Rooted in Faith: What Baptists Believe Worship Series
As spring unfolds and new life emerges in our gardens and all around us, we’re embarking on a nine-week worship series, “Rooted in Faith: What Baptists Believe.” In a world that’s constantly changing, we seek a faith that’s resilient, fruitful, and deeply anchored in the Lord.
Series Content – follow this link to access the series content.
A Faith That Triumphs Over Fear
Jeremiah 17:7-8 paints a vivid picture:
“Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
This passage reminds us that a faith rooted in God is not shaken by life’s hardships. Instead, it remains steadfast, nourished by the living water of the Spirit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a faith that’s unafraid, not anxious, but resilient and fruitful? That’s the kind of faith we’re invited to cultivate — one that’s deeply rooted in trust and grows stronger, even in adversity.
Bearing Good Fruit: The Evidence of Faith
Jesus taught, “In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17).
The fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — are not just ideals; they are the natural outgrowth of a life connected to Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
Just as a tree draws life from its roots, we draw spiritual vitality from abiding in Jesus.
In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the “true vine,” and we are the branches. He says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Our ability to love, to serve, and to bear fruit comes not from our own strength, but from our connection to Christ.
This abiding relationship is the heart of our faith and practice: we’re called to remain in Christ, producing fruit that blesses others and glorifies God.
Rooted and Grounded in Love
In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prays for the church: “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love…”
Being “rooted and grounded in love” means that our foundation is the love of Christ — unshakable, immeasurable, and life-giving. Our new life in Christ is marked by transformation — a change of heart that leads us to love God and others.
Living as Fruitful Witnesses
As we journey through this series, we will explore what it means to be “rooted in faith” in ways that especially reflect the Baptist tradition: discovering our identity in Christ, the importance of having a spiritual birth, the authority of the Bible, and learning how to love and serve in a changing world. Like the tree in Jeremiah, we’re invited to sink our roots deep into God’s love, drawing strength and nourishment for every season.
Let’s embrace this invitation — to be rooted, resilient, and fruitful — so that our lives may reflect the fullness of God’s love and the hope we have in Christ. Join us this May and June as we grow together, rooted in faith, and bearing good fruit for the glory of God.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Doug Scalise