Coming clean in baptism 4.12.15

Coming Clean

I close my eyes only for a moment and the moment's gone

All my dreams pass before my eyes with curiosity

Dust in the wind All we are is dust in the wind

Same old song just a drop of water in an endless sea

All we do crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

“Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

This is God’s Word for my life

In this Place and at this Time.

Today I am a new creation in Christ,

I am God’s very own, and

I KNOW He has a purpose for my life.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:5-13 (NIV)

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a Spiritual IDENTITY

Baptism is not a vaccination against suffering nor is it magic that attracts good fortune. Being a baptized child of God is an identity we carry with us all the days of our life.

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a Spiritual IDENTITY

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

1 Corinthians 12:13

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a statement of OWNERSHIP

Baptism also lays claim. It is a statement of ownership. It is the sign of the King’s irrevocable seal upon those raised out of darkness to become light, to proclaim reconciliation and to offer grace.

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a statement of OWNERSHIP

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a statement of OWNERSHIP

“He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a CALLING

“All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

Baptized Into Christ

Baptism is a CALLING

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 4:1-2

Baptized Into Christ

Would you rather die for something,

or live for nothing?

Remember Your

Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church, are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Through the reaffirmation of our faith we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ’s holy church.

On Behalf of the whole church, I ask you:

Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of

your sin?

Do you accept the freedom and power God give you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in

whatever form they present themselves?

Do you confess Jesus Christ as you Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to

serve Him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages,

nations, and races?

According to the grace given you, will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church, and serve

as Christ’s representatives in the world?

Will you nurture one another in the Christian Faith and Life and aspire to be all that Christ calls us to be

in the world?

Congregational Response:

With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround one another with a community of love and forgiveness, that together we may grow in our trust of God, and be found faithful in our service to others. We will pray for each other, that we may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to Life.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, and by this gift of water call to our remembrance the grace declared to us to our baptism. For you have washed away our sins, and you clothe us with righteousness throughout our lives, that dying and rising with Christ we may share in his final victory.

The Blessing

Congregational response:

All praise to you, Eternal Father,

Through your Son Jesus Christ,

Who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever. Amen

Pastor:

The God of all Grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and peace.

Remember Your