“The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: How Can Water Do Such Great Things?”

Midweek Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 15, 2023

“The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: How Can Water Do Such Great Things?”

Today we continue our series on the six chief parts of the catechism, and we come to the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. And the catechism has some pretty impressive things to say about Baptism: “It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this.”

“Wow! That’s quite a list! And you’re telling me that Baptism does all of that? That Baptism actually works? That it accomplishes such marvelous things? You’re kidding me, right? Just pouring some water over somebody’s head can forgive their sins and give them eternal life and salvation? Come on! You expect me to believe that?”

Why, yes, I do! I do expect you to believe that Baptism does those things. And today I’ll tell you why and how, under the theme: “The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: How Can Water Do Such Great Things?”

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“Lord, What Are You Doing Here?” (Matthew 3:13-17)

The Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday, January 9, 2011

“Lord, What Are You Doing Here?” (Matthew 3:13-17)

You know, so far, both at Christmas and at Epiphany, we’ve found Jesus in places you wouldn’t expect. The shepherds were told to find the newborn Messiah lying in a manger, not in a palace. Then, when the wise men come looking for the one born king of the Jews, they find him in the little town of Bethlehem, rather than in the royal city of Jerusalem. Not where you would expect for such a glorious king. And now, when we fast-forward to Jesus as an adult, once again we find him where you would think he doesn’t belong. Today, it’s at John’s baptism at the Jordan. This is not where Jesus should be! Or is it? This, in a way, surprising appearance of Jesus, coming to be baptized, is what throws John for a loop. He basically asks Jesus, in effect, “Lord, What Are You Doing Here?”

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Published in: on January 9, 2011 at 2:16 am  Leave a Comment  
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