Embracing Community Through Baptism and Communion

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as Entry into the Body of Christ

Baptism is the doorway through which we enter the community of faith, reminding us of our identity as beloved members of Christ’s body. The placement of the baptismal font at the entrance of the church is a powerful symbol: as we come to worship, we are invited to remember our own baptismal promises and the grace that welcomed us into God’s family. Each time we see or touch the holy water, we are called to renew our commitment to Christ and to recall that we are marked as his own forever. [18:11]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: When you enter a place today—your home, work, or even a store—pause and remember your baptism. How does recalling your identity as a beloved child of God shape the way you enter and interact in these spaces?

Day 2: Renouncing Evil and Embracing Christ

The baptismal vows call us to actively renounce all that draws us away from God—evil, sin, and the powers that corrupt—and to turn wholeheartedly to Jesus, trusting in his grace and love. This is not a one-time act but a daily posture: to resist what is wrong, to repent when we fall, and to continually choose to follow Christ as Lord. The community is also called to support one another in this journey, reminding us that we do not walk alone. [19:08]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific “old self” habit or desire you need to renounce today? How can you invite Jesus to help you put on your new self in this area?

Day 3: Sharing in Christ’s Death and Resurrection

Through the waters of baptism, we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, buried with him and raised to new life by the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is not just a ritual but a profound participation in the mystery of Christ’s saving work: we are forgiven, reborn, and empowered to live in joyful obedience, sustained by God’s Spirit and grace. [23:03]

Colossians 2:12-13 (ESV)
"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to experience resurrection and newness today? Ask God to bring his life and forgiveness into that place.

Day 4: Living as the Body of Christ

We are welcomed into the household of God to confess Christ, proclaim his resurrection, and share in his peace. As the body of Christ, we are called to support one another, to love our neighbors, to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being. Our faith is not private but lived out in community, as we become what we receive at the table and embody Christ’s love in the world. [26:16]

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: Who in your church or community needs your encouragement or support today? How can you tangibly embody Christ’s love to them?

Day 5: Caring for Creation as an Act of Faith

God has woven us into the web of creation, blessing us with a world of beauty and variety. Yet, we are reminded that caring for God means caring for the earth and for each other, recognizing that we are not masters but stewards and participants in God’s creation. Our faith calls us to honor, protect, and cherish the world and all its creatures, joining in God’s ongoing work of love and restoration. [35:58]

Genesis 2:15 (ESV)
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can care for God’s creation today—whether through your actions, your prayers, or your advocacy?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a community to welcome Virginia into the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism, a powerful reminder of our own entry into the life of faith. The baptismal font, placed at the entrance of the church, stands as a symbol of how each of us begins our journey with Christ—by passing through the waters of new birth. As we witnessed Virginia’s baptism, we were invited to renew our own baptismal promises: to renounce evil, to turn to Christ, and to commit ourselves to a life shaped by grace, trust, and obedience.

Baptism is not just a personal milestone but a communal event. The entire congregation participated, promising to support Virginia in her life in Christ and joining together to reaffirm our shared faith. We remembered that in baptism, we are buried with Christ in his death and raised to new life by the Holy Spirit. The water, the oil, the lighted candle, and the cross each serve as tangible signs of God’s grace, marking us as Christ’s own forever and calling us to carry the light and love of Christ into the world.

Our worship continued with the celebration of Holy Communion, where all are welcomed to the table. We reflected on the interconnectedness of all creation, recognizing that God’s love extends not only to humanity but to the entire universe. We confessed our tendency to treat creation as something to control rather than as a gift to cherish, and we were reminded that caring for the earth and for one another is an essential part of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Through the story of Jesus—his incarnation, his compassion, his longing for justice and peace—we are shown the way to live in grace and freedom. The bread and wine of Communion become for us the body and blood of Christ, uniting us with God, with each other, and with all creation. As we receive these gifts, we are called to become what we receive: the body of Christ in the world, agents of reconciliation, justice, and peace.

We closed with a blessing, sending one another forth to continue living out our baptismal promises, strengthened by God’s grace and the support of this loving community.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism is both a personal and communal act, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. It is not just about individual salvation but about being welcomed into a community that promises to support, nurture, and walk alongside each new member. This shared commitment reminds us that faith is never a solitary endeavor but a life lived together in Christ. [19:40]
2. The baptismal promises—renouncing evil, turning to Christ, and striving for justice and peace—are not one-time declarations but ongoing commitments. Each time we witness a baptism, we are called to examine our own lives, to renew our dedication to resisting evil, seeking reconciliation, and embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways. [21:23]
3. The elements of baptism—the water, the oil, the candle, and the cross—are more than symbols; they are means by which God’s grace is made real to us. They remind us that we are marked as Christ’s own forever, called to bear the light of Christ and to carry our own cross in daily life, trusting in the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit. [24:47]
4. Our relationship with creation is deeply spiritual. We are not masters of the earth but participants in its web of life, called to care for it as an act of worship and obedience to God. Recognizing our interconnectedness with all creatures challenges us to live with humility, gratitude, and responsibility toward the world God has made. [35:58]
5. The Eucharist is a profound act of unity, drawing us together as the body of Christ and connecting us with the entire creation. As we receive the bread and wine, we are invited to become what we receive—Christ’s presence in the world—living lives of compassion, justice, and peace, empowered by the Spirit to bring about God’s reign on earth. [39:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:11] - Gathering for Baptism
[19:08] - Renunciations and Promises
[19:40] - Congregational Commitment
[21:23] - Renewal of Baptismal Covenant
[23:03] - Thanksgiving Over the Water
[24:47] - Baptism and Anointing
[26:16] - Welcoming the Newly Baptized
[28:21] - Invitation to Communion
[33:05] - Prayer of Unity
[33:50] - Praise for Creation
[35:58] - Confession and Call to Care for Creation
[37:04] - Jesus’ Example and the Call to Justice
[37:59] - Institution of the Eucharist
[39:51] - Breaking Bread and Sharing Communion
[47:55] - Announcements and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 6:3-5 (ESV) — > Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

2. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

3. Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)
> For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Observation Questions

What are the promises made during baptism, both by the person being baptized (or their sponsors) and by the congregation? ([19:08])
What physical elements are used in the baptism service, and what does each one represent? ([24:47])
According to the sermon, how is baptism both a personal and a communal event? ([19:40])
How does the Eucharist (Communion) connect us to God, each other, and all of creation? ([39:51])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the congregation make promises to support the newly baptized? What does this say about the nature of Christian community? ([19:40])
The sermon mentions that baptismal promises are not just one-time declarations. What might it look like to “renew” these promises in daily life? ([21:23])
The sermon describes creation as something we are called to care for, not control. How does this perspective challenge common attitudes toward the environment? ([35:58])
The phrase “become what you receive” was used during Communion. What does it mean for us to become the body of Christ in the world? ([39:51])

Application Questions

When you think back to your own baptism (or, if you haven’t been baptized, your first experience of church community), what stands out to you? How have you experienced support from the church community, or how could you offer that support to others? ([19:40])
The baptismal promises include renouncing evil, turning to Christ, and striving for justice and peace. Which of these feels most challenging for you right now, and why? ([21:23])
The sermon highlighted the use of water, oil, candle, and cross in baptism. Is there one of these symbols that especially resonates with you? How might you use it as a reminder of your faith this week? ([24:47])
The sermon confessed that we often treat creation as something to control rather than a gift to cherish. What is one practical step you could take this week to care for the earth as an act of worship? ([35:58])
During Communion, we are invited to “become what we receive”—to be Christ’s presence in the world. What is one way you can be an agent of reconciliation, justice, or peace in your daily life this week? ([39:51])
The congregation promised to walk alongside Virginia in her life in Christ. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement or support in their faith journey? How could you reach out to them this week? ([19:40])
The sermon ended with a blessing to go out and live our baptismal promises. What is one specific way you want to live out your faith more intentionally in the coming days? ([47:55])

Sermon Clips

The baptism font is placed at the back of the church. You probably know that because you come in here and trip over it every Sunday, right? But it's there because, symbolically, that's how we all enter the body of Christ. We come into that space, and as we come to worship, we're reminded of that. And we have holy water there every week so that you can be reminded of your baptismal promises. [00:16:44]

So here again today, we're going to have a baptism. And I know you normally put it up there, but I'm going to be rebellious. And leave it where it belongs, which is right here at the entrance of the church, so that Virginia and all of us remember that this is where we're going to be when we're baptized. [00:17:12]

Things that you're going to let go of and then three I do's. Things that you're going to promise. Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your savior? Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? Do you promise to follow in...obey him as your lord? [00:19:03]

Let us join with Virginia who is committing herself to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant so this is promises for everybody they get to do it with you. Do you believe in God the Father? Do you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God? He defended the dead on the third day he rose again he ascended into heaven and it is seated at the right hand of the Father he will come again to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? [00:19:57]

Will you continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship in the breaking of the bread and the prayers? Will you persevere in resisting evil and whenever you fall into sin repent and return to the Lord? Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ? Will you seek and serve God serve Christ in all persons loving your neighbor as itself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being? [00:21:05]

We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In it, we are buried with Christ in his death. By it, we share in his resurrection. Through it, we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the name in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [00:23:28]

You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ's own forever. Amen. [00:25:32]

This is a cross to remind you that you carry your own cross for Jesus. We've got a pretty pearl on but we've got a cross too for you. [00:26:04]

We receive you into the household of God, confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal peace. [00:26:28]

Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to all. [00:28:21]

We are privileged to be a strand in all of your creation, including this strange and wonderful home, our earth, the open sky above, the dazzling array of stars and planets, and the unfathomable galaxies beyond us. [00:34:07]

You have blessed us with a world of infinite variety and beauty, a land of mountains and meadows, canyons and valleys, deserts and jungles. Over and through this land, you have provided oceans teeming with life, streams of rivers, crystal -clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls. We share this land with all your creatures, from mosquito to mountain lion, from seal to scorpion. [00:34:22]

But instead of caring deeply for this most perfect of creations, the universe beyond our comprehension in this earth in which we live, we've rebelled against it, against ourselves, against you. We disregarded the interconnected web of life in which we live. Instead of loving it as a mother loves her child, we put ourselves above it, as if it was something we could own. [00:36:12]

Each time you've called us back, called us to understand that we are not masters of the earth, but instead a part of the earth. You continually remind us that caring for you means caring for your earth and for each other. [00:36:44]

Through his incarnation, you taught us that you are always with us, all of the world. He showed us the way to grace and freedom and how to show compassion to each other and the world. He gathered a people as your own and filled us with a longing for justice and peace for all creation. [00:37:04]

Keep us ever vigilant to follow his example so that we may bring about your reign that he opened for us through his life and death and his resurrection. It is a reign where all your creation will be won. [00:37:22]

Just as we, your people, at the same body, breathe your spirit upon us and upon the entire earth. Make us one with your earth so that all creation may become one with your body. [00:39:02]

You are the body of Christ. Behold, the body and blood of Christ. Become what you receive. [00:41:49]

May the God of grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ Jesus restore, establish and strengthen you in the faith and the blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you all the way. [00:49:03]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of the baptismal font placement?

How does the service emphasize caring for creation and earth?

What are the key promises made during baptism vows?