WATCHWORD:
So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16
Meditation:
Baptism
Years ago, a friend of mine, who had been teaching Sunday School at his church for several years, was approached by the new pastor and was told he had to be re-baptized or he could no longer teach. My friend did not understand the thinking of the pastor, so he not only stopped teaching but he and his wife left that church and joined another.
I don’t pretend to understand the thinking of that pastor. I know that in certain churches, infant baptism is only considered a commitment by the parents to raise the child in the faith. That only adult baptism, with the confession, “counts”.
As one baptized as an infant, I have a different position. I believe that baptism is between God and the one being baptized, an infilling of God within the heart forever. That’s it, one and done, as they say.
Do you remember the words of YOUR baptism? Most likely not, but you do remember the words of Baptism. For a child, the parent, or guardian presenting the child, confesses their faith in Jesus Christ and promises to bring up the child in the Lord. Then with water, the pastor says: “I Baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” This is followed by “The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, descend upon thee and dwell in thine heart forever. Amen.” For an adult, the words are similar, but the confession is probing, more specific in declaring their faith. (From the Book of Common Worship, 1946)
Words of baptism are meant for us, and we are called by name. It is the promise from God of newness of life, a gift, a Sonship, forever and ever. He says to us, “You are my beloved and I am well pleased.” Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us, and see the beauty in ordinary things (and people) right there in front of us. (From Thomas Merton, slightly modified.)
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is good to be reminded of our baptism, whether as infants or as adults. The knowledge that through baptism we have been filled with the Holy Spirit is an awesome gift. Help us to cherish and share the power and the joy of that relationship with you in the way we live our lives. Lord we pray that we live our lives in such a way that when people see us, they see You. Strengthen us Lord, lead us Lord, so that we live out the commitment and promise of our baptism. It’s in your name we pray, Lord. Amen.
