This is the sixth sermon in the ‘Liturgy for Life’ series.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:37-47
In the sacraments, God has given us signs and seals for our own spiritual growth and nourishment. One of the most underutilized gifts and resources God gives us is our baptism. When we remember our baptism, we can rest in the truth that we are the Father’s beloved child, whom he is well pleased in. Our baptism announces the reality that we are clean before God and have been given new hearts.
The Priority of Baptism
The First Thing the Church Does: In Chapter 1 of Acts, Jesus ascends into heaven and tells his followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. In Chapter 2 of Acts, the Holy Spirit is poured out and the people ask Peter and the apostles what they should do. Peter says “repent and be baptized (2:37).” Baptism was given priority in the first church. When people gathered together and received Jesus, they were first baptized. Baptism came before teaching, communion, and fellowship because baptism signified a new beginning.
Repenting means a complete change of direction, change of mind/heart, turning from the way you are headed, turning to a whole new way of life… centered on Jesus.
To be baptized with water symbolizes a new beginning.
Baptism is the sacrament of entrance. On one side of this water is a life oriented around ourselves. On the other side of this water is a life oriented around Jesus Christ. Baptism is a reminder to Christians of what it means to be a Christian. It us that believing in Jesus means the end of our old self and the start of a new self. We don’t fit Jesus into our plans and lives; we fit our plans and lives into Him. Many churches place their baptismal font at the entrance of the church to be a reminder of this new life in Christ.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is also a “means of grace” – one of the main ways God gives us the grace to live this new way of life. However, it isn’t a magic button. Rather, God gives us baptism as a sign and seal, similar to how we think of a wedding ring. Baptism works as a sign that points us to Jesus and a seal that confirms what he has done is real and true for us personally.
A Sign and Seal of…
God’s pleasure over us–We are baptized in the name of Christ, and thus we are baptized into who Jesus is. When God looks at us, he can call us his beloved children with whom he is well pleased, because we are in Christ.
God’s pardon for us– We are baptized for the forgiveness of sins, meaning our shame and guilt are removed.
God’s power in us– We are given the Holy Spirit and should not look to our strength to empower us.
God’s promise to us– Our faith is strengthened when we remember those promises which baptism points to.
God’s pursuit of us– Baptism reminds us not to look to our pursuit of God but God's pursuit of us, no matter how much our faith wavers.
God’s people and us– We become a part of a new family when we are baptized: the Church.
Our need for these signs and seals is like our need for road signs on a long journey. We can be discouraged, filled with doubt, anxious, and tired on a long journey where there are few road signs. Baptism is like a road sign that reassures us by pointing to Jesus and what is true of all who believe in him. It is a great comfort to those who might feel lost, broken and need strength to continue on the road of following after Jesus.
The Liturgy of Baptism
Sunday: Baptism is not something we do for ourselves. It is meant to be a part of the liturgy of the church. It signifies the official welcome, entrance into the church. This is important for the person being baptized and for everyone else who is witnessing the baptism. We welcome individuals into the people of God as a family! We witness their entrance into new life and should seek to remind each other of this.
Everyday: Martin Luther, the leading Protestant Reformer, struggled his whole life with doubts and fears. It’s said that he wrote the words “I am baptized” in chalk on his desk. Consider making baptism part of your liturgies, such as knowing the date you were baptized or remembering it in your mind when you struggle with doubts or fears.
REFLECT OR DISCUSS
Share if and how you were baptized. If you can remember your baptism, what did this event in your life mean to you?
How has your perspective on baptism changed or developed throughout the years?
In what ways do you underutilize the resource of baptism?
How does baptism remind Christians what it means to be a Christian (and show non-Christians what it means to be a Christian)? See Romans 6:1-4 for help.
How is baptism a sign and seal? How can it assure and encourage us? How might having a physical, visible and tangible sacrament help us when we doubt the reality of our faith, the reality of God?
What promises does baptism point to that most you struggle to believe? (see section A Sign and Seal of…)
YOUR DAILY LITURGY
In this series, we will be encouraged to “take ownership” of our daily liturgies (patterns, habits). Saying, “I’m so busy,” “I go with the flow,” or “I just go about my day” are examples of not taking ownership of the shape and structure of our lives. How can the shape and pattern of my daily life be built around the gospel of Jesus Christ?
What are some practical ways you could remember your baptism in your weekly liturgy?
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