Baptism: Entering a New Life

Rev. Doug Wintermute spoke on baptism last Sunday: Jesus's baptism, our baptism, Methodist baptism.

Take a moment to read Mark 1:4-11, the text forming the foundation of his message.
[If you don't have a Bible with you, click the Scripture reference to read online.]

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee

and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Mark 1:9 ESV

Even though the baptism of John was focused on repentance, Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, underwent baptism.

Rev. Wintermute pointed out the reason for this seemingly unnecessary baptism of Jesus. Christ was setting an example for anyone who wants to follow Him. One of Jesus' purposes on earth was to show us how to live life by the Spirit in full obedience to God the Father. With His baptism, Jesus revealed what we need, when we need it, and what God wants to do through it.

Jesus' baptism also forshadowed His death and resurrection. This action of baptism began His formal ministry. Perhaps it was a reminder to Jesus why He stooped low from heaven to enter human form.

Like Jesus, we need to be baptized --- enter into His death and resurrection by the power of the Spirit.

Baptism signifies us as a new people.
Free from the power of sin and death.
Free to serve Him in love.

All this a free gift of grace, simply waiting to be received.

Rev. Wintermute gave the congregation a challenge: Every time we come in contact with water, or are near water...

Remember your baptism and be thankful!

Because of our baptism into Jesus's baptism we can live without fear.

We can live with thanks in all things.

We are redeemed!

[Email subscribers, click here to view on YouTube. Or click post title to view on Growing in Faith at FUMC.]

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,

whom he has redeemed from trouble...

Psalm 107:1-2 ESV

Carol Weaver

An Ending and a Beginning

An ending and a beginning.

The last Sunday in December, we said good-bye to Pastor Bonnie and anticipated the arrival of Rev. Doug Wintermute.

Pastor Bonnie left us with thoughts on faith and healing from Luke 5:17-26. Take time to read this text now. [If you don't have a Bible handy, click the Scripture reference to read online.]

She told us:

Faith is when we keep going through any difficulty...

The paralytic's friends were filled with faith. They did not allow the crowds to deter them from getting to Jesus. Their faith was visible to Him as they peered down with anticipation through the hole in the roof.

He blessed the faithful friends by forgiving the paralytic his sins.

Not what they expected --- not what anyone expected --- and the scribes and Pharisees were indignant.

So, Jesus physically healed the man, too, in order to show He had the authority to forgive sins.

Bonnie left us with the understanding that both forgiveness and physical healing lead to human restoration when done in the name of Jesus.

Rev. Wintermute began by sharing the power of God's covenantal love with His people, from Ephesians 1:3-14. [Ditto, as above, if you don't have a Bible.]

In love, he predestined us for adoption

as sons through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV

Father God's powerful covenantal love deserves a powerful response. We were encouraged by Rev. Wintermute to live this next year as a covenant with Him. Raising the bar on our faith.

Real faith perseveres in the face of difficulties.

Real faith responds to His love with action through forgiveness and healing.

Real faith pursues Him with passion in His Word and through prayer.

Real faith expresses itself in love for God and love for others.

Our life is a series of beginnings and endings: relationships, jobs, semesters, days, seasons, years... Throughout each we have the opportunity to exercise real faith.

How are you making your faith real?

Just some thoughts from the past couple of Sundays.

Carol Weaver