Baptism Week!
Experiencing the Real Jesus and Living on Mission
By Pastor John Blue | Pacific Point Church
Last Sunday’s message was a powerful reminder that the cultural version of Jesus—one who exists to grant our wishes—is not the real Jesus. We've been in a series called "Jesus in the Bottle", challenging ourselves to rediscover who Jesus truly is: Savior, King, and Lord—not a genie who exists to fulfill our desires.
“Jesus doesn’t fit into the bottle we’ve made for Him.”
Jesus Saves—and Sends
From Baptism to Mission
The true Jesus saves us from sin and calls us into a transformed life of purpose. That transformation starts with surrender—symbolized in baptism, where we proclaim: “I’m with Him.” But it doesn’t end there. It’s a launch point into a life on mission.
“Jesus saves us—and then He sends us.”
When someone encounters the real Jesus, the Bible says, “Repent, believe, and be baptized.” From that moment, Jesus begins writing a new story—one of hope, purpose, and calling.
Baptism: A Proclamation, Not a Performance
What It Means
Baptism is a public declaration of a private transformation. It symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised into new life (Romans 6:4). It’s not a requirement for salvation—but it is an act of obedience, marking the beginning of your mission.
“It’s not the end of the road—it’s the on-ramp to the journey God has for you.”
Living on Mission: From Water to the World
Real People, Real Stories
Costa Rica Missions
Pastor John shared about his recent trip to Costa Rica, where churches and youth were being powerfully impacted by the gospel—even in conditions far less comfortable than ours. The mission field opens our eyes and shifts our perspective.
Missionaries at Work
We also heard from multiple missionaries supported by Pacific Point:
John & Savannah Barry – Reaching students at the University of Virginia.
Mark & Lindsay Porter – Preaching in prisons and rehab facilities, sharing hope with the hopeless.
Rich & Larkin Jones – Leading Mission Equip in Peru, training local pastors and equipping the global Church.
These couples embody the message: Jesus saves, and then He sends.
Everyday Missionaries: You Don’t Need a Passport
Mission isn’t just for those going overseas. It's also for:
Life group leaders
Worship team members
Meal train organizers
Teen mentors
Parents discipling their kids
Jesus calls all of us to go. Whether it’s to a jail, a coffee shop, or across the street, every believer is a sent one.
“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Baptism Highlights
It was an unforgettable morning as we celebrated multiple baptisms, including:
Mariah & Hunter – Soon-to-be-married couple stepping into their new life together with Jesus.
Jeremiah’s daughters – Baptized by their father, one of our faithful leaders.
Megan, Izzy, and Luxie – Declaring Jesus as Lord in front of family and friends.
Sean – Drove from Los Angeles to publicly proclaim his faith after giving his life to Jesus just months ago.
Each story was deeply personal. Each life—forever changed.
Final Reflection: What Did God Say to You?
As the service closed, Pastor John invited us to reflect:
“What did the Holy Spirit speak to you today? And what are you going to do with it?”
We ended with communion—remembering the body and blood of Christ—and were reminded that we are the Church, sent into the world to shine His light.
Takeaway: Jesus + Mission = New Life
The real Jesus brings new life—and sends us into the world to carry that life to others. Baptism is the start, not the finish. Mission is your next step.
So ask yourself today:
What is Jesus calling you to do?