WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:12.220 --> 00:00:17.600 I'd love to invite the kids to come join me up here for just a minute on the stairs. 00:00:18.179 --> 00:00:20.059 I want to talk with you all about baptism. 00:00:21.179 --> 00:00:25.100 And as they're coming, I want to clarify something that Kathy said. 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:30.040 The ice cream tonight will not be live streamed. 00:00:30.940 --> 00:00:36.320 You will need to come in person for the ice cream portion of the evening. 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:40.120 So I hope you all come back tonight for ice cream, okay? 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:43.560 All right, come up. 00:00:43.659 --> 00:00:44.799 Yeah, just sit down where you can. 00:00:44.859 --> 00:00:46.520 I'll show you what I've got. 00:00:47.859 --> 00:00:51.000 Have any of you ever needed to take a bath to get clean? 00:00:51.740 --> 00:00:51.920 Can you? 00:00:52.040 --> 00:00:52.820 Yeah, some of you. 00:00:53.200 --> 00:00:53.920 More of you. 00:00:54.420 --> 00:00:54.820 Everybody? 00:00:54.820 --> 00:00:55.380 Okay. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:00:57.460 Everybody's taken a bath before. 00:00:58.100 --> 00:01:00.880 Maybe have you gotten dirty playing outside before? 00:01:01.700 --> 00:01:02.179 Yeah? 00:01:02.740 --> 00:01:05.219 And you needed to wash it off. 00:01:05.299 --> 00:01:07.519 Well, look what happened to my baby doll. 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:11.740 My baby doll got kind of dirty too, you know? 00:01:11.879 --> 00:01:15.159 So she really needs a bath, don't you think? 00:01:15.579 --> 00:01:17.420 We should give her a bath. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:20.319 What do we need? 00:01:20.719 --> 00:01:21.359 What do we need for? 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:22.700 Water? 00:01:22.700 --> 00:01:22.819 Water? 00:01:22.819 --> 00:01:23.259 Water. 00:01:23.779 --> 00:01:24.139 Water. 00:01:24.279 --> 00:01:24.419 Water. 00:01:24.419 --> 00:01:26.399 Oh, I don't have any water. 00:01:26.559 --> 00:01:27.839 Where would I get? 00:01:28.079 --> 00:01:30.719 Did anybody see baby Nora get baptized this morning? 00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:31.919 Yeah? 00:01:32.119 --> 00:01:32.879 Did you see that? 00:01:32.959 --> 00:01:34.439 Let me see what's over here. 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:35.939 Will you hold this for a second for me? 00:01:35.939 --> 00:01:36.500 Thanks. 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:36.539 Thanks. 00:01:36.539 --> 00:01:36.560 Thanks. 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:38.060 Let's see. 00:01:39.060 --> 00:01:39.500 Huh. 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:42.079 Did y'all know what's in here? 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:43.640 Yeah. 00:01:44.359 --> 00:01:45.259 What's in here? 00:01:46.679 --> 00:01:48.700 There's water in here. 00:01:48.840 --> 00:01:49.920 Isn't that a good idea? 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:51.920 So look what we can do with it. 00:01:52.479 --> 00:01:54.200 We can use this water. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:55.239 Isn't that great? 00:01:55.840 --> 00:01:58.659 We can get this baby doll clean. 00:01:58.799 --> 00:02:00.099 Is that enough water you think? 00:02:01.299 --> 00:02:01.700 Yes. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:02.299 Yep. 00:02:02.739 --> 00:02:03.000 Take it. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:03.399 Look at it. 00:02:03.500 --> 00:02:05.079 The dirt just comes off, doesn't it? 00:02:05.259 --> 00:02:06.479 I'll show you in just a second. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:08.079 Got to clean her up. 00:02:10.460 --> 00:02:12.740 Did y'all see when baby Nora got baptized? 00:02:12.840 --> 00:02:14.699 Did we pour water on her from out of here? 00:02:14.900 --> 00:02:15.359 Yes. 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:16.159 Is that what it was? 00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:19.419 Did y'all know that's what was in this bucket that goes up there? 00:02:19.519 --> 00:02:19.719 No. 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:20.539 Yeah. 00:02:20.879 --> 00:02:22.859 It's water that we use when we baptize. 00:02:22.919 --> 00:02:24.179 What do you think we use water for? 00:02:24.259 --> 00:02:25.000 What does water do? 00:02:28.280 --> 00:02:29.919 It cleans things. 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:31.719 Let's put that down for just a second. 00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:32.500 Yeah. 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:34.519 It washes and makes us clean, doesn't it? 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:34.699 Look. 00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:38.319 Is the baby doll cleaner now where the water washed dirt away? 00:02:38.699 --> 00:02:42.299 I haven't quite finished the bath, but she's getting a lot cleaner, isn't she? 00:02:43.879 --> 00:02:49.359 But see, when baby Nora came up for the baptism, she wasn't dirty on the outside, was she? 00:02:49.360 --> 00:02:53.400 She was all dressed up nice and clean. 00:02:54.540 --> 00:02:56.680 And so, what's going on in baptism? 00:02:56.900 --> 00:02:59.700 Why do we use water in baptism, do you think? 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:08.020 Inside, right? 00:03:08.320 --> 00:03:14.320 Because we have dirt inside of us, and who's the only person who can wash that dirt and 00:03:14.320 --> 00:03:14.900 make it clean? 00:03:15.880 --> 00:03:16.480 God. 00:03:16.480 --> 00:03:16.700 God is. 00:03:16.840 --> 00:03:17.640 Jesus is. 00:03:17.639 --> 00:03:20.179 And see, here's what's happening in baptism. 00:03:20.659 --> 00:03:22.399 Some of you have been baptized, haven't you? 00:03:22.799 --> 00:03:27.519 Some of you were baptized so long ago, you can't even remember when you were baptized. 00:03:27.839 --> 00:03:32.799 And others of you, you can remember when water was put on you. 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:37.219 You know what God was wanting you to know when that water was on you, just like it went 00:03:37.219 --> 00:03:38.119 on Nora this morning? 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:38.200 God. 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:45.099 He wanted you to know how much he loves you and how you can get your sin, the dirt inside 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:47.719 you, washed away so that you'll be clean. 00:03:48.159 --> 00:03:50.099 What's the only place we can go for that? 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:51.300 God. 00:03:51.879 --> 00:03:53.060 Going to God for that. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:57.159 Because God knew that you would be dirty. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:03:59.599 That you would make mistakes. 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:02.099 That you would need forgiveness. 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:07.640 And so God wanted you to know, even when you were a little baby like Nora, where you would 00:04:07.640 --> 00:04:08.439 go to get clean. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:09.060 Where's that? 00:04:09.599 --> 00:04:10.580 To Jesus. 