Baptism is a very important event in the life of any new Christian. And I know that we go to great lengths to make sure the celebration is done just right!

At the beginning of the service, we will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. each participant will receive a free t-shirt and a baptism certificate!

Water Baptism is one of the most meaningful events in a person's spiritual journey. The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the next step after giving your life to Jesus. Baptism is your chance to stand up and tell the world about your personal commitment to follow Christ.

What is the meaning of Baptism?

• It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.
• Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again! (I Corinthians 15:3-4)
• For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in Baptism you were also raised with Christ! (Colossians 2:12)
• It illustrates your new life as a Christian.
• When someone becomes a Christian, he or she becomes a brand new person on the inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!

Baptism doesn't make you a Christian.

• Only your faith in Christ does that.
• Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart.

Who should be Baptized?

• All believers as soon as they have accepted Christ
• A believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God.
• A believer is someone who had decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized!
• Those who believed...were baptized...that day! (Acts 2:41)
• There is no reason to delay!
• As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.

Our next Baptism Experience will take place on Sunday, Oct 28th!
Can I be baptized with my spouse, child, or their family members?

• Yes! If more than one member of your family is being baptized, we will have you come into the baptism tank together to be baptized.

What should I wear?

• Plan to wear shorts with a t-shirt into the tank (we will provide you with a free "Watermark" t-shirt you can keep) once everyone has been baptized you will have access to rooms in the main building to change into your dry clothes. Oh yeah, don't forget to bring a dry towel,change of clothes, blow dryer and a hairbrush or comb.

Can I invite people to attend the baptism if they don't belong to Sunset Chapel?

• Absolutely! We encourage you to invite your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, etc...to be a part of this special day! And don't forget to bring a camera so you can have someone take a photo during your baptism.

I pray that many will take the plunge on Sunday 10.28.12 @ 10:30 AM and acknowledge Christ in their lives. It will be one of the most phenomenal experiences of your life!

Is there someone you could invite to church this weekend who could use this experience? Your invitation could initiate one of the most important days of someones life. We will have baptism kits (shirts, shorts, towels) prepared for those who want to spontaneously participate this weekend. This will be a BIG DAY at Sunset Chapel!

So yesterday I attended a strategy meeting in Orlando that was as focused as anything I've ever been a part of in over 30 years of full-time ministry. There was a moment when without a doubt everyone in our gathering acknowledged that the Presence of God had entered into the room. It was a powerful moment as the Holy Spirit began to validate our coming together and talking points.

Some of the statements that resonated with me during my drive back down to Miami were... "the future belongs to the strategist's. We need leadership today that is clear, sharp and powerful! Small thinking produces small results." It was a humbling privilege to sit among these great visionaries and hear their hearts to ignite a movement rather than host an event. For me personally it was an inspiring afternoon to say the least.

This past Sunday was intense. There were some definite God-moments that occurred. As our "order of service" veered off track. It was quite noticeable to all in attendance that the Holy Spirit had taken us deeper into the presence of God. There was nothing awkward or uncomfortable about it. People gathered around our altar area with their hands raised, worshipping from their hearts, we all had our gaze fastened upon Christ! It was an incredible sight as people called out to God for their marriages, struggles, faith and future!

Pray today for those who have not yet experienced the hope of Christ. In fact, start praying today for those people in your life who need to find a sense of family and invite them to Sunset Chapel this weekend. Don't say "no" for your friends... allow them to do that for themselves. Let's get ready for an amazing Sunday of life-change!!!

30 Years of Love and Life!

In Honor of our Anniversary - I have taken over my husband's blog to express my heart's love and thoughts towards him!

Happy Anniversary Baby!  It’s been 30 years today that I said “I DO” and if you asked me again …. I would say … “I DO” again!  I still melt when you walk into the room and smile at me!  There is nothing to me more comforting that knowing you are right next to me, and I would choose you again and again to love and cherish every day!  Thank you for loving me the way no one else can and when no one else can!  I love everything about you … I find you irresistible!  In honor of our 30 years I thought I would remind you of 30 things I love about you!

  I LOVE  . . . . .  

1.    Your hands – they way they warp around and fit mine,

2.    Your touch – when you trace my lips or tuck my hair behind my ear.

3.    Your eyes – they way the sparkle when you look at me – and our boys

4.    Your smile – your smile of love, your ornery smile, even your fake smile J

5.    Your voice – when you are talking softly to me, when you sing to me, and when you sing to God

6.    Your honesty & integrity – at home and at work.

7.    Your compassion – how you show your care and concern for others

8.    Your example – I love how you LIVE for God

9.    Your determination – to live godly, to do your personal devotions, to grow as a person, husband, father and pastor

10. Your preaching – it inspires me to live and grow more in Christ.

11.  Your personal devotion time – I love watching you read and pray and get inspired!

12. Your arms – they way the hug me and protect me and make me feel safe!

13. You’re a hard worker – You are not afraid to work hard at home or office.

14.  Your Forgiving Heart! – This always amazes me how easily you do this even though I know you are hurt.

15. Your creativeness – in our marriage and at church

16. Your Optimism – Always believing the best in people, and the future. The “Best is yet to Come!” – your favorite saying!

