“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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Published in: on March 15, 2023 at 9:45 pm  Leave a Comment  
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“Born of Water and the Spirit” (John 3:1-17)

The Holy Trinity
Sunday, June 3, 2012

“Born of Water and the Spirit” (John 3:1-17)

Do you know what day your birthday is? I do. My birthday is September 10. “What?” you say. “Pastor, I thought your birthday was in March.” Oh, you mean that birthday! Yeah, that birthday was March 7. But my other birthday, my re-birthday, was on September 10 of the same year. That was the day I was baptized. The first birthday was my birth according to the flesh. The second birthday, the day of my baptism, was my rebirth according to the Spirit. And, like me, what you really need is that baptismal rebirth, to be “Born of Water and the Spirit.”

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Published in: on June 2, 2012 at 7:50 pm  Leave a Comment  
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