00:04:11.340 --> 00:04:15.560 That you would come to Jesus whenever you were dirty and needed to be cleaned. 00:04:15.560 --> 00:04:19.500 You could come to him and that he would wash your sin away forever. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:20.639 Isn't that awesome? 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:23.860 That he would make you completely clean. 00:04:24.180 --> 00:04:31.060 So when y'all see baptism and when you see water washing over somebody, an adult or a baby, 00:04:31.980 --> 00:04:36.959 will you remember that Jesus washes you from all your sins to make you clean forever? 00:04:37.720 --> 00:04:38.420 Isn't that awesome? 00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:41.139 Let me pray for you and then I'll let you go back. 00:04:41.139 --> 00:04:47.539 Jesus, we thank you that you love us and that you have given your blood to wash us and make 00:04:47.539 --> 00:04:48.039 us clean. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:51.680 We pray that you would help us to remember that. 00:04:51.800 --> 00:04:53.339 Help us to know how much you love us. 00:04:53.699 --> 00:04:58.979 That every one of these little kids, whenever they sin, would know they have a savior who 00:04:58.979 --> 00:05:00.039 loves and forgives them. 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:02.279 And we thank you in Jesus' name. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:03.039 Amen. 00:05:04.419 --> 00:05:06.159 Thank you all for coming up here this morning. 00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:07.360 You can go back now. 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:29.560 We've been talking this summer about what it looks like for us to live in relationship 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:30.419 with God. 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:34.539 Walking with Jesus. 00:05:34.540 --> 00:05:40.740 We're going to bless the pathways in which he meets us with his grace, which is what 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:45.020 we need every moment of every day to be breathing in like oxygen. 00:05:46.080 --> 00:05:50.980 And these first four weeks of the summer, we've talked about the Bible and prayer and we've 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:56.040 been talking mostly about our personal relationship with God. 00:05:56.180 --> 00:05:59.300 And that's great because God relates with us personally, doesn't he? 00:05:59.300 --> 00:06:01.259 One on one. 00:06:01.720 --> 00:06:07.139 But sometimes that's all we picture when we think about walking with Jesus. 00:06:07.300 --> 00:06:11.240 It's just me and Jesus in the forest, in life. 00:06:11.319 --> 00:06:12.379 It's just the two of us. 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:13.480 That's all it is. 00:06:15.060 --> 00:06:17.480 But think about Jesus when he walked on the earth. 00:06:18.319 --> 00:06:24.540 When he wasn't alone with his father, Jesus was often with groups of people, wasn't he? 00:06:24.540 --> 00:06:31.060 A community of followers, men and women walking with him. 00:06:31.340 --> 00:06:36.960 When you picture yourself walking with Jesus, it should not be isolated. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:40.540 It should not be a lonely endeavor. 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:48.520 In fact, when you do personally meet with God, you can count on the fact that he will send 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:55.779 you into community to experience his grace and to express it to others in an ongoing way. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:06:58.259 He wants that to be how you walk with him. 00:06:59.479 --> 00:07:03.699 I experienced this a couple years ago when I had a sabbatical. 00:07:04.039 --> 00:07:10.060 And during that time, a very renewing time in my relationship with God, most of it spent 00:07:10.060 --> 00:07:13.740 by myself with him during that time. 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:20.960 But the continuing of that daily relationship with him has been right back in relationship 00:07:20.960 --> 00:07:30.360 with my family here at Southwood, with grace groups and friends, young and old, a part of 00:07:30.360 --> 00:07:31.420 this family. 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:39.199 Jesus meets us personally, but he also meets us corporately with his grace, doesn't he? 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:48.519 That's part of why when we talk about the means of grace, the pathways that God brings his 00:07:48.519 --> 00:07:54.740 grace into our lives, we talk about the word and especially the preaching of his word among 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:55.419 his people. 00:07:55.939 --> 00:07:59.419 We talk about prayer and especially praying together. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:07.240 And then the sacraments which are given to the church, to God's gathered people. 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:12.100 And we're going to talk about baptism today and the Lord's Supper next week. 00:08:13.340 --> 00:08:21.439 And both of those are representative of the grace of the gathered worship and life of God's 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:24.500 covenant community, his people together. 00:08:25.220 --> 00:08:27.340 How does he bring his grace to us together? 00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:34.759 Making the gathered worship of God's people a regular part of your life is a great way to 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:37.080 meet Jesus and walk with him regularly. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:38.779 It's the way he designed it. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:44.460 It's not just when we come here on a Sunday morning that we praise him as important and 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:52.360 wonderful as that is, but we teach and admonish one another as we sing, Colossians says. 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:58.799 We humble ourselves together before him as we pray, Jesus tells us. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:04.919 We learn the full dimensions of Jesus' love for us, which is so important that we understand. 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:10.719 We learn that together with all the saints, Ephesians explains. 00:09:11.859 --> 00:09:19.279 And within that weekly covenant renewal of God's people, two particular gifts to be used often 00:09:19.279 --> 00:09:21.139 are the sacraments. 00:09:21.139 --> 00:09:30.259 As Augustine said, they are visible signs of an invisible grace, grace we desperately need, 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:30.519 right? 00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:36.600 They are one way God gives his grace to strengthen our faith. 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:41.279 So we're going to look at several different passages that help us understand how God does 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:44.620 this in baptism, but let's pray together first. 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:49.960 God, we long to know you more. 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:55.480 We desperately need your grace. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:10:00.179 And so would you show it to us this morning? 