Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Welcome to the Easter season church. On the traditional Christian calendar, the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost is known as the broader season of Easter, or Eastertide. On Sunday, we talked about the significance of Baptism in the life of our church and how coming to the waters of baptism can help us pull the hope of Easter through to the rest of our year.
We come to the waters of Baptism to celebrate. Baptism is one of the most significant rites a person can have as a believer. It’s based on their decision to follow Jesus; the most important decision a person will make in their life. We believe baptism follows a personal decision to follow Christ; after someone has given their heart to Jesus and surrendered to Him. Scripture teaches us that it’s the next step for someone who decides to identify with, and follow, Jesus. It’s about going public and announcing that decision.
Our church spells out its importance in our policies:
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. These ceremonies were instituted by Jesus Christ for the church to observe. Baptism dramatically celebrates our entering into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ by faith, and the Lord’s Supper portrays our continuing in this relationship.
I’ve been reflecting on my own baptism this morning as well as those I’ve had the privilege to baptize. What’s your baptism story? I encourage you to reflect on your own decision to follow Jesus and your baptism that followed. There were people that encouraged and discipled you on that journey. There was a pastor or minister who baptized you. Do you remember the waters?
I close my message on Sunday with some questions. How do we keep the water of baptism on us long after we’ve moved away from the literal H2O? How do we drench ourselves in that decision to be baptized with the good news, the Gospel of Jesus, everyday?
The power of the resurrection is not just an Easter celebration. It’s a daily celebration we can choose to make in the way we live our lives. Let’s be the Easter people.
Buried With Christ In Baptism, Raised To Walk In A Brand New Life.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for waters of Baptism that remind us how we have been raised from death to new life. Help us to live as Easter people. In Jesus’ holy name we pray, amen.