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Monday, January 14, 2013

Sermon - Grace Through Water, by Pastor Ruth Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Baptism of the Lord Sunday, 2013

January 13, 2013
Worship Theme: The Holy Spirit and Our Baptism
The Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Isaiah 43:1-7 God’s Word Bible
Acts 8:14-17 God’s Word Bible
Luke 3:15-17 Common English Bible
Luke 3:21-22 The Message Bible

“God’s Grace Through Water”

A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, verses 15-17 and 21-22. I will be reading from the Common English Bile and the Message Bible this morning. Listen to the Word of God for you and me, the people of God.

(Start pouring the water) Water. . . it has so many implications and meanings. It can be life giving and life taking. Water has so much power. When it is held back, we can enjoy a leisurely trip down the river. When it is held back, we can have water to drink from our faucets at home. When it is held back, we can enjoy a swim in our pools. But when it is let loose. . . then. . . then we can see its awesome power. When it is let loose we see the devastation of a flood in all its might. When it is let loose we see how a rain storm can ravage a village. How can something that is so life giving be so devastating? It is definitely a force to be reckoned with. . .

There are many stories in the bible about water, some good and some not so good. Out of the water God created the dry land in the Book of Genesis. Through water, the Israelites were saved from the Egyptian’s in the Exodus story. Out of a rock Moses was able to find life giving water for a thirsty nation. Through the waters of the Jordon River the Israelites entered into the new land. But. . . but. . . out of water there came a flood that wiped away almost all of humanity in Noah’s day. Out of water the Israelites enemies, the Egyptians, were drowned in the Red Sea. There are many more stories about water in the bible. It has an important place in God’s grand design. Water is a holy and powerful thing. Water. . . at times we can’t live with it but more often we can’t live without it.


Today is Baptism of the Lord Sunday in the Christian calendar. It is a day when we remember that baptism that changed all other baptisms to come. It is a day that through water a new era emerged. Through water we are saved. Through water we are adopted. Through water we are claimed. And through water we are freed. Water has many images for me. In today’s readings, I had many different images come to mind.

From the Isaiah passage we have the image of a God who is always there, no matter what. In our times of deep need. . . in our times when the storms of life feel as if they are about to wash us out to sea. . . in those moments that we cry out to God “I can’t hold on anymore. . . it is too much for me and I feel as if I am drowning!”. . . our God is there reaching down ready to pull us back to the surface. . .  When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. We are so precious to our God that God will not let us drown if we only reach out and take His hand. . .  Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

From the Acts passage we have the image of an all inclusive God. Through the waters of baptism we are all included in the gift of the Spirit. The apostles in Jerusalem were concerned about the Samaritans that hadn’t received the Holy Spirit. They knew that they were for some reason they had not been baptized by the water and Spirit and they needed to fix that issue. So they went to the ones who could, Peter and John. They wanted their new brothers and sisters to have the same gift that they had. They didn’t care that they were different. To them they were now part of the family and with being part of the family they should have the family “seal”. . . the mark of the Holy Spirit on their lives. They went to Samaria to pray for these “outsiders”. . . so to speak. . . to receive the Holy Spirit. Through the waters of baptism we are included in the family of God. Through water God gives new life.

And then we have the baptism of Jesus. John knew who Jesus was and that He would bring about a new baptism. It would not be a baptism that just cleanses you with water from your sins but a baptism above all baptisms. This baptism will be one that has never been seen before. . . A baptism of the Spirit and fire. . . A baptism that God comes and lives within the baptized person through the Spirit. . . a baptism that would change all other baptisms. But as I read the passage, the most exciting piece for me is the part when the voice says “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” You are my son. . . you are my daughter, you are chosen and marked. . . I have claimed you and you are mine. . . the pride of my life. . . through this water I have marked you with the seal of my Spirit.

Today is the Baptism of the Lord Sunday, the day when we remember not only his life changing baptism but ours as well. Through water we are saved. Through water we are redeemed. Through water we are given a new life. So when the waters of life seem as if they are about to overtake you. . . remember your baptism. . . when you walk through the waters they will not over take you. When you feel as if you have no one who really cares in your life. . . remember your baptism. . . I have claimed you and you are mine. When you feel like an outcast in this journey of life. . . remember your baptism. . .  Through the waters of baptism we are included in the family of God. You have been sealed with love. . . you have been sealed with power. . . you have been sealed with grace. . . you have been sealed by the Spirit. Remember your baptism. . .

Amen!

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January 13, 2013
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Luke 3:15-17 (Common English Bible)
Luke 3:21-22 (The Message Bible)
Isaiah 43:1-7 (God’s Word Bible)
Acts 8:14-17 (God’s Word Bible)
Worship Theme: “The Holy Spirit and Our Baptism”
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication
and sermon – “God’s Grace Through Water
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2013
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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