Dear Faith Lutheran Church and School,
This weekend (11/16/2025) we will celebrate a Baptism at Faith, and I pray that it will be the first of many that I will administer here. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is a precious gift from God. As we read in the catechism, Baptism 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.
The Baptism this weekend will be an infant Baptism. This is a special reminder to us that Baptism is not something we do. It is something that God does. The baby who will be Baptized on Sunday has not chosen to be Baptized. She relies on her parents for everything she needs for life. And her parents, by bringing her to the waters of Baptism, are confessing that she also needs something that even they cannot ultimately give her. She needs forgiveness, life, and salvation. She needs hope and a future.
And God is the only one who is able to give this, through His Word and Sacraments. So whether we are Baptized as children or adults, it is not our work that has brought us into the family of God, but His work. Only God is able to wash us and makes us clean and holy before Him. Only God can forgive our sins and defeat death. Only God can make us His children as He speaks His name over us. What we are powerless to do, God is able and eager to do. And this is why we bring our children to the waters of Baptism. We bring them that they would receive this wonderful, miraculous gift of God, which brings them from death to life, from hell to heaven.
This is also why we remember our Baptisms every day. In the remembrance of your Baptism, you confess that your confidence is not in yourself or your works, but in Christ alone. He has done it all. He has saved you. So, when you are aware of your weakness and sin, remember your Baptism! Remember that you area dear child of God; and trust that in Christ your future is secure in God’s Kingdom.
Dear people of God, I pray that you will come to Worship on Sunday. Come to witness and celebrate the miracle of Baptism. And come to remember your own Baptism and receive the gifts that God has to give you in His Word and Sacraments. Come and celebrate that you have called and gathered into His church, into His family, which will last forever. Amen.
-Pastor Shaun