00:10:00.279 --> 00:10:08.100 Would you meet us here by your spirit, through your word, and change us and remind us that 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:11.340 you're with us and comfort us with your presence? 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:13.919 We ask in Jesus' name, amen. 00:10:14.620 --> 00:10:15.060 Amen. 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:25.340 I've realized this week how many people expect baptism sermons to be controversial, you know, 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:31.560 focused on the amount of water used and the age of the person being baptized. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:36.120 And for those of you feeling that anxiety right now, I want to let you breathe. 00:10:36.460 --> 00:10:38.799 I am not addressing that at all. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:40.340 Either one of those. 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:47.420 Of course, there are some distinctions among brothers and sisters in Christ, but the heart 00:10:47.420 --> 00:10:51.940 of what we're talking about this morning is true no matter how much water you use. 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:54.060 There's some spilled up here this morning. 00:10:54.059 --> 00:11:06.139 No matter how old you are when it is being used or said differently, no matter when you were baptized or whether you've ever been baptized, 00:11:06.139 --> 00:11:08.139 baptized, this is for you. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:13.360 And you can meet Jesus and experience God's grace here. 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:24.440 Let's make sure we're on the same page about what baptism means before we talk about how it is a means of grace to us. 00:11:24.440 --> 00:11:34.900 Jesus tells his followers as they go that they're to make disciples of all nations and that they are to be baptizing these disciples, right? 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:40.580 It is the new covenant sign of entrance into God's family. 00:11:41.820 --> 00:11:44.820 So why wash someone with water? 00:11:45.140 --> 00:11:47.620 I could have picked a lot of different signs. 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:48.320 Why do that? 00:11:48.320 --> 00:11:51.160 What's being communicated when we do that? 00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:57.720 Well, the significance of signs is always focused on what God is doing. 00:11:57.860 --> 00:12:01.440 That's why these are means of his grace to us. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:05.200 It's not us doing something for him. 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:10.379 It's God giving his grace to us, reminding us of his promises. 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:21.120 And at least three key things that the Bible highlights God is promising in baptism as our faith meets his faithfulness. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:22.960 Isn't that a wonderful thing? 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:27.159 As our faith meets God's faithfulness. 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.200 What's happening? 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:32.340 First, God promises to forgive our sins. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:35.620 This is the part I talked about with the kids, right? 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:38.299 What can wash away my sins? 00:12:38.299 --> 00:12:43.120 Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 00:12:43.419 --> 00:12:44.699 Acts chapter 2. 00:12:45.259 --> 00:12:48.000 Repent and be baptized. 00:12:48.359 --> 00:12:55.740 Every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. 00:12:56.219 --> 00:12:59.139 And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:59.939 --> 00:13:01.039 Acts 22. 00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:03.500 Rise. 00:13:04.099 --> 00:13:04.779 Be baptized. 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:09.259 Wash away your sins, calling on his name. 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:15.559 All sins, past, present, and future, forgiven in his name. 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:22.559 Because in baptism, God promises to unite us to Jesus. 00:13:24.559 --> 00:13:26.279 Galatians chapter 3. 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:34.539 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 00:13:34.539 --> 00:13:40.620 Put on Christ is the language of union with Christ. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:43.659 It's the essence of our relationship to him. 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:46.120 That I am so connected to him. 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:49.899 That what God sees of him, he sees of me. 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:53.980 What happens to Jesus happens to me. 00:13:53.980 --> 00:14:00.580 That's the promise of God that is explained by Paul in Romans 6. 00:14:01.060 --> 00:14:03.980 Baptism is a picture of this, Paul says. 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.080 Look at verse 3. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:12.360 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:17.180 We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death. 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:21.940 In order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, 00:14:22.180 --> 00:14:25.039 we too might walk in newness of life. 00:14:25.320 --> 00:14:29.180 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, 00:14:29.300 --> 00:14:34.720 we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:35.259 Do you hear? 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:37.340 Death like Jesus. 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:42.220 Life like Jesus in baptism. 00:14:43.179 --> 00:14:44.519 He goes on, verse 8. 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:48.259 Now if we have died with Christ, 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:52.840 we believe that we will also live with him. 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:53.860 Verse 11. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:15:02.539 And so you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:07.060 A fundamentally new identity that God is working out. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:08.360 There's a new reality. 00:15:08.600 --> 00:15:13.300 He's putting to death the old man because you died with Christ. 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:19.300 And he's bringing to life the new man because you were raised with Christ. 00:15:19.299 --> 00:15:19.579 Christ. 00:15:19.979 --> 00:15:25.179 You're with him in Christ Jesus forever. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:28.939 It's a union that can never be broken. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:33.539 This is an essential joy of union with Christ. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:35.299 Because think about it. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:38.759 How does washing you in baptism make you clean forever? 00:15:39.059 --> 00:15:40.240 Won't you sin again? 00:15:42.319 --> 00:15:42.839 Yes. 00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:45.879 But what about that water? 