Speaking like God

The church is facing significant challenges at this time in history. Pastor Phil Kniss said that despite these challenges, perhaps because of them, this is a wonderful time to tie yourself to the church. The church of Jesus Christ is both larger and smaller than the institutional church. This is a time where the church can renew itself through some of the ancient practices that shape the church. That is the focus of this worship series between Epiphany and Lent. The first of those ancient practices addressed in this series is baptism. Pastor Phil used the story of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:13-17 as a model for our understanding of baptism. This was the day Jesus was renamed as the beloved Son of God. Jesus received words of identity, not words of duty. Our baptism defines who we ARE and that identity then shapes what we DO. Remembering our baptism reinforces our identity, reinforces that in God's eyes who we are is enough!