.

The acquisition process is often invisible and requires focus to avoid distractions that can derail progress.

Immersion as a Gateway

Immersion involves undivided attention, which has been key in past successes and spiritual experiences.

Being fully immersed allows individuals to transcend their struggles and see problems in a new light, facilitating transformation.

This immersion acts as a gateway out of victimhood and into a new reality where challenges seem less daunting.

Divine Alignment and Self-Awareness

Emphasizing the year of divine alignment, prayers are expected to become more effective through focused immersion.

True immersion leads to self-forgetfulness, allowing individuals to engage deeply without concern for external perceptions.

The Role of Socialization

Community awareness enhances personal identity and purpose; deeper relationships foster empathy and integration within social structures.

Personal journeys often begin with individual struggles but expand through community engagement, leading to growth in heart and spirit.

Overcoming Challenges Through Community

Solutions often lie within challenging relationships; recognizing this can lead to personal transformation.

Each person in the community serves a purpose in helping others confront their flaws and grow beyond them.

Expression: Manifestation of Transformation

Transformation and Manifestation in Faith

The Nature of Transformation

The speaker reflects on a recent emotional experience, questioning whether the feelings are fleeting or indicative of deeper faith that will manifest over time.

Emphasizes the discouragement caused by repetitive problems and stresses the importance of seeking new ways to address challenges rather than falling back into old patterns.

Encouragement Through Progress

Highlights the significance of personal transformation as a source of encouragement for others, using examples like Dishali's progress to inspire collective growth.

Advocates for continuous transformation within the church community, promoting a culture where individuals embrace change without shame or fear.

Embracing Change

Encourages individuals to accept their evolving identities, asserting that it's natural for others not to recognize them as they grow and transform.

Introduces the concept of "epic" as an intrinsic part of one's identity, contrasting it with "raise," which represents actions taken in response to this identity.

Active Participation in Growth

Stresses the need for active engagement during teachings; listeners should reflect and acquire knowledge rather than passively receive information.

Calls on leaders to take initiative in their learning process, emphasizing that energy should come from within rather than relying solely on external motivation.

Socialization and Community Building

Discusses the importance of socializing within church settings, urging members to identify themselves as leaders distinct from their everyday personas.

Understanding Leadership and Community Dynamics

The Concept of Family in Leadership

The speaker emphasizes the importance of community, describing the church as a family of leaders, highlighting that this connection is not about being needy or clingy.

The speaker clarifies their relationship with spiritual figures, asserting independence and security in identity without needing constant validation from others.

They stress that while ego support exists among leaders, it should not be a necessity; understanding how to receive teachings is crucial for growth.

Importance of Reception and Practice

The speaker discusses the significance of receiving teachings effectively, suggesting that doing so enhances memory and awareness during practice sessions.

They encourage attendees to approach church as leaders, welcoming newcomers enthusiastically as part of growing the community towards a goal of one thousand members.

Raising Expectations for Growth

The speaker expresses excitement about new visitors and links community growth to resource availability (e.g., cameras, lights), urging members to contribute positively.

Emphasizing personal responsibility, they state that individual engagement ("raising") is essential for creating an impactful experience for newcomers.

Navigating Disagreements Constructively

The speaker acknowledges that disagreement is acceptable but warns against divisive spirits that can disrupt unity within the church community.

They caution against gossiping behaviors among genders, noting differences in how men and women communicate within leadership contexts.

Establishing Direct Communication Protocol

The speaker advocates for direct communication regarding issues rather than discussing them with others outside leadership circles to maintain unity.

Understanding the Significance of Baptism

The Importance of Communication and Integrity

Emphasizes the need for open communication within the community, stating that any issues should be addressed directly rather than discussed among individuals to maintain integrity and honor.

Introduction to Baptism

Introduces baptism as a simple act familiar to many pastors in the USA, highlighting its straightforward nature: submerging someone in water while invoking the Trinity.

Points out a critical aspect often overlooked in discussions about baptism, suggesting that this missing element contributes to families feeling disconnected from church teachings.

Foundations of Baptism

Acknowledges diverse religious backgrounds (Buddhists and Hindus) present in Sri Lanka, indicating a need for foundational understanding of baptism for those unfamiliar with it.

Discusses Jesus' baptism as an act of submission to authority, illustrating that even He chose to be baptized despite not needing it, which serves as a model for believers.

Symbolism and Historical Context

Connects Jesus’ baptism with significant biblical events, such as Noah's story where the Holy Spirit is represented by a dove. This connection emphasizes continuity between Old Testament narratives and New Testament practices.

References 1 Peter 3:20, drawing parallels between Noah’s ark and baptism. It highlights how Jesus’ baptism symbolizes salvation through water akin to Noah's experience during the flood.

