Act of Recommitment

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Expository Thoughts on the Gospels - Matthew 15:8
What is the first thing we need, in order to be Christians? A new heart. - What is the sacrifice God asks us to bring to Him? A broken and a contrite heart. - What is the true circumcision? The circumcision of the heart. - What is genuine obedience? To obey from the heart. - What is saving faith? To believe with the heart. - Where ought Christ to dwell? To dwell in our hearts by faith. - What is the chief request that Wisdom makes to every one? "My son, give me thin heart."
J C Ryle
(1816-1900)

ACT OF RECOMMITMENT

At Rayners Lane Baptist Church it is a tradition that on the first Sunday after the new year that during the service members of the congregation are invited to say the following words in this Act of Recommitment:

It is right to face the challenge of Christian commitment, and New Year is a good time to reaffirm our devotion to God. In this act of recommitment we are called on to affirm our determination to face our responsibilities.

Our Commitment to the Gospel
We believe that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. We rejoice in the salvation that God has provided for us in Christ and gratefully recognise that we are saved by grace alone.

Our Commitment to the Church
We acknowledge that as members of the body of Christ we must show the unity of the Spirit in the bond of love. We are in fellowship with one another because we are one in Christ. We affirm that we should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others, counting others better than ourselves. We are privileged to carry one another's burdens and share one another's joys.

Our Commitment to Mission
We commit ourselves to pray for the furtherance of the gospel in this neighbourhood and to engage in evangelism.
We commit ourselves to study the word of God so that we may know the mind of Christ and be true examples of Christian living to those around us.
We commit ourselves also support the work of God elsewhere through home and overseas missions, by our prayers and our gifts. We will seek to be a church with a world vision.

The Source of our Strength
We recognise that we cannot fulfil these responsibilities in our own strength, and we therefore commit ourselves to prayer so that we may keep in step with the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge our constant need of God's mercy and grace.

And now let us help one another to fulfil these vows. Let us encourage one another in the Christian faith. May God strengthen us. To him be all praise and glory! AMEN.

Scripture References:

Our commitment to the gospel: 1 Cor 15:3-4; Eph 2:8-9.
Our commitment to the church: Eph 4:3; Phi 2:1-4; Gal 6:2; Rom 12:15.
Our commitment to mission: Mat 9:37-38; 2 Cor 5:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Mat 5:16; Mat 28:19-20.
The source of our strength: Eph 6:19-20; 1The 5:17; Gal 5:25; Heb 10:25; Jud 24-25.

Jesus is not valued at all until He is valued above all.
Augustine (354-430)

Hymn

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee; Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold; Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine: Take my heart, it is Thine own; It shall be Thy royal throne.

Frances Ridley Havergal
(1836-1879)