00:15:46.039 --> 00:15:47.199 It's just gone. 00:15:47.359 --> 00:15:48.959 It's washed away. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:50.480 It's down the drain. 00:15:50.560 --> 00:15:51.300 What will I do? 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:51.960 I've sinned again. 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:52.740 No, no. 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:53.860 This is the difference. 00:15:54.139 --> 00:15:57.360 In the blood of Jesus, you are united to Jesus. 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:59.600 You have put him on. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:02.680 So you stay connected to him forever. 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:05.040 It's even better than a water bath. 00:16:05.280 --> 00:16:08.180 The blood of Jesus saves forever. 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:11.200 That's what being united to him means. 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:17.340 And finally, God promises then to raise us to new life. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:21.379 That life that we're just reading about in Romans 6. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:25.560 Because we're united to the Savior who walks out of the grave, doesn't he? 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:27.399 By the power of the Spirit. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.680 So God gives us the same Spirit. 00:16:30.300 --> 00:16:33.360 That same resurrection life and power. 00:16:33.680 --> 00:16:36.740 Colossians 2 says it this way about baptism. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:43.460 As it replaces the sign of the covenant in the old covenant, which was circumcision. 00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:46.920 Paul is explaining to us now what happens in baptism. 00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:51.980 In him, in Christ, also you were circumcised with a... 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:52.800 There's a difference. 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:55.400 A circumcision made without hands. 00:16:56.100 --> 00:17:02.639 By putting off the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:11.400 In which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God who raised him from the dead. 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.420 How did it happen in our lives? 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:19.519 And you who were dead in your trespasses, in the uncircumcision of your flesh, 00:17:19.859 --> 00:17:24.639 God made alive together with Jesus, having forgiven us all our trespasses. 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:29.400 By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:33.460 This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:41.259 Do you see as he explains the connection with baptism, all three of these themes coming together in one section here? 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:47.580 Raised by the power of God because you're with Christ. 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:54.220 So you've been set free from sin and God has poured out his Holy Spirit on you for the rest of your days. 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:57.419 The water of baptism says we're free. 00:17:58.059 --> 00:17:59.359 We're connected. 00:17:59.779 --> 00:18:00.839 We're empowered. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:07.859 And nothing can reverse those realities that are ours by faith in Christ. 00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:15.679 These are the promises pictured in baptism according to God's word. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:23.019 And if you read some of these passages about baptism, the language is really strong, isn't it? 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:26.799 It can make you think they're just automatically happen. 00:18:27.360 --> 00:18:29.900 How does baptism bring God's grace into my life? 00:18:30.060 --> 00:18:30.900 Seems obvious. 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:33.759 Just get some of that holy water on someone. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:36.580 Just hit them with it and he'll be forgiven. 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:38.360 He'll be united to Jesus. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:40.580 He'll be raised to new life instantly. 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:42.220 Some people say. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:46.259 But other people say, whoa, whoa, whoa, not so fast. 00:18:47.680 --> 00:18:49.799 Don't forget it's just a sign. 00:18:50.880 --> 00:18:52.480 It's not the hospital. 00:18:53.180 --> 00:18:55.140 It's not the chicken sandwich. 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:59.120 Don't talk baptism up too much. 00:18:59.579 --> 00:19:00.720 It's really no big deal. 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:04.700 It doesn't bring God's grace into your life. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:07.460 It just points you to God's offer of grace. 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:08.299 Take it or leave it. 00:19:08.420 --> 00:19:09.559 Either way, it doesn't matter. 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:16.839 That seems to downplay the significance of many of the passages that we just read. 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:21.519 It misses God's clear command to those who believe to be baptized. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:28.919 I want to suggest that neither of those two extremes is faithful to the whole of the Bible. 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:39.920 I want to suggest to you that when we participate in a baptism, we are doing something that is neither magical nor meaningless. 00:19:41.340 --> 00:19:44.460 Neither magical nor meaningless. 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.860 Like a wedding ring. 00:19:48.100 --> 00:19:49.160 Some of you have one of these. 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:51.100 You can fiddle with it if you'd like to. 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:56.719 I've been wearing this one for 20 years this week, which I've been thinking a lot about wedding rings. 00:19:57.319 --> 00:20:02.319 I'm very thankful to have had the privilege of wearing one for 20 years. 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:07.059 So I've learned a little bit about what they mean and what a wedding ring does. 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:16.039 When you attend a wedding, the rings don't magically make the bride and groom married, do they? 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:19.500 They take vows before God. 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:20.700 That's necessary. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:27.299 They assign a marriage license for human legal requirements and bam! 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.639 Husband and wife. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:33.619 Rings or not, even if you were to forget the ring, they're married. 