A Weekly Word - The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

This Sunday, September 18, is the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

This week’s sermon is Faithful In Little and In Much

This week’s readings are:

Amos 8:4-7

1 Timothy 2:1-15

Luke 16:1-15

Psalm 113             

Message: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

1.     Baptism – one of the great joys of pastoral ministry!

2.     Why should we talk about Baptism?

a.      It is a significant point of difference between Christian denominations.

b.     It is a great gift that God has given to us that is important for our Christian life.

c.      “[I]t is of greatest importance that we value Baptism as excellent, glorious, and exalted. We contend and fight for Baptism chiefly because the world is now so full of sects arguing that Baptism is an outward thing and that outward things are of no benefit.”

3.     Who is active here?

a.      Many see as an outward action that displays an exterior faith.

b.     Baptism, in this mode, is a symbolic action of the individual’s commitment to follow Jesus.

c.      Lutheran’s see Baptism as an outward activity in the sense that it comes from outside of us and is done to us.

d.     We believe that God is at work here to make us into his disciples, forgive our sins, and save us.

4.     Matthew 28:19-20: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 

a.      The command is not “go.” It is “make disciples.”

b.     Baptizing and teaching connect to the command. They are how disciples are made.

c.      Notice: a choice is not offered. Christians are to be baptized and taught.

5.     Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

a.      Some try to order “repent” and “be baptized” – first then second.

b.     Both are commanded.

c.      “Be baptized” is a passive command – it is done to you.

d.     For the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

                                                    i.     What is that gift?

                                                  ii.     Faith!

6.     Baptism is water that is connected to God’s Word and promise which delivers faith and forgiveness.

a.      Baptize = wash.

b.     Not just water – water + Word.

c.      Titus 3:15 – “A washing of regeneration and renewal.”

                                                    i.     Born again!

7.     Baptism is a great treasure and gift from God.