The Transformative Power of Baptism

Clarifies that baptism is not merely about cleansing sin but represents a profound transformation—an answer of good conscience linked with resurrection through Christ.

Understanding Baptism and Its Significance

The Role of Baptism in Salvation

John the Baptist's baptism signifies repentance from sin, marking baptism as the first sacrament that facilitates a transition from an old life to a new one.

The story of Noah illustrates this concept; his family was saved through water, symbolizing the beginning of a new world after Adam's failure.

Water crossings are significant in biblical narratives, representing salvation. Examples include the Jewish crossing of water to escape Egypt and Joshua leading Israel into Jericho.

Jesus' Representation in Baptism

Jesus’ baptism in Jordan symbolizes the ark that saves humanity, emphasizing both eternal salvation and immediate relief from personal struggles.

Baptism is not merely symbolic but serves as an invitation to join the church community; individual belief plays a crucial role in its significance.

Infant vs. Conscious Baptism

The speaker discusses acceptance of various forms of baptism, including infant baptism, which some churches practice based on familial salvation concepts seen in Noah’s story.

The doctrine supporting infant baptism (pedobaptist view) is acknowledged as solid; however, there is preference for conscious decision-making (credobaptist view).

Belief Over Action

While acknowledging different practices regarding baptism, emphasis is placed on personal belief rather than just the act itself. If individuals believe their infant baptism was valid, it holds significance.

Both initial and subsequent baptisms can be valid if they align with one's current beliefs; consciousness at the time of baptism matters more than legalistic interpretations.

Spiritual Dimensions of Baptism

Reference to John 3 highlights that true rebirth requires being born of both water and spirit—indicating a deeper spiritual understanding beyond physical acts.

Understanding Spiritual Baptism and Its Importance

The Significance of Spiritual vs. Water Baptism

The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual baptism over water baptism, questioning if individuals have felt a transformative experience upon entering the church.

While acknowledging the value of water baptism, the speaker compares it to physical birth, stressing that spiritual baptism is crucial for true transformation.

The essence of spiritual baptism is highlighted; without it, water baptism lacks meaning and significance in one's faith journey.

Church Dynamics and Membership Loyalty

A discussion on church division reveals that many congregants switch churches due to a lack of understanding about commitment and teachings related to baptism.

The speaker explains that traditional teachings on baptism often overlook its deeper implications, leading to superficial understandings among church members.

The Role of Father and Mother in Spiritual Birth

To illustrate spiritual birth, the speaker draws parallels with human conception, emphasizing the need for both a father (God) and a mother (the church).

The concept of 'mother' is explored further; without proper teaching from the church (the mother), individuals may not fully grasp the significance of their spiritual rebirth.

Biblical References Supporting Spiritual Concepts

Reference to Galatians 4 highlights two covenants: one associated with Moses (water baptism) and another representing freedom through Christ.

Clarification on historical context shows that John the Baptist's practices were rooted in an old covenant focused on sin removal rather than new life.

Understanding Church as Mother

The speaker asserts that in this new covenant, Jerusalem above symbolizes freedom and serves as a metaphorical mother for believers.

Emphasizing Eve's role as "mother of all living," it’s argued that when joining a church community, believers are spiritually birthed into this new family structure.

Historical Perspectives on Church Membership

Citing Cyprian of Carthage illustrates early Christian thought: one cannot claim God as Father without recognizing the church as Mother.

The Role of the Church as a Mother in Spiritual Growth

Understanding the Church's Maternal Role

The church is described as a nurturing entity, emphasizing that spiritual rebirth occurs within its community. It serves as a womb from which believers are spiritually birthed.

Loyalty to the church (the mother) is highlighted as crucial for spiritual growth, paralleling the relationship between a child and their mother.

The depth of love for the church correlates with one's experience of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that understanding this connection enhances spiritual maturity.

The Importance of Community in Faith

Rejecting the need for a church implies neglecting the community aspect of faith; one cannot be born again in isolation but through communal support.

John Calvin’s perspective on the church emphasizes its role in nurturing believers until they reach maturity, reinforcing that even Protestant views uphold this maternal concept.

Historical Perspectives on Church and Spirituality

Calvin articulates that God collects His children into the church's embrace, where they receive guidance and nourishment akin to maternal care during their spiritual infancy.

Despite protests against traditional structures, Calvin maintained that establishing churches was essential for continued spiritual growth and connection to divine motherhood.

Jesus' Feminine Imagery and Protection

Jesus’ metaphor of Jerusalem as a mother hen illustrates His desire to protect and nurture believers, highlighting an important feminine aspect of divine care.

This protective imagery reinforces how both fatherly and motherly aspects contribute to believers' safety within their faith community.