00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:38.960 If you lose the ring at the bottom of the ocean on the honeymoon, do you stop being married? 00:20:40.619 --> 00:20:41.139 No. 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:42.440 Certainly not. 00:20:42.879 --> 00:20:44.159 I sure hope not. 00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:55.800 Similarly, when I gave Christy a ring nine months before our wedding with no vows, no license, 00:20:56.640 --> 00:21:00.120 the ring didn't magically make us married, did it? 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:03.019 It was an engagement ring. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:07.120 Rings don't magically make you married. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:10.259 Does that mean they're meaningless then? 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:14.440 Just, you know, why bother? 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:17.519 Well, they're not worthless. 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:20.000 I can tell you that from pain for one. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:23.819 But also, think about it. 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:30.099 This ring is a picture of God's unending love, isn't it? 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:38.359 It's a picture from the one who gave it to me of Christy promising that kind of love to me, 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:41.980 that I promised that kind of love to her. 00:21:42.659 --> 00:21:46.139 A ring is a picture of being engaged to be married, right? 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:50.959 Marked out to belong to another, each of us to the other. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:55.160 And then it becomes a picture of being truly married. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:22:00.779 But even more than a picture, it does something else powerful. 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:06.299 It communicates to me the benefits of God's love. 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:08.440 I can feel it and remember it. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:10.700 Of Christy's love. 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:17.600 Of my being faithful to the vows that I made before God to her. 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:22.640 Further, it communicates to others that I'm hers. 00:22:22.860 --> 00:22:27.220 Not that this is a major point of confusion or consternation to many women. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:28.700 But I'm taken. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:31.220 It says that. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:35.080 It communicates to the world and to my heart. 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:41.279 It's a commitment that I made 20 years ago to a relationship designed never to end. 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:43.960 I don't have other relationships like that. 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:46.460 It is an amazing relationship. 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:51.099 When I consider that relationship, it's powerful. 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:55.899 When I consider that commitment, it's powerful. 00:22:56.220 --> 00:23:02.079 When I consider that unending love that would belong to someone who loves like that, it's powerful. 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:02.240 It's powerful. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:06.659 This ring is almost a part of my body. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:11.119 I have to work really hard to get it off. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:12.119 I feel it. 00:23:12.939 --> 00:23:13.980 I see it. 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:16.319 I feel uncomfortable without it. 00:23:19.199 --> 00:23:22.000 Listen, God has always worked this way with his people. 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:25.079 He wants us to feel and know those things. 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:32.779 He condescends to give us powerful signs that we can see and touch and taste. 00:23:33.379 --> 00:23:35.859 They are far from meaningless. 00:23:37.179 --> 00:23:37.799 Think about it. 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:41.919 God could have merely said that he would never flood the earth again. 00:23:43.439 --> 00:23:50.279 But instead, he said that and he hung this glorious rainbow up in the clouds visibly and powerfully 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:53.299 to remind us of his faithful promise. 00:23:53.299 --> 00:23:54.619 That does something. 00:23:55.079 --> 00:24:03.399 The blood of the Passover lamb gave life to God's people as they ate unleavened bread in faith. 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:09.339 God's presence was felt in the burning bush. 00:24:10.359 --> 00:24:13.859 The pillar of fire that led his people. 00:24:14.159 --> 00:24:21.740 Eventually, the tongues of fire on their heads at Pentecost so that they would know he was really here with you. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:23.159 He wasn't just saying it. 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:27.560 Jesus didn't just say to his disciples that he died and rose. 00:24:27.800 --> 00:24:30.259 He told Thomas, touch the wounds in my hands. 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:31.880 Put your hands in my side. 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:36.420 Taste, touch, see that the Lord is good. 00:24:36.820 --> 00:24:42.560 Touch and feel the reality of his presence with you and his promises to you. 00:24:43.060 --> 00:24:46.100 That is the gracious message of baptism. 00:24:46.660 --> 00:24:47.640 Feel the water. 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:52.060 Watch it wash sins away. 00:24:52.060 --> 00:24:55.060 Receive the promised spirit. 00:24:55.540 --> 00:24:59.520 Know that the God who makes these promises is real. 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:07.140 Baptism means something similar to all these other physical signs, doesn't it? 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:09.759 It's powerful. 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:15.540 It is a means, a pathway of God's grace. 00:25:15.660 --> 00:25:20.759 A place we can truly meet the Jesus to whom we are united. 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:23.800 By whom we are forgiven. 00:25:24.600 --> 00:25:27.140 With whom we are raised. 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:36.120 Now, God can bring his grace directly into your life during your baptism, can't he? 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:39.160 If that's the way he chooses to work. 00:25:39.160 --> 00:25:47.060 But the wedding ring analogy reminds us that he can meet you there during someone else's baptism too. 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:55.019 Did anyone here see my wedding ring and think of your own love for your spouse while I was talking about this ring? 00:25:55.640 --> 00:25:56.279 Somebody did. 00:25:56.380 --> 00:25:56.680 Come on. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.080 Keep your hands up. 00:25:58.120 --> 00:26:06.360 Have any of you ever gone to a wedding and been encouraged in your own love and your own wedding vows by watching someone else take theirs? 