Forester United Methodist Church
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Words of Hope Daily Devotional
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What is Baptism?
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
It’s the sacrament of INITIATION INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH, which joins the new member with Christians everywhere.
It’s also
the BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG PROCESS of growth in Christ.
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BAPTISM:
v INCORPORATES new members into the church, to promote their spiritual growth.
v IDENTIFIES the recipient as a baptized Christian.
v
SIGNIFIES death, rebirth, and new life.
v ASSURES us that our sins are forgiven.
THE WATER OF BAPTISM
Water is the special symbol of baptism. It signifies:
v BIRTH AND LIFE. Paul likened the waters of baptism to the waters of the womb. As we are born from the womb, so in baptism are we born into Christian life.
v DEATH. The waters of baptism also link us with Christ’s death and resurrection.
v CLEANSING. As in the Old Testament the water of baptism symbolizes the cleansing of sin and the purification of our souls.
v GROWTH. Water traditionally symbolizes nourishment and growth. As rain must water the fields to bear crops, the waters of baptism begin a lifelong process of growth towards God.
The Sacrament of Baptism is a GIFT FROM GOD
GOD’S GIFT
Baptism is GOD’S GIFT FREELY OFFERED so that we might receive:
v
Active grace and saving love.
v A spiritual home in the Church.
v New life as God’s adopted children.
v Forgiveness for all our sins.
v The promise of salvation.
v The gifts of love, joy, peace,
and kindness.
OUR RESPONSE
We ACCEPT GOD’S LOVE by:
v Agreeing to fulfill our Christian responsibilities
v Obeying Christ’s instructions to spread the good news
v Living a Christian life of love and service to all.
WE RESPOND:
v AS INDIVIDUALS, by making a personal commitment to Christ.
v AS CHURCH MEMBERS, by participating in the life of the church and contributing to its continuity and vitality.
v AS CHRISTIAN, by leading lives that show our love for Christ and for each other.
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BAPTIZED ADULTS and YOUTH grow spiritually, encouraged by the church. They help other church members grow spiritually, as well.
BAPTIZED INFANTS and CHILDREN are joined in the life of the Holy Spirit which prepares them for their profession of faith. Parents are one of the routes by which God’s love reaches young children. Children grow in faith according to the example and instruction of their parents.
BAPTISM is a sign, a promise from God and a new beginning.
If you would like to know more about baptism or church membership
please contact Pastor Ellen. phone: 989-864-3791 email: eos@globali.us
