To Baptize . . . Or Not To Baptize

So today I’m struggling with the issue of baptism in the church. We have probably all been baptized as infants and I’m wondering why. Is it from tradition? Is it because we think we will go to hell if we don’t get baptized soon after birth? Is it for children, infants, or only for adults? Have we honored God with the way we practice baptism? Should we be immersed, sprinkled, or dry cleaned?

And what passages from the Bible help you to understand the meaning and practice of baptism? Some folks say that adult baptism is the only way and that children should be dedicated, but I’m not sure where we find that in the Bible.

The Presbyterian church explains that baptism in the New Testament is like circumcision in the Old Testament. It’s a covenant sign and promise by believing parents. Who knows? I’m not really asking you. Who out there really knows?

Recently I’ve been thinking that we should practice only adult baptism, or require lots of training for parents who desire their children to be baptized. How many people have their children “done” and then don’t raise them in the Christian faith?

Anyway, I’d be interested to read your thoughts on this matter. Some Sunday morning in the not too distant future, we will have a lively discussion/debate on this subject. I believe it really matters to God.

Yours in Christ,
George

The Leash

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

OK ... so we now have a dog, a one year-old mix of beagle, shepherd, coonhound... you figure it out. Her name is Lucy. And I have observed my first theological lesson from her.

All of her outdoor activity is governed by "The Leash", which we shall call, "The Law". She knows the leash and tolerates it - it means a walk or some other kind of fun adventure. She would, however, like to be free of the restraint of said leash. I would love to give her that freedom - just to hang with me, run loose, and come on my call. But Lucy, like us human sinners, is not that smart. I'm afraid she would use that freedom to run away, perhaps meeting a large automobile on Route 25.

If only she understood that freedom, with responsibility, would be so much more satisfying than the temporary rush of running away. Perhaps some of you have canine friends that have learned that lesson. Lucy hasn't learned it yet; nor have some of us humans.

We are free in Christ, but that freedom should not lead us away from God; instead it should cause us to be more in love with our Father and to respect and obey Him, lest our freedom lead us into harmful ways. Reading scripture, worshiping, loving one another - all are ways of staying close to the Master while enjoying freedom from the "leash".

Some of us, like Lucy, don't get it. And so the spiritual disciplines are given to teach us how best to use our freedom. Please take advantage of those classes as they come your way on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Yours in Christ,
George

Asking For God's Kingdom

We who are believers live in a Kingdom that is all but invisible to the world. Only Christ can open our eyes to see the reality of God’s Kingdom - as He did following the Resurrection, when He broke bread and was then recognized by His disciples. Jesus told his disciples, "Blessed are you to see what others have longed to see – the Kingdom in your midst." Jesus also said, "No one can see the Kingdom unless he is born again"(John 3:3). He meant right now. There is a hand, unseen by the world, that provides.

It's like watching football or cricket or basketball. Some folks can observe the game without much of an understanding as to what’s actually happening. It’s the same with the Kingdom of God. Some people look at this world and all they see is a random series of events. So, when we read in the Scripture that all things work to good for those who love God, these same people may think, "If you’re lucky, it does", or "If you work hard, it might", and sometimes, to some folks, it’s all just a "crap shoot".

And just what is the point of loving your enemies and blessing those who curse you? In the kingdom of the world, it makes no sense. But in the Kingdom of God, it is crystal clear. It’s how Jesus lived.

Do I live like that? Occasionally. And in those moments I see God and discover that it’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Take for example the crucifixion and death of Christ. To most people at the time, it meant the end of the hopes and dreams for victory in this world. But to the thief on the cross, it meant new and eternal life. After the resurrection of Jesus, many people began to see the difference Christ makes in THIS life, which continues forever. I was reading the other day that from God's perspective, the resurrection of Jesus means that this life, the "right here and now", matters. It’s why Jesus came back in a physical body.

Can you see that your life matters to God? Can you see that God is for you, not against you? Can you see that life can be lived with love and joy no matter how it might appear?

This Easter, ask for God’s Kingdom. The whole thing. Jesus said, "Seek the Kingdom of God and all that you need will be given to you as well."

A blessed Holy Week and Resurrection Day to all of you,
George

P.S. Please feel free to join us at any of the worship services this week:

• Holy Thursday Candlelight Communion, 7:30PM downstairs in the Social Hall
• Good Friday Worship Presentation, 7:30PM in the sanctuary
• Easter Dawn Worship, 6:15AM on Peconic Bay (at the Warns' home, 8740 Peconic Bay Boulevard)
• Easter Worship, Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00AM

Let's Talk

Adult baptism? Infant baptism? Please share your thoughts using the comment feature............. Let's get a dialogue going!