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- The Promise of Baptism
- Introduction
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean...."
(Isaiah 1:16)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."
(Matthew 28:19-20)
Baptism is an entryway into the life of the church. It establishes a special connection with the Lord and the angels of heaven. It shows a desire to look to the Lord and a recognition that the church can help us to know and love Him.
During the time of John the Baptist, people were baptized in the Jordan River. And at the start of His public ministry, the Lord Himself came to be baptized. The waters of the Jordan symbolized the truths of the Word that teach us about the Lord. Today, in the New Christian Church, a minister applies water to the forehead and makes the sign of the cross while saying, "I baptize you into the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." The washing of baptism symbolizes purifying our lives by means of truth, which is a life-long process.
Baptism alone does not determine whether we will choose heaven or hell. Yet, if it is done with sincere intent, the sacrament has great power, turning us toward a true worship of the Lord.
Highlights for this month include
"Baptism" an article by Rev. Patrick Rose
"The Purpose and Meaning of Baptism" a sermon by Rev. Grant Odhner
"Baptizing a Baby" a talk for children by Rev. Kurt Asplundh
"The Promise of Baptism" a family talk by Rt. Rev. Peter Buss
Coloring Page of Parents with a Baby (PDF)
Baptism of the Lord Project (PDF)
Journal Page: I Believe (PDF)
Picture the Lord's Baptism (PDF)