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:10.740 Yeah, many of us know that experience, of course. 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:18.339 See, if it's not magic water, but it is a living Savior. 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:23.019 A living Spirit dwelling in you. 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:29.099 If it's a living Savior to whom you are united by faith. 00:26:29.159 --> 00:26:32.679 Not just once when the water washes over you, but forever. 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:42.039 If this represents the promises of a living Father who wants you to know that you are loved always and forever no matter what you do, 00:26:42.420 --> 00:26:46.220 then you can meet Jesus while Nora is getting baptized. 00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:50.160 In fact, you should and you must. 00:26:50.560 --> 00:26:57.100 We should find ourselves embracing Christ afresh every time we see a baptism. 00:26:57.099 --> 00:27:03.019 He is coming to embrace us and we are to respond in faith, embracing him. 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:04.500 That should happen. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:08.579 It shouldn't be five minutes for you to check out while something happens to somebody else. 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:12.399 1 Peter 3 helps us here. 00:27:13.139 --> 00:27:16.980 At first, baptism is going to sound magical in this verse. 00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:21.539 Look, baptism now saves you. 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:21.940 Really? 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:23.159 Really? 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:24.319 Is it that simple? 00:27:24.659 --> 00:27:26.000 Just hit me with some water, Will. 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:28.259 Can I get a little bit of that from the stage this morning? 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.839 How is it? 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:32.220 How does baptism save us? 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:36.339 Not as a removal of dirt from the body, 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:45.099 but as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:27:45.099 --> 00:27:54.359 It saves us by pointing us to faith in a living Jesus who really does save us. 00:27:54.659 --> 00:27:56.240 He's alive for that. 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:58.159 He's working to do that. 00:27:58.480 --> 00:28:03.359 Baptism is not some meaningless, optional, religious right. 00:28:03.659 --> 00:28:08.819 It is the God-given means of receiving in your body and professing to the world 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:14.480 the grace that he has promised in Jesus to save us with. 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:21.139 If you've never been baptized before, listen for just a minute this morning. 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:26.619 It is not holy water that I want to introduce you to today. 00:28:27.899 --> 00:28:37.799 Instead, a holy Savior who promises that he really will forgive all your sins 00:28:37.799 --> 00:28:40.359 to keep you safe with him, 00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:44.259 to give you new life like you've never known. 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:46.400 This is not my idea. 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:51.879 God is the one telling us to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ 00:28:51.879 --> 00:28:53.500 for the forgiveness of our sins, 00:28:53.619 --> 00:28:56.420 and we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:59.339 That's his offer, his promise to you this morning. 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:02.279 I'll tell you honestly, I have never met anyone 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:06.460 who didn't need to be cleaned from something in his life. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:12.759 I've never met anyone who wanted to be completely alone always and forever. 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:20.960 I've never met anyone who was entirely content with his experience of life in this world, 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:23.240 who didn't long for something more. 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:29.740 And I've never met anyone beyond the reach of Jesus. 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:31.720 You're not. 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:34.779 This sacrament is a reminder of that. 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:39.859 His words to you that he will wash and cleanse you are reminders of that. 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:43.500 He can cleanse you even if you can't believe it. 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:45.640 He does hold you. 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:49.680 He will give you life abundant and eternal. 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:51.220 Guess how much it costs? 00:29:52.040 --> 00:29:53.040 It's free. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:55.980 That's why we say it's grace. 00:29:56.200 --> 00:29:57.860 It is entirely free. 00:29:58.220 --> 00:30:03.660 You just trust him today and receive that gift of his salvation. 00:30:04.540 --> 00:30:05.460 And if you will, 00:30:07.380 --> 00:30:08.640 then he says to be baptized. 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:19.740 Baptism will remind you that the faithful God who always keeps his promises promises to save you. 00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:22.020 When the water washes over you, 00:30:22.259 --> 00:30:25.100 you'll remember that he doesn't just make promises generically, 00:30:25.280 --> 00:30:26.720 but he makes them personally. 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:28.320 That he doesn't leave you on your own. 00:30:28.520 --> 00:30:32.360 That he brings you into a family who stands with you and prays for you 00:30:32.360 --> 00:30:34.740 and shares life alongside you. 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:37.240 And he loves you so much he wants you in that family. 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:42.720 If you have been baptized, 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:45.860 and that's most of you in here this morning, 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:48.980 always remember that. 00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:53.120 Even if you can't remember it happening, 00:30:53.320 --> 00:30:54.440 I don't remember. 00:30:54.560 --> 00:30:57.140 My baptism was over 40 years ago now. 00:30:58.160 --> 00:30:58.480 Goodness. 00:30:59.560 --> 00:31:00.600 It's hard to remember. 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:03.380 I don't have a specific memory. 00:31:03.380 --> 00:31:05.340 But as you hear God's promises, 00:31:05.940 --> 00:31:08.220 as you see the waters of baptism, 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:10.299 some washing over others. 