January 8, 2012

Baptism of the Lord


Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11

Message series: After Christmas
Sunday’s message: Water and Spirit

On this occasion each year we remember Jesus’ baptism, and our own.

There is a difference between John the Baptist’s baptism and our Christian baptism. John’s baptism was an outward sign that the people “were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.” They were accepting the wonderful offer of a new start that John was offering in God’s name.

That’s good stuff, and the offer is still available. But Christian baptism is more. John himself says of the One who is coming after him, “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Christian baptism not only gives us a new start; it connects us with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. And, it connects us with the people of Jesus as Jesus himself steps into the water and sees the Spirit descend on him.

Paul expands on our connection with Jesus in baptism when he writes,

Or don't you know that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried together with him through baptism into his death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life. If we were united together in a death like his, we will also be united together in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:3-5 CEB)

Baptism isn’t just about getting wet. Nor is it just about our desire to be Jesus’ transformed people. It is about becoming God’s people in the sense of becoming a part of the work of God from the beginning:

When God began to create the heavens and the earth – the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God's wind swept over the waters – God said, "Let there be light." And so light appeared. (Genesis 1:1-3 CEB)

So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! (2 Corinthians 5:17 CEB)

If everything works out we’ll have several baptisms on Sunday. Also we’ll have people becoming Professing Members of our congregation by transfer. By the grace of God the people of Jesus who meet as Gray Memorial United Methodist Church will grow a bit. I’ll see you there.