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What About … Holy Baptism

Suppose for a moment that there was a doctor who had such incredible talent that he could prevent people from dying, and bring those who had died back to life, never to die again. Just im-agine how people would do whatever they could to be treated by this doctor! Now consider that in Holy Baptism, God actually does give us the gift of eternal life! Let’s learn more about this marvelous blessing. 

What is Baptism? 
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word.1

What’s so special about a handful of simple water? Nothing, until God connects His Word to it! In Baptism, that is exactly what God is doing. He combines His life-creating and life-giving Word with the waters of Holy Baptism, and thereby we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5) 

What is that Word of God? 
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). 

Our Lord commands Baptism. It is not optional, nor is it simply a nice “extra”. God’s Word takes on many forms, according to His good and gracious will. The Word is preached, taught, and pro-claimed. It is read, studied and meditated on. It is shared by Christians, with non-Christian and fellow believer, alike. And it is that Word of God, His promise, that makes Baptism what it is. God Himself is present as His name is joined to the water, with all His power and all His blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation. Christ consecrates the water of Baptism with His Word, so as we in Baptism stand with Christ in the water, the Father calls us His beloved children, the Holy Spirit is given to us, and heaven is opened to us. Those who received Baptism after they have been brought to faith by the preaching or teaching of the Word also receive all the blessings God has attached to Baptism. 

What benefits does Baptism give? 
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16) 

In and through Baptism, God cleanses us from all of our sins, snatches us from the power of Satan, and gives us everlasting life. It is all God’s doing as He gives us His blessing. It is His promise. In Baptism, our Triune God imparts to each of us personally the gifts the Lord Jesus Christ won for the world through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection . Please see especially Gal.3:27; Col.1:13-14; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5-7 and 1 Cor.6:11 

How can water do such great things? 
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Bap-tism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St.Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal in the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trust-worthy saying” (Titus 3:5-8) 

Of course, simple water can’t do such great things, but the wa-ter of baptism is not simple water! Baptism is one very special way God delivers to us the blessings Christ won for us. Baptism is not something we do, but something God does. Therefore, it is far more than a symbol. It is a sacred act in which God Himself is at work forgiving sins, giving new life in Christ and bestowing on us the Holy Spirit with all of His gifts. Baptism gives us the faith through which we receive these gifts. God the Holy Spirit works faith in the promises attached to Baptism. 

What does such baptizing with water indicate? 
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “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” (Rom. 6:4)

In Baptism we are buried with Christ, and in Baptism we are raised with Christ. His death and resurrection are made our own, and because of that fact, through our entire life, we are able to say, “I am baptized!” Having been buried with Christ into His death we do not have to be afraid of the tomb in which we will rot one day. Christ has already been there. In Holy Baptism we have passed through His grave into His resurrection. 

As Luther says in his Large Catechism, “If I am baptized, I have the promise that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body. ...Baptism is a treasure which God gives and faith grasps, just as the Lord Christ upon the cross is not a human work, but a treasure comprehended and offered to us in the Word and received by faith.” 

What does Baptism have to do with our daily life? 
Everything! Our entire life is a life lived trusting in in the prom-ises of God, given to us in and through Holy Baptism. We are constantly returning to Baptism. In moments of temptation and suffering in our lives, when all seems to be crashing down on us, and in particular in those moments when our sin and the guilt of those sins haunt us, we are able, as Luther says, to “Pull out our Baptism and wave it under the devil’s nose and say, ‘I am baptized. … I have God’s bath. It is Christ’s own blood.’ It is a bath blessed and mixed with the blood of Christ.” We can’t return to the cross of Christ, nor should we attempt to imagine ourselves back there. No, we turn instead to the “here and now” reality of God’s work in our lives. We return to our Baptism. For it was there and then that God buried us with Christ and raised us with Him to a new life. 

In his Large Catechism, Luther says, “Every Christian has enough to study and to practice all his life. He always has enough to do to believe firmly what Baptism promises and brings—victory over death and the devil, forgiveness of sins, God’s grace, the entire Christ, and the Holy Spirit with His gifts.” And: “If you live in re-pentance, therefore, you are walking in Baptism, which not only announces this new life, but also produces, begins and promotes it. In Baptism we are given the grace, Spirit and power to suppress the old man, so that the new man may come forth and grow strong. Therefore, Baptism remains forever. ...Repentance, there-fore, is nothing else than a return and approach to Baptism. 

Why are infants and young children baptized? 
They are baptized for the same reason adults are baptized—because of the command and promise of God. 

What is promised in Baptism is given to all who receive it; there-fore, infants and young children also have the promise of God. They, too, are made children of God. They, too, are included in the words “all nations” (Matt.28:19). Jesus specifically invites little children to come to Him (Luke 18:15-17). But most important, as sinners, infants need what Baptism gives. 

