Embracing Unity and Sacrificial Love Through Baptism
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the sacrament of baptism, a profound act where God makes us His children and brings us into His family through His grace. Baptism symbolizes our rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, setting us free from the power of sin and making us members of the body of Christ. We witnessed the baptisms of Leon and Chandler, who were welcomed into God's family with the promise of new life and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We then turned our focus to the theme of unity, as addressed by St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul lived in a world that was broken and divided, much like ours today. He emphasized the theological foundation of our unity with God and how this unity should manifest in our daily lives. Paul urged the Ephesians to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, highlighting that while we cannot create unity, we can certainly destroy it if we are not careful.
Paul's message was particularly revolutionary in the context of first-century societal norms, where women and slaves were often marginalized. He called for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, emphasizing that submission is not about control or power but about selfless, sacrificial love modeled after Jesus Christ. This mutual submission should be evident in all relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and employers and employees.
In our own lives, we are called to see every person as created in the image of God, with dignity, value, and worth. By sacrificially and humbly serving others, we can foster unity in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities. This unity, rooted in the sacrificial love of Jesus, has the power to transform not just individual relationships but entire societies.
As we come to the Lord's table, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrificial love and are empowered to live out this love in our daily lives. The unity we experience in Christ shapes our hearts and lives, enabling us to serve others selflessly and to become a song of praise to God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as Rebirth and Renewal: Baptism is a profound act where God makes us His children, bringing us into His family through His grace. It symbolizes our rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, setting us free from the power of sin and making us members of the body of Christ. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of God's love and the new life we have in Him. [17:47]
2. Unity in a Broken World: St. Paul addressed the theme of unity in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizing that while we cannot create unity, we can certainly destroy it if we are not careful. He urged believers to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, highlighting the importance of unity in a world that is often divided and fractured. [36:47]
3. Mutual Submission in Relationships: Paul called for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, emphasizing that submission is not about control or power but about selfless, sacrificial love modeled after Jesus Christ. This mutual submission should be evident in all relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and employers and employees. [40:30]
4. Seeing Others as God's Creation: We are called to see every person as created in the image of God, with dignity, value, and worth. By sacrificially and humbly serving others, we can foster unity in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities. This perspective helps us to love and serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus. [45:37]
5. The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Love: The sacrificial love of Jesus has the power to transform not just individual relationships but entire societies. As we come to the Lord's table, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrificial love and are empowered to live out this love in our daily lives. This unity, rooted in Christ's love, shapes our hearts and lives, enabling us to serve others selflessly and to become a song of praise to God. [48:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:12] - Opening Prayer
[16:32] - Baptism Introduction
[17:18] - Scripture Reading: Romans and Titus
[17:47] - Significance of Baptism
[18:20] - Commitment of Parents and Godparents
[18:53] - Meaning of Baptism
[19:25] - Biblical Examples of Water
[20:25] - Baptismal Prayer
[20:56] - Apostles' Creed
[22:02] - Baptism of Leon
[22:51] - Baptism of Chandler
[23:24] - Anointing with Oil
[24:10] - Presentation of Bible and Candle
[25:25] - Prayer for Parents
[26:35] - Welcome to God's Family
[35:08] - Unity in Ephesians
[36:47] - Maintaining Unity
[38:27] - Context of First-Century Life
[40:30] - Mutual Submission
[41:54] - Personal Wedding Vows
[43:49] - Lockhorns Comic
[44:28] - Forgiveness in Relationships
[45:37] - Seeing Others as God's Creation
[46:14] - Transformative Power of Love
[47:00] - Diversity in Worship
[48:25] - Sacrificial Love and Unity
[49:06] - Prayer for Children
[51:32] - Prayer for Unity
[52:10] - Prayers for the Congregation
[52:59] - Communion Preparation
[55:40] - Words of Institution
[01:13:32] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:14:14] - Dismissal and Thanks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 6:3-4 (NIV) - "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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."
2. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
3. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does baptism symbolize according to Romans 6:3-4? How does this relate to the concept of rebirth and renewal mentioned in the sermon? [17:18]
2. In Ephesians 4:3, what does Paul urge believers to do regarding unity? How does this align with the sermon’s message about maintaining unity? [36:47]
3. How does Paul describe the relationship between Christ and the church in Ephesians 5:21? What does this imply about mutual submission in our relationships? [40:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of baptism set us free from the power of sin, and what does it mean to be reborn as children of God? [17:47]
2. Why is maintaining the unity of the Spirit important in a world that is often divided and fractured? How can this unity be destroyed if we are not careful? [36:47]
3. What does mutual submission out of reverence for Christ look like in practical terms? How does this differ from the societal norms of the first century as described in the sermon? [40:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does understanding it as a rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit impact your daily life and faith journey? [17:47]
2. In what ways can you actively work to maintain the unity of the Spirit in your family, church, or workplace? Are there specific actions you can take to foster peace and unity? [36:47]
3. Think about your relationships with others. How can you practice mutual submission out of reverence for Christ in your interactions with family members, colleagues, or friends? [40:30]
4. Identify a person in your life who you may have marginalized or not fully valued as created in the image of God. What steps can you take to see them with dignity, value, and worth, and to serve them sacrificially? [45:37]
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced conflict in a relationship. How can the principles of forgiveness and sacrificial love, as modeled by Jesus, help you to resolve conflicts and restore unity? [44:28]
6. How can participating in the Lord’s table and remembering Jesus’ sacrificial love empower you to live out this love in your daily interactions? What specific changes can you make to serve others selflessly? [48:25]
7. Consider the diversity within your church or community. How can you contribute to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and united in Christ? [47:00]
Devotional
### Day 1: Baptism as a New Beginning
Description: Baptism is a profound act where God makes us His children, bringing us into His family through His grace. It symbolizes our rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, setting us free from the power of sin and making us members of the body of Christ. This sacrament is a powerful reminder of God's love and the new life we have in Him. As we witnessed the baptisms of Leon and Chandler, we were reminded of the promise of new life and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a transformative experience that marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with God. [17:47]
Bible Passage: "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." (Titus 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your own baptism or the concept of baptism if you haven't been baptized. How does the idea of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit influence your daily life and decisions?