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:12.600 As you even recall or imagine, 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:13.700 picture in your mind, 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:16.940 the feeling of water washing over you. 00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:21.259 Consider your own life. 00:31:23.380 --> 00:31:27.059 See, this is part of God's good design for every single one of us. 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:29.380 You receive only one baptism. 00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:29.500 Baptism. 00:31:30.260 --> 00:31:32.160 But in covenant community, 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:34.860 you keep being reminded, 00:31:34.860 --> 00:31:38.380 as others receive the same sign of his promises, 00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:42.540 as they become brothers and sisters that you commit to loving, 00:31:43.280 --> 00:31:46.000 in spite of you and in spite of them. 00:31:46.940 --> 00:31:49.400 Baptism helps us experience God's grace, 00:31:49.620 --> 00:31:51.180 as we not just think about it, 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:53.920 but we actually experience in our body, 00:31:54.060 --> 00:31:57.460 and take into our hearts the realities that it points us to. 00:31:57.460 --> 00:32:01.220 We don't have a baptism here every Sunday, 00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:02.779 like we did today. 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:05.940 Although, boy, it seems like a lot sometimes. 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:09.180 Every week, 00:32:09.819 --> 00:32:11.559 you look at this font. 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.940 Every week, 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:15.819 remember the blood of Jesus. 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:17.019 Every week, 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.400 renew your hope. 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:21.799 There is no one else you're supposed to throw your arms around 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:24.980 and embrace as your hope and your life. 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:28.599 As the water signifies God's promises for us, 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.940 God, by his spirit, 00:32:30.059 --> 00:32:30.899 meets us, 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:33.220 and he works those into our lives, 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:34.500 so that we know we're free, 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.500 we're connected, 00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:36.599 we're empowered. 00:32:40.099 --> 00:32:43.419 I really want us all to learn how to do that differently, 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:45.379 to help us engage our hearts, 00:32:45.380 --> 00:32:49.980 as we participate in baptism and worship together as a covenant community, 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:51.840 that we'll really meet Jesus there. 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:57.680 You can consider these same three biblical themes we've been talking about this morning. 00:32:58.340 --> 00:33:03.600 There are questions at this resource link we've been using all summer. 00:33:03.599 --> 00:33:07.939 I will warn those of you who like theological controversy, 00:33:08.139 --> 00:33:11.599 the questions are only questions for your heart. 00:33:12.299 --> 00:33:14.679 They're not controversies for your head 00:33:14.679 --> 00:33:16.899 and any of these resources about your age 00:33:16.899 --> 00:33:18.819 or the amount of water being used. 00:33:20.159 --> 00:33:20.959 Don't even look. 00:33:22.379 --> 00:33:22.959 They exist. 00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:23.559 There's plenty of them. 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:24.259 They're not hard to find, 00:33:24.359 --> 00:33:25.339 but that's not what this is for. 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:28.480 What do you need to be pondering 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:31.179 as we celebrate a baptism together? 00:33:31.180 --> 00:33:34.259 You should be pondering the forgiveness of sins. 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:37.539 What a necessary reminder of our need for cleansing. 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:39.900 If we weren't dirty deep inside, 00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:43.060 Jesus wouldn't have had to shed his blood to make us clean. 00:33:43.140 --> 00:33:44.460 There's a real problem. 00:33:45.620 --> 00:33:47.100 As you rejoice with others, 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:50.519 consider if you are living forgiven and free 00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:54.519 or if you're still carrying guilt and shame that Jesus has washed away. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:56.180 Those things should be on your mind. 00:33:57.560 --> 00:33:59.420 Think about your union with Christ. 00:33:59.420 --> 00:34:02.300 It is always important to ask yourself 00:34:02.300 --> 00:34:04.440 if you are walking closely with Jesus 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:07.560 like someone who is permanently connected to him 00:34:07.560 --> 00:34:09.200 or am I drifting? 00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:13.099 Does Jesus seem really distant? 00:34:15.700 --> 00:34:19.019 In Galatians chapter 3 that we read earlier, 00:34:19.539 --> 00:34:21.539 after Paul talks about baptism 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:23.380 and being united to Christ, 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:24.940 putting on Christ, 00:34:25.200 --> 00:34:26.420 he tells us one of the implications 00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:29.300 of having put on Christ in baptism 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:31.500 is that you now are dressed 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:33.760 like everyone else 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:35.440 who is clothed in Christ. 00:34:35.700 --> 00:34:36.559 You're not all dressed. 00:34:36.619 --> 00:34:38.480 I see lots of different colors out there this morning. 00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.659 You're not all dressed identically. 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:42.159 But when you put on Christ, 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:45.760 that becomes of utmost importance. 00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:47.880 He's going to challenge us. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:50.019 Are you honoring men and women? 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:54.780 Are you welcoming white and black? 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:57.599 Are you loving rich and poor? 00:35:00.059 --> 00:35:04.699 Because you see Jesus first when you look at them. 00:35:05.039 --> 00:35:07.579 Do you celebrate your connection to Jesus 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:09.300 and to his family 00:35:09.300 --> 00:35:11.579 by pointing your grace group 00:35:11.579 --> 00:35:12.780 and your kids 00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:15.119 and your brothers and sisters 00:35:15.119 --> 00:35:17.000 to Jesus for grace? 