By His word, God created all that is seen and unseen. By His word, our Lord Christ called a dead man from the tomb (John 11:43-44). The unborn child, John the Baptist, leaped in his moth-er’s womb when he heard the word of God (Luke 1:41-44). Why is there any doubt that in and through the Word and the promise of Baptism, God works a similar gift of faith in the infant? If we mis-understand Baptism to be our work, then we will always cast doubt on it. When we recognize that it is not our work, but God’s gracious promise and work, we realize that infants are to be bap-tized and receive the treasures offered in and through Baptism. Sadly, there are individuals and church bodies that deny Bap-tism to young children and infants. They do not believe that these little ones need what Holy Baptism gives. They do not believe what the Bible teaches so clearly, namely, that God saves us thought Baptism. As a result of these false teachings, they deny both to themselves and to others the power, blessing and comfort of Holy Baptism. That is tragic, for it is a most serious offense against God to deny what HE plainly declares in His Word: “The promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39) and “Baptism now saves you.” (1 Peter 3:21) 

Conclusion
“We see what a great and excellent things Baptism is, which snatches us from the jaws of the devil and makes God our own, overcomes and takes away sin and daily strengthens the new man. It always remains until we pass form this present misery to eternal glory” (Large Catechism). 

The meaning, power and promise of Holy Baptism rest entirely on the One who lived perfectly in our place and who suffered and died as the sacrificial ransom for the sins of the world. HE rose victorious over death and the grave. In Holy Baptism, we receive all the blessings of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Thank God for His gift of Holy Baptism! 

Dr. A. L. Barry
Past President (1992-2001)
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

1. The words in italics are from Luther’s Small Catechism

VIDEO: Wednesday August 14, 2024 - Complete Service

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Worship Service: 2:00 p.m.
Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. — The Book of Hebrews
All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

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AUDIO: Readings & Sermon for Wednesday August 14, 2024

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Worship Service: 2:00 p.m.
Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. — The Book of Hebrews
All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

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2 Samuel 1:1-26a 
After the death of Saul, David returned from striking down the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor. 

“Where have you come from?” David asked him.
He answered, “I have escaped from the Israelite camp.” 
“What happened?” David asked. “Tell me.” 

“The men fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.” 

Then David said to the young man who brought him the report, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 

“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” the young man said, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and their drivers in hot pursuit. When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I said, ‘What can I do?’ 

“He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ 

“‘An Amalekite,’ I answered. 

“Then he said to me, ‘Stand here by me and kill me! I’m in the throes of death, but I’m still alive.’ 

“So I stood beside him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band on his arm and have brought them here to my lord.” 

Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. David said to the young man who brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite,” he answered. David asked him, “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” 

Then David called one of his men and said, “Go, strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. For David had said to him, “Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 

David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar): 

“A gazelle lies slain on your heights, Israel.
How the mighty have fallen! 
“Tell it not in Gath,
proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. 
“Mountains of Gilboa,
may you have neither dew nor rain, 
may no showers fall on your terraced fields. 
For there the shield of the mighty was despised, 
the shield of Saul—no longer rubbed with oil. 
“From the blood of the slain,
from the flesh of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied.
Saul and Jonathan—
in life they were loved and admired,
and in death they were not parted.
They were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions. 
“Daughters of Israel,
weep for Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and finery,
who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. 
“How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your love for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women. 
“How the mighty have fallen!
The weapons of war have perished!” 

1 Corinthians 7:26-40 
Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. 

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 

If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. 

A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God. 

The Ten Commandments 
What is the second commandment? 
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 
What does this mean? 
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. 

Bulletin: Wednesday August 14, 2024

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Worship Service: 2:00 p.m.
Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. — The Book of Hebrews
All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.

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LWML 2024 Eastern District Fall Retreat

LWML Eastern District Fall Retreat 2024
September 20-22, 2024 at Pioneer on the Lake, Angola, NY
Hosted by the Niagara Zone

“ABOUND IN HOPE”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Guest Speaker Terri Bentley, President—LWML Utah-Idaho District
Terri Bentley, President of the LWML Utah-Idaho District will be our retreat speaker. Terri is a retired English teacher, and is now a national speaker and Bible study leader for women’s groups. She is also a successful writer of articles, devotions, retreats, and church programs. We look forward to what Terri has to share with us.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration Begins —Must be postmarked May 1, 2024 or later
Registration Deadline—Must be postmarked no later than August 25, 2024

INGATHERING
Monetary donations for Pioneer on the Lake to buy picnic tables, chairs, and umbrellas for the area near the Country Store. Please make checks payable to Pioneer on the Lake.

INTEREST SESSIONS

• Speaker

• Missions in Motion

• Pioneer Servant Event

• Water Color Workshop

• Photo Booth

• Yoga

• Entertainment “HOPE” featuring the Mite—“E”— Players. A One-Act Play Written by Kathryn Cota of Sheboygan, WI

DOWNLOAD Retreat Information
DOWNLOAD Retreat Registration Form

Invitation to Organ Recital, Celebration Service & Dinner

Invitation to organ recital, celebration service and Dinner
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ambridge, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area) will officially become part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (Eastern District) at a special Celebration Service on Sunday, August 18th. The festivities will begin with an organ recital at 3 p.m. (Mr. Jonathan Hoyt of First Trinity, Pittsburgh). The Celebration Service will commence at 4 p.m. A dinner will follow. Pastors and parishioners not only of surrounding parishes in the Pittsburgh area but from other regions are invited to attend. Pastors are invited to vest and process (red stole). 

If you have even a rough estimate of how many will be attending from your parish, please let Bruce Sutherland know by Friday, August 9th. He can be reached (text or phone) at 716- 998- 0225. 

Please keep this historic congregation in prayer as they officially become part of our fellowship.