Embracing Our Identity Through the Gift of Baptism

 

Summary

On this Remembrance of Baptism Sunday, we gather to reflect on the significance of baptism in our lives, inspired by the story of Jesus' own baptism. This day invites us to remember our baptisms, whether they were by immersion or sprinkling, as a profound symbol of our identity in Christ. Baptism is not merely a ritual or a debate over the amount of water used; it is a declaration of God's unconditional love for us. Just as Jesus was affirmed by God before he began his ministry, we too are loved by God before we accomplish anything. This love is not contingent on our actions or our ability to get everything right. It is a foundational truth that empowers us to live out our faith in the world.

The story of Jesus' baptism, as recounted in the Gospels, presents a mystery. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? This act, though perplexing, underscores the humility and solidarity of Jesus with humanity. It reminds us that baptism is not about our worthiness but about God's grace. Our own baptisms, like Jesus', are difficult to fully comprehend, yet they are powerful moments of transformation and identity. They remind us that we are beloved children of God, called to live out this truth in our daily lives.

The tale of Ben Hooper, a man who overcame societal shame to become a governor, illustrates the transformative power of recognizing our identity as God's children. Just as Hooper was affirmed by a preacher's words, we too are called to embrace our divine inheritance. Baptism is a reminder that we are loved and accepted by God, regardless of our past or present circumstances. It is an invitation to live out our identity as beloved children of God, empowered to love and serve others.

Key Takeaways:

1. Baptism as Identity: Baptism is a profound declaration of our identity as beloved children of God. It is not about the method or the amount of water used but about recognizing and embracing God's unconditional love for us. This identity empowers us to live out our faith in the world. [29:35]

2. God's Unconditional Love: Just as God affirmed Jesus before he began his ministry, we too are loved by God before we accomplish anything. This love is not contingent on our actions or our ability to get everything right. It is a foundational truth that empowers us to live out our faith in the world. [35:30]

3. The Mystery of Baptism: The story of Jesus' baptism, as recounted in the Gospels, presents a mystery. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? This act, though perplexing, underscores the humility and solidarity of Jesus with humanity. [30:40]

4. Transformation through Baptism: Our own baptisms, like Jesus', are difficult to fully comprehend, yet they are powerful moments of transformation and identity. They remind us that we are beloved children of God, called to live out this truth in our daily lives. [33:09]

5. Embracing Our Divine Inheritance: The tale of Ben Hooper illustrates the transformative power of recognizing our identity as God's children. Just as Hooper was affirmed by a preacher's words, we too are called to embrace our divine inheritance and live out our identity as beloved children of God. [38:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:52] - Introduction and Announcements
- [14:59] - Opening Prayer
- [20:42] - Scripture Reading: Jesus' Baptism
- [21:27] - The Story of the Young Boy
- [23:54] - Debates on Baptism Practices
- [25:18] - Does God Care About the Method?
- [26:22] - Church Membership and Baptism
- [28:20] - Paul's View on Baptism
- [29:35] - The Essence of Baptism
- [30:40] - The Mystery of Jesus' Baptism
- [32:04] - Personal Baptism Story
- [33:09] - The Power of Baptism
- [34:22] - God's Affirmation of Jesus
- [35:30] - God's Unconditional Love for Us
- [36:27] - Fred Craddock's Story
- [38:37] - Ben Hooper's Transformation
- [41:06] - God's Love for Us
- [42:04] - Closing Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 3:21-22: "Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event occurs immediately after Jesus is baptized according to Luke 3:21-22?
2. How does the sermon describe the purpose of Jesus' baptism, despite Him being sinless? [30:40]
3. What does the pastor suggest about the importance of the method of baptism in the sermon? [25:18]
4. How does the story of Ben Hooper relate to the theme of baptism and identity in the sermon? [38:37]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus' baptism be considered a mystery, and what does it reveal about His relationship with humanity? [30:40]
2. How does the affirmation of Jesus by God before His ministry begin relate to the concept of God's unconditional love for us? [35:30]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that baptism is more about identity and grace than about ritual or worthiness? [29:35]
4. How does the story of Ben Hooper illustrate the transformative power of recognizing one's identity as a child of God? [38:37]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does it shape your understanding of your identity in Christ? [29:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes God's love for us before we accomplish anything. How can this understanding change the way you approach your daily life and challenges? [35:30]
3. Consider the humility and solidarity of Jesus in His baptism. How can you demonstrate humility and solidarity with others in your community? [30:40]
4. The pastor shared a personal story about his baptism. What personal experiences have shaped your understanding of God's grace and love? [32:04]
5. How can you embrace your identity as a beloved child of God in practical ways this week, especially in your interactions with others? [38:37]
6. The sermon suggests that baptism is a reminder of our divine inheritance. How can you live out this inheritance in your daily actions and decisions? [38:37]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just about rituals but about a genuine relationship with God and others? [25:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Declaration of Identity
Baptism is a profound declaration of our identity as beloved children of God. It transcends the method or the amount of water used, focusing instead on recognizing and embracing God's unconditional love for us. This identity is not something we earn or achieve; it is a gift that empowers us to live out our faith in the world. By remembering our baptism, we are reminded of this foundational truth: that we are loved and accepted by God, and this love is the basis for our actions and interactions with others. Baptism calls us to live authentically, rooted in the knowledge of who we are in Christ. [29:35]

Galatians 3:26-27 (ESV): "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Reflection: How does knowing your identity as a beloved child of God change the way you approach your daily interactions and decisions today?