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:22.179 Finally, new resurrection life. 00:35:23.199 --> 00:35:25.159 Think about the new life you have. 00:35:25.800 --> 00:35:27.940 This life gets so discouraging 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:29.539 and confusing at times 00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:30.440 and you're going to come in here 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:31.239 on a Sunday morning 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.460 and you're not going to know 00:35:32.460 --> 00:35:33.219 which end is up 00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:35.340 and there's going to be a baptism. 00:35:36.059 --> 00:35:36.679 And you're going to say, 00:35:36.739 --> 00:35:38.679 I don't feel new life, pastor. 00:35:39.159 --> 00:35:40.699 I feel death. 00:35:40.940 --> 00:35:42.119 I feel hopeless. 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:46.480 And you're going to need to feel the water again 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:49.420 and not be distracted 00:35:49.420 --> 00:35:51.819 from what God wants you to know 00:35:51.819 --> 00:35:54.179 that you don't have to live in fear, 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:56.019 that you don't have to protect yourself. 00:35:56.199 --> 00:35:57.339 You can trust the God 00:35:57.339 --> 00:36:00.500 who has empowered you with his spirit. 00:36:01.239 --> 00:36:02.739 God, where am I doing that? 00:36:02.980 --> 00:36:04.380 Where am I living fearfully 00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:05.500 as though I'm on my own? 00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:07.279 Baptism is calling you back 00:36:07.279 --> 00:36:09.659 to the spirit of power and love 00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:11.019 that you have in you 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:13.099 because he promised it. 00:36:14.480 --> 00:36:16.460 Or ask yourself where you sense God 00:36:16.460 --> 00:36:18.039 growing new life in you, 00:36:18.379 --> 00:36:21.000 bringing new life to others through you 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.219 and celebrate that. 00:36:23.399 --> 00:36:24.899 There are so many ways 00:36:24.899 --> 00:36:27.440 to meet Jesus during a baptism. 00:36:28.519 --> 00:36:30.659 I think you could spend the rest of the day 00:36:30.659 --> 00:36:33.059 considering them in your heart. 00:36:33.679 --> 00:36:35.019 Thankfully, God has given us 00:36:35.019 --> 00:36:37.639 a whole Sabbath with him. 00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:39.299 He will meet you there 00:36:39.300 --> 00:36:42.039 if you'll take the time to ponder it. 00:36:42.360 --> 00:36:45.019 Don't miss Jesus ever. 00:36:46.620 --> 00:36:48.480 But especially in baptism, 00:36:48.760 --> 00:36:50.180 he meets us there. 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:53.080 See, Jesus got baptized too, didn't he? 00:36:56.080 --> 00:36:57.920 We meet Jesus in baptism 00:36:57.920 --> 00:37:00.019 because he was baptized. 00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:02.519 Yes, by John the Baptist 00:37:02.519 --> 00:37:05.340 to fulfill all righteousness. 00:37:05.800 --> 00:37:08.019 Jesus so identified with us 00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:10.539 and modeled obedience for us. 00:37:10.539 --> 00:37:13.840 So of course, Jesus meets us in baptism. 00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:18.139 But I'm thinking primarily of another baptism. 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:23.719 Jesus kept talking about his upcoming baptism 00:37:23.719 --> 00:37:28.619 even after being baptized by John. 00:37:28.739 --> 00:37:30.219 Mark chapter 10, 00:37:30.219 --> 00:37:31.779 Jesus said, 00:37:31.779 --> 00:37:34.899 Are you able to drink the cup I drink 00:37:34.899 --> 00:37:37.239 or be baptized with the baptism 00:37:37.239 --> 00:37:39.279 with which I am baptized? 00:37:40.399 --> 00:37:41.859 Luke chapter 12, 00:37:42.000 --> 00:37:43.599 Jesus says to the disciples again, 00:37:43.959 --> 00:37:46.879 I have a baptism to be baptized with 00:37:46.879 --> 00:37:49.779 and how great is my distress 00:37:49.779 --> 00:37:52.879 until it is accomplished. 00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:54.900 It's not the one that's already happened. 00:37:54.980 --> 00:37:56.980 It's one that's coming, isn't it? 00:37:59.099 --> 00:38:00.860 Note that that fearful, 00:38:02.039 --> 00:38:04.240 distressing baptism 00:38:04.240 --> 00:38:06.039 that Jesus faces 00:38:06.039 --> 00:38:09.960 is the one that we should have faced. 00:38:10.900 --> 00:38:12.880 That's the baptism we had coming. 00:38:13.660 --> 00:38:16.180 The one where our sins were washed 00:38:16.179 --> 00:38:17.599 with wrath 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:20.500 because they deserved it. 00:38:20.980 --> 00:38:22.659 They deserved death. 00:38:22.879 --> 00:38:26.579 It should have been poured out over us. 00:38:26.879 --> 00:38:30.699 Instead, Jesus drinks the cup of God's wrath 00:38:30.699 --> 00:38:32.039 due to our sins 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:35.279 so that his blood can flow to us 00:38:35.279 --> 00:38:37.139 and we can drink instead 00:38:37.139 --> 00:38:38.739 the cup of forgiveness. 00:38:39.179 --> 00:38:41.579 In fact, we can have the cup of forgiveness 00:38:41.579 --> 00:38:44.739 wash over us fully and forever 00:38:44.739 --> 00:38:47.799 because we are his. 00:38:48.619 --> 00:38:52.219 What a gift of God's grace then 00:38:52.219 --> 00:38:53.639 is baptism 00:38:53.639 --> 00:38:57.500 because we meet in it every time. 00:38:58.159 --> 00:39:02.179 The Savior who has walked that path of wrath 00:39:02.179 --> 00:39:04.479 so that we can walk today 00:39:04.479 --> 00:39:07.539 and forever with him 00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:10.419 in the pathway of grace. 00:39:10.539 --> 00:39:10.819 Amen. 00:39:11.399 --> 00:39:13.019 Let's walk with him in that. 00:39:13.179 --> 00:39:13.759 Pray with me. 00:39:15.539 --> 00:39:18.079 Jesus, we celebrate your grace. 00:39:19.019 --> 00:39:21.699 We rejoice that it is a promise 00:39:21.699 --> 00:39:22.959 that is our only hope. 00:39:24.719 --> 00:39:27.699 That you tell us there's a solution 00:39:27.699 --> 00:39:29.419 for broken, dirty, hurting, 00:39:29.859 --> 00:39:33.599 messed up, confused, weary people like us. 00:39:34.279 --> 00:39:36.239 And you have come to give it to us. 00:39:36.819 --> 00:39:38.099 What great kindness. 00:39:38.779 --> 00:39:39.779 What great love. 00:39:40.199 --> 00:39:41.739 We give you thanks for it. 00:39:41.739 --> 00:39:44.719 We are so grateful, Jesus, 00:39:44.859 --> 00:39:45.839 to be yours 00:39:45.839 --> 00:39:48.199 and that you have given yourself 00:39:48.199 --> 00:39:50.000 so that you are ours forever. 00:39:51.559 --> 00:39:54.000 May that reality fill our hearts 00:39:54.000 --> 00:39:55.619 and change our lives today, 00:39:55.699 --> 00:39:56.659 we ask in your name. 00:39:57.439 --> 00:39:57.739 Amen. 00:39:57.739 --> 00:40:00.699 For more information, 00:40:01.019 --> 00:40:03.019 visit us online at southwood.org. 00:40:03.019 --> 00:40:03.659 stars. 00:40:03.980 --> 00:40:06.539 dramatically bracelet 수도 00:40:06.759 --> 00:40:32.259 水