2015
A Pastoral Invite to our 2015 Summer BBQ & Baptism at Myrtle Edwards
An invitation
I’m writing to invite you to join us tomorrow, August 27th, at Myrtle Edwards for our annual summer barbecue and baptism. The grills will be hot and food will be served at 6pm. There is no need to bring anything other than your friends and your appetite (Unless you’re part of a Cornerstone Community that is bringing food to share). At some point between 7:00-7:30pm I will share a brief gospel word which will be immediately followed by testimonies and baptisms. It is going to be a great night and a beautiful evening. I hope you’ll be there to join in the celebration. Every year I post something to remind us of what baptism means to whet our gospel appetites.
Origin of baptism
Baptism is a deeply meaningful event in the life of a Christian. In fact, it is a practice given to us by Jesus himself in Mt 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” and reiterated by the Apostles, such as Peter in Act 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” In other words, baptism is Jesus’ idea and something he wants every follower of his to undergo. Have you been baptized as a follower of Jesus?
Meaning of baptism
But, what does it mean? Baptism is a dramatic portrayal of what happened spiritually when we first placed our trust in Jesus (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12). It points to the believer’s spiritual union with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and life with God, and God’s people, now and forever. Baptism does not create this union, but it shows, or demonstrates, the reality of that union that is now ours by faith in Jesus.
Beauty of baptism
So, no matter how long you have followed Jesus, do not lose sight of the significance, beauty and dramatic truth portrayed in baptism. It is a picture of passing through the waters of judgment to safety, through Jesus. It is a picture of leaving behind our old self, our old ways of life and eternity without God, through Jesus. It is a picture of rising to new life, a new family, and a new future with God, through Jesus. It is a picture of having all of our sin, guilt and shame washed away, through Jesus. This makes baptism a big deal and a call to celebration – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
Purpose of baptism
There are a number of reasons that Jesus calls his followers to be baptized. Let’s look at five, in no particular order. First, he wants us to experience the joy that comes with publicly professing our faith in Him. Second, he wants to strengthen our faith by having us symbolically participate in the death of our old life (going under the water), rising to new life (being brought out of the water) and having all of our sins washed away (full immersion). Third, he wants to encourage the faith of his people who are witnessing the testimonies and baptisms. Fourth, he wants to call others, who do not yet follow him, to turn from living for themselves and turn to him for forgiveness and relationship with the living God of the universe. Fifth, he wants us to experience his favor, blessing and peace that follows whenever we humble ourselves and walk in obedience.
See you there!
That’s probably more than you wanted to know about baptism, but it is spectacular isn’t it? Will you join me in praying for those sharing their testimonies and getting baptized later this week? Join us Thursday, not only to support those getting baptized, but for the good of your own soul – and those you invite. Event details and a map highlighting where we’ll be gathering is HERE.
Christ is all!
Pastor Adam
P.S. If you have never been to one of our summer baptisms, check these montages from years past.