more than water

This week we have something wonderful to celebrate, we have three people ready to get baptized and one other who is rededicating her baptismal vows.  Baptism Sundays are some of my favorite Sundays at Six Points.  I love getting the chance to see all the family and friends who come to support the persons being baptized.  I love the hugs and high fives and smiles both before and after the baptism.  I especially love seeing the wet footprints in the carpet as the person leaves the baptism tank...those are such a powerful testimony of the life changing work of Jesus who has washed away our sins and left us overflowing with his love.

But there is one part I love that none of you get to see.  In my office I meet with each and every person who wants to get baptized before they decide to take that public step.  We sit and talk about baptism.  We discuss what it is, what it means and why it matters.  I get to ask them questions and allow them to ask me questions.  I get to hear their stories about why they want to be baptized and what God has done in their lives.  It's a beautiful moment and one I cherish.  And in that conversation, I remind them that the water in the tank isn't special...it's just regular old water.  The water doesn't save them or wash away their sins; Jesus does.  The water is only a physical symbol that reminds us of the work that Jesus has already done in our hearts when he forgave us and set us free.

So this Sunday we will celebrate with those who are baptized...and I hope we go nuts.  I hope we clap, whistle, high five, fist bump, hug and enjoy this special day; but let us remember the true miracle isn't really about water; it's about the grace that Jesus poured out on us and in us when we accepted his free gift of salvation.
 
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

In Christ,
Pastor Scott