17.  Your dancing – you got rhythm and moves babe – hehe – you know it!

18.  Your drum skills! – I know it’s just a car-dashboard, but I love the way you play!

19.  Our Walks – I love to walk with you and talk and I love to watch you walk!

20.  Your Generosity – to others and I know that you would give me anything I would ask for if you could!

21. Your passion – for our boys and seeing them do well, and for seeing others start and grow their relationship with God! 

22. How you make me a cup of coffee EVERY morning! 

23. How you let me sit next to you in the mornings and wake up a little before we start our day!

24. How you always make me Laugh!

25.  Your awesome sense of humor - I love how you let me play tricks on you, or try to scare you!

26.  The car games we play every day!

27. They way you reach over and hold my hand in the car!

28.  The way you pray for me – it melts my heart!

29. I love when you whisper sweet things in my ear!

30.  YOUR KISSES – you know – I’m all about your kisses! 

I will Never forget our first kiss – we were on the pier at SEU – you hugged me, I looked up at you and our lips met – My mind went blank – I got warm and woozy all over – I thought for sure I melted – It was a slightly moist, soft, smooth sensation, so tender and delicate . . . . for sure I could never forget it and I never will . . . So tonight I will ask you again …. Kiss Me Like the First Time!  I love you Russell DeBord, Always and Forever your wife, the mother of your sons, your lover, your best cheerleader, your best friend! ME J   

TTEOT Forever yours!

Shari DeBord

Satan wants to assault your consciousness. It is one of his most effective weapons that he uses against you. Satan has been quite successful as a prosecutor. He shouts "Your Guilty!" to millions of people every single day! He reminds you of all your sin and all the ways you don't measure up. His accusations are specific and laced with condemnation and shame. Both of these tools at his disposal will ruin your life if allowed to.

But Christ comes along with a different message. He wants to free your consciousness from Satan's assaults. He proclaims, "By my blood, your innocent and free from all condemnation!" His message is one full of forgiveness, grace, and hope. Colossians 3:1-2 says, "... set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Christ and Satan are vying for control of your minds. Whose message will you tune into today? I dare you to think differently!!

Problems no matter their size should move us to pray. It's an accepted fact that prayer moves us closer to God. Connecting with Him releases His power in our lives. The bigger our problems, the more we need to hit our knees and pray bigger prayers!

Prayer brings the blessings of God into your life! When you pray, do so with faith. God will see you through. He never fails, He never leaves, He never deserts, He's nearer than your closest friend, He's awake when everyone else is asleep. He's right by your side. Whisper to Him and He listens intently for your voice. He has said that even before you call, He would answer!

 Don't ever allow the devil to whip you or trick you out of your prayer times! He knows that if you ever actually make contact with God, there would be so much damage caused to his kingdom. He will do everything in his power to hinder you from making prayer a priority in your life. Stay focused! Stay disciplined! Keep on praying! The answer is nearer than you think!

Sometimes life is just plain difficult. When times are tough and your feeling overwhelmed it's easy to allow doubt and fear to keep you from experiencing God's best. But you and I don't have to listen to the voices of negativity. We have another option available to us... we can listen to the voice of God!

Are you a good listener? If you went to see a doctor and he or she started prescribing a medication to you without hearing what your symptoms were, what would you think? You would think that he was a quack! You'd also be looking for his medical school diploma on the wall.
When you listen to people, they realize that your sincere and that you have a genuine interest in them. Becoming a good listener allows you to pick up on what their specific needs and challenges are. Then you're able to share with them how Christ can meet their point of need both personally and prayerfully. Today is a perfect day to connect with someone and to reflect Christ. Listen with your heart. Then allow the Spirit to direct your response!

Yesterdays service was significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost because we prayed with enormous amounts of faith for numerous individuals who responded to the message on "Divine Healing". There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that people were able to meet with God and bring their hurts to the Healer!

Secondly, we saw a total of eight people respond to the invitation for salvation. That is a BIG win! Seeing these people raise their hands and accept Christ into their hearts and lives brought an overwhelming sense of joy to everyone!

A definite highlight of yesterdays message was allowing Lolita Gonzalez to come to the platform and share her personal story of faith and trust in God. She told how she had been informed by doctors that her son had been born with a rare and nearly hopeless medical condition. Yet in the midst of her family's struggle she had taken her son Tristen to a healing service and had him prayed for and together they are able to rejoice today that he is now completely healed! Her soft-spoken words carefully shared from her heart amplified the message in every one's heart. God is still able to heal your hurt wherever and whatever it is!!

Thirdly, having so many people commit to set aside daily time to pray and lift me up to God's throne for the past two weeks as I prepared myself for this special service was so beneficial and encouraging. I love our church and what God is doing in it right now. Our focus on Christ needs to remain consistent and strong. I believe that this is only a beginning for what lies ahead for Sunset Chapel. Let's do all we can to gather faithfully each weekend and to spread the news that God is changing lives and meeting people's needs in our services!!