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

Lessons from the Nativity

Many years ago, I heard a sermon about lessons we could all learn from the Nativity. They are lessons you can use throughout the year. These lessons touched me very deeply, so much so that when Christmas was over that year I didn't want to pack the Nativity set away. Instead, I typed up the lessons and framed them. I set the frame beside the Nativity set and it remained up year round for several years.

When Aurora was a toddler she was fascinated with the animals and broke some of their legs while playing with them. After they were replaced, I started packing it up every year after Christmas. I now keep a copy of the lessons in my Bible for reference. Credit for these lessons goes to Dr. David Dykes of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. I am going to share them with you. It is my hope that they will bless you as they have me.

1. Mary - The impossible happens when you surrender to God.
2. Joseph - It's hard to trust what God is doing in the lives of those we love.
3. The Stable - As bad as your life may be, you can still identify with Jesus.
4. The Manger - God's presence changes the simple into the supernatural.
5. Jesus - God became like you so you can become like him.
6. Animals - All of creation recognizes Jesus as Lord.
7. Angels - Good News! You don't have to be afraid!
8. Shepherds - God wants you to share the story of Jesus with everyone.
9. The Star - When you honestly seek God, He will guide you to Jesus.
10. Magi - You are wise to bow and offer Jesus your finest gifts.

Blessings and Peace this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

Marian Lindsey

Joseph's View at Fleeing to Egypt

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

Matthew 2:13-15

I, Joseph, am a simple man and never expected to be involved in so many spectacular events: the birth of baby Jesus in a manger, the celestial display with angels, the visit of shepherds and kings. The adoration and adulation was overpowering.

Now the Lord has come to me in a dream and told me to take Mary and the baby to Egypt, a place I have only heard of. On very short notice, we have been asked to go to a foreign land where we are unfamiliar with the language, food, and customs. This will be a very arduous trip through difficult terrain with less than ideal transportation arrangements. We will be immigrants with no contacts, no family, no housing, no job? How will we manage?

As we travel through the night, through wind and sand, with very little travel provisions, we wonder what we will face and how long we will be required to be away from home. I am charged with the protection and safety of Mary and the Baby and I do not feel confident that I can cope with what is required of me. What will sustain me?

Then I am reminded that the Lord is with us; His steadfast love and care will sustain us. He will surely provide for us. I will trust in His goodness and mercy.

Barbara Hugghins

Herod: A Kingdom View

Read: Matthew 2:1-8,16

Not everyone was thrilled by the birth of the King of the Jews.

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…

Matthew 2:3 ESV

Herod held the title himself— king — any new king threatened his domain. I look at Herod and see a man who did not want his kingdom disturbed.

When the wise men failed to return with the location of the newborn king, Herod’s desire to keep hold of what he believed was his sent him on a frantic murderous hunt to dispose of the competition.

I know a man who does not want his kingdom disturbed. One who refuses to acknowledge the King, because if He is King, then his life will have to change. Someone else will rule his domain. You may know one or two yourself with this kingdom view.

Many see Jesus as a threat to their way of life. A threat to what they want to do and what they perceive will make them happy. Like Herod, they see Jesus as a disturbance in their kingdom.

But really, what do we have? What do any of us have that He hasn’t given us?

…He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things…

Acts 17:25 NASB95

Any semblance of our own kingdom, any semblance of control, is merely an illusion — a deadly deception.

The irony is, for those who refuse to come under the authority of the one true King, they miss out on all their hearts desire. Whatever they think they can receive from what they have will always elude them.

When we give up our own kingdoms for His, we gain an eternal inheritance, more than we could ask for or imagine! We become sons… daughters… of the King!

And I wonder… Are there areas in my life, where the arrival of Jesus disturbs me? Areas where I hold onto an illusion of control? Places the King’s presence leaves me feeling defensive?

What about you?

No, not everyone is thrilled by the birth of Jesus. It all depends on your kingdom view.

Lord, I choose to lay down my illusion of control 

and let You be the King of my life.

Carol Weaver