Day 2: God's Unconditional Love
Just as God affirmed Jesus before he began his ministry, we too are loved by God before we accomplish anything. This love is not contingent on our actions or our ability to get everything right. It is a foundational truth that empowers us to live out our faith in the world. Understanding this unconditional love can transform our perspective, freeing us from the need to earn God's favor and allowing us to rest in His grace. This love invites us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are cherished by our Creator. [35:30]

1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God's unconditional love for you, especially when you feel inadequate or unworthy?


Day 3: The Mystery of Baptism
The story of Jesus' baptism, as recounted in the Gospels, presents a mystery. Why would the sinless Son of God submit to a baptism of repentance? This act, though perplexing, underscores the humility and solidarity of Jesus with humanity. It reminds us that baptism is not about our worthiness but about God's grace. Our own baptisms, like Jesus', are difficult to fully comprehend, yet they are powerful moments of transformation and identity. They remind us that we are beloved children of God, called to live out this truth in our daily lives. [30:40]

Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV): "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he consented."

Reflection: How can you embrace the mystery of your own baptism and allow it to shape your understanding of God's grace in your life?


Day 4: Transformation through Baptism
Our own baptisms, like Jesus', are difficult to fully comprehend, yet they are powerful moments of transformation and identity. They remind us that we are beloved children of God, called to live out this truth in our daily lives. Baptism is not just a one-time event but a continual call to transformation, inviting us to grow in our faith and live out our identity in Christ. It challenges us to reflect on how we are living out our baptismal vows and to seek ways to embody the love and grace of God in our interactions with others. [33:09]

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: What specific steps can you take today to live out the transformation that baptism signifies in your life?


Day 5: Embracing Our Divine Inheritance
The tale of Ben Hooper illustrates the transformative power of recognizing our identity as God's children. Just as Hooper was affirmed by a preacher's words, we too are called to embrace our divine inheritance and live out our identity as beloved children of God. Baptism is a reminder that we are loved and accepted by God, regardless of our past or present circumstances. It is an invitation to live out our identity as beloved children of God, empowered to love and serve others. [38:37]

Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and live out your divine inheritance as a child of God in your community today?

Quotes

"Remembrance of Baptism Sunday is the second Sunday in the church calendar year of Epiphany, the second Sunday of Epiphany. We always focus on this Sunday on the scripture passage about Jesus' baptism, the moment when he entered the waters. And we ask you at the end of the service to take a moment to reflect on and remember your own baptisms at the close." [00:04:36]

"Baptism just might be one of the most debated topics. In all of Christianity. Aspersion or immersion. That's the seminary degree way of saying sprinkled or dunked. Infant baptism. Or believers baptism. And if believers baptism, how young is too young? Twelve years of age. Eight years of age. Five years. Four years." [00:23:42]

"Paul would be turning over in his grave because he believed that baptism did not erect, but it was the baptism of Christ. But tore down the walls that separate us. He said, as many of us as have been baptized into Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ, there is no longer Jew nor Greek. There is no longer slave or free. There is no longer male and female." [00:29:00]

"This story of Jesus being baptized shows up every year on the second Sunday of January 1st in Matthew, then in Mark, and then in Luke. But even though Jesus' baptism is told in all three of those Gospels, it's difficult to explain because why would Jesus, the Son of God, submit to a baptism of repentance?" [00:29:52]

"Our own baptisms are mysterious and powerful and difficult to explain. But as difficult as all of the ways that Jesus' baptism are to understand, there is one thing that all three of these Gospels make absolutely clear. After Jesus is baptized, He sees the heavens pulled open. And He sees the Spirit descend as a dove. And He hears God's voice say to Him, You are my Son, my Beloved." [00:33:33]

"God loves Jesus before he does anything. God loves. Us before we do anything. So what makes us think that we have to get everything just right before we can get baptized? Maybe baptism isn't about getting our lives right first, but about first hearing that God is going to love us whether we ever get our lives right or not." [00:35:30]

"Fred Craddock once told about an evening when he and his wife were eating dinner at a little restaurant in the smoky mountains and this strange elderly man came sauntering over to them he was chatting up the whole cafe made his way to their table and started to talk with them and when he found out that fred was a preacher he said i have a story to tell you he said i'm from around these parts a few mountains over but my mother wasn't married when she got pregnant with me nor did he bother to stick around he says so the shame that the community sort of heaped on her always spilled over onto me he said whenever i went to 10 with my mother, I could see people staring at us, trying to make guesses as to who the father was." [00:37:04]

"He says, in my early teens, I began attending this little church, but I was always sure to leave before church was over because I was always terrified that somebody was going to grab me and say, what's a boy like you doing in church? He said, one day before I could escape, I felt this hand land on my shoulder. It was the preacher." [00:38:16]

"And the old man said, who are you? old man said well I felt this big weight coming down on me it was like a big black cloud even the preacher was putting me down and then the preacher said well boy you you he said he then he paused but when he spoke again he said you are a child of God the resemblance is striking and then he gave me a SWAT and he told me to go claim my inheritance the old man looked across the table at Fred and his wife and he said you know you know the most important words that anybody ever told me I've never forgotten them in fact in some way that's hard to explain but I was born that day" [00:38:54]

"What was true for Jesus at his baptism and what was true for Ben Hooper at his God holds true for each and every one of us you are God's child God's beloved and you God is already well pleased" [00:40:24]

"I will fly with you to Israel and dunk you in the Jordan if that's what it takes for you to know how much God loves you. Because when I look at you, do you know what I see? I see God's beloved. Whether you ever decide to love God, whether you ever decide to get baptized or not, I am already proud of you. Amen." [00:41:48]

"May you know that the Creator of the universe is for you and not against you. May you know that Jesus, Emmanuel, is always with you, never leaving nor forsaking you. May you know that the Holy Spirit is your advocate and not your abuser. And may you know bone deep that you are forgiven, loved, and free to love this world into a new existence. Amen." [01:02:07]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?