Baptism: A Symbolic Rebirth into Community

Baptism signifies being born again into a local church context rather than merely joining a universal body; it represents becoming part of a specific community (e.g., Life Church).

The act of baptism connects individuals not only to Christ but also establishes them as sons and daughters within their local congregation, fostering belongingness.

Growing Up Within the Church Framework

As individuals mature spiritually, they transition from being nurtured by the church (mother figure) to eventually taking on roles within it—symbolically marrying it as part of their faith journey.

This dual role emphasizes that all members grow up under maternal guidance while also contributing actively to the life of the church community.

The Role of the Church in Spiritual Birth

The Necessity of Maternal Imagery in Faith

The speaker emphasizes the essential role of the church, likening it to a mother, stating that one cannot experience spiritual rebirth without it. This is rooted in Calvinist theology, highlighting that true rebirth occurs through the church's influence.

Nourishment and Governance by the Church

The metaphor of nourishment from a mother is used to illustrate how the church nurtures its members spiritually. The speaker notes that this perspective is deeply Protestant and reflects Calvin's views rather than those of early Catholic fathers.

Baptism as Entry into a Spiritual Family

Baptism is described as an initiation into a new family structure where individuals gain spiritual siblings and parents within the church community. This act signifies leaving behind one's old life for a renewed existence within this familial context.

Historical Context: Hippolytus and Early Baptism Practices

Reference is made to Hippolytus (215 AD) and his liturgical practices surrounding baptism, which included affirmations of faith regarding God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This historical insight underscores continuity in Christian beliefs about baptism over centuries.

Liturgy Nuances in Baptismal Practices

The speaker contrasts modern baptism practices with those from 215 AD, noting differences such as immersion methods and preparatory teachings before baptism. Emphasis is placed on understanding these nuances to appreciate their significance fully.

The Book of Common Prayer: A Historical Perspective

Bishop Cranmer’s Legacy

Discussion shifts to Bishop Cranmer, author of the Book of Common Prayer, who faced persecution under Queen Mary I for his Protestant beliefs despite initially renouncing them under pressure. His story illustrates profound commitment to faith amidst adversity.

Martyrdom and Faithfulness

Baptism and Its Significance in the Anglican Tradition

Understanding Baptism in the Anglican Church

The Anglican Church's baptismal tradition involves a minister asking if the candidate desires to be baptized, followed by affirmations of faith from both the candidate and godparents.

The formula for baptism includes invoking all three persons of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of including the Holy Spirit in this sacrament.

Reference is made to an ancient text called "The Didache," which outlines specific instructions for baptism, such as using running water or alternatives if not available.

The Didache also prescribes a three-day fast for both the baptizer and the baptized before performing the ceremony, highlighting its spiritual significance.

While infant baptism is accepted, there is an emphasis on personal choice in being baptized into a specific church community like Wow Life Church.

The Role of Local Churches

The concept of being reborn through baptism ties closely to belonging within a local church community rather than just a universal church perspective.

Acknowledgment of being reborn by the Holy Spirit signifies that individuals are born through and for their local church community.

An exploration of 2 John reveals how John addresses his letter to a local church as "the elect lady," illustrating a nurturing relationship between churches and their congregants.

John's writing emphasizes that he speaks directly to local churches rather than larger entities like Roman or Corinthian churches, reinforcing individual community identity.

The Importance of Love in Family and Church

The Role of the Elect Lady and Family Dynamics

The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking children in love, highlighting that both the father and son are present with them. This sets a familial tone for the message directed at the church, referred to as "the elect lady."

The speaker expresses joy upon finding some children from this church walking in truth, commending their mothers for their efforts. This reflects a deep respect for parental roles within the church community.

A plea is made to love one another, reiterating that love is fundamental in family dynamics. The speaker connects this idea to the motherly aspect of the church, emphasizing its nurturing role.

Protecting Children from Deception

The speaker discusses how different parental figures may have varying approaches; while fathers might show favoritism, mothers tend to be more inclusive and protective of all children.

There’s an emphasis on a mother's role in protecting her children from deception and division within the church. The speaker urges "mom" (the church) to safeguard her members against false prophets.

Understanding Baptism and Loyalty

A critique is presented regarding how baptism is often treated superficially without acknowledging maternal care within the church context. The speaker argues that neglecting this aspect leads to a lack of loyalty among congregants.

The discussion highlights how traditional churches maintain strong ties through understanding their foundational roles—contrasting with modern practices where individuals switch affiliations easily without recognizing their spiritual lineage.

Conclusion: Gratitude Towards Church as Maternal Figure

In closing remarks, there's an encouragement to express gratitude towards one's church as a protective figure akin to a mother when experiencing spiritual moments or revelations.