### Day 2: Striving for Unity in a Divided World
Description: St. Paul addressed the theme of unity in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizing that while we cannot create unity, we can certainly destroy it if we are not careful. He urged believers to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, highlighting the importance of unity in a world that is often divided and fractured. In our own lives, we are called to be peacemakers and to work towards unity in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities. This unity is not just a nice idea but a theological imperative rooted in our relationship with God. [36:47]
Bible Passage: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship or situation in your life where there is division or conflict. What steps can you take today to promote peace and unity in that context?
### Day 3: Embracing Mutual Submission
Description: Paul called for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, emphasizing that submission is not about control or power but about selfless, sacrificial love modeled after Jesus Christ. This mutual submission should be evident in all relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and employers and employees. In a world where power dynamics often dominate, the call to mutual submission is revolutionary and counter-cultural. It challenges us to put others' needs before our own and to serve one another in love. [40:30]
Bible Passage: "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior." (Ephesians 5:21-23, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life where you struggle with control or power. How can you practice mutual submission in that relationship today, following the example of Jesus' sacrificial love?
### Day 4: Seeing Others as God's Creation
Description: We are called to see every person as created in the image of God, with dignity, value, and worth. By sacrificially and humbly serving others, we can foster unity in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities. This perspective helps us to love and serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus. When we recognize the divine image in others, it transforms our interactions and relationships, leading to a more compassionate and just society. [45:37]
Bible Passage: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love or serve. How can you begin to see them as created in the image of God and treat them with dignity and respect today?
### Day 5: The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Love
Description: The sacrificial love of Jesus has the power to transform not just individual relationships but entire societies. As we come to the Lord's table, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrificial love and are empowered to live out this love in our daily lives. This unity, rooted in Christ's love, shapes our hearts and lives, enabling us to serve others selflessly and to become a song of praise to God. The transformative power of sacrificial love is a testament to the gospel's impact on our lives and the world around us. [48:25]
Bible Passage: "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of sacrificial love you have witnessed or experienced. How can you emulate this kind of love in your own life today, especially towards those who are difficult to love?
Quotes
1. "Baptism is God at work, making us his children, bringing us into his family, sharing with us his grace. And so I invite to the baptism, all parties to please come forward, as well as the godparents. Would you please come up here? on over here, Chandler. Yeah, good. St. Paul writes in Romans chapter 6, Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried, therefore, with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, that we also may live a new life." [16:32] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word baptize simply means to apply water. Throughout the Bible, water conveys messages of life and of death. It's impossible to have life without water. Therefore, God uses simple, ordinary water, includes his word and promise, and creates in us new life. Holy God, gracious Father, we give you thanks, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the water and you created heaven and earth. By the gift of water, you nourish and sustain us and all living things." [18:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We light the Christ candle at certain times of the church year. The Jesus candle. Certainly when he was born, Jesus, the light of the world, came into the world cast out darkness. We light it also at Easter because Jesus, it seemed like death had won the day on Good Friday. But on Easter, he rose from the dead. The light continues on. So while he's the light of the world, Jesus also said that we are lights. We are to shine the light of his love into the dark places of this world." [24:54] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe we only need a cursory glance at the news headlines, news apps, evening news, to see that our world is broken, divided, and fractured. Nations, ethnic groups, political parties, communities, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, homes. What's the answer? What are we to do? Well, the world in which Saint Paul lived, he also faced a broken world. and divided and fractured world, and in the letter to the Ephesians, he seeks to address the lofty and noble theme of unity and oneness." [35:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. Hear it again. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. He is saying, God has given us the ability to keep it. He has given us unity. Make every effort to maintain it and to keep it. He is saying, we can't create unity, but we can let it slip away. We can destroy it." [36:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus is both the model and the power for unity and oneness in families, but in all, all relationships. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of sin, and there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. We are all one in Christ Jesus. You and I, we are called upon to see each and every person as one who has, like us, been created in the image of God, created with dignity and value, and worth and in reverence for Christ, we see them as children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and we lovingly yield ourselves in service to them." [45:37] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's a mystery, but as we sacrificially and willfully, in humility, give ourselves in loving service to others, the unity that Christ brought, it begins to shape marriages and families and homes and churches and workplaces and neighborhoods, and communities and political parties and ethnic groups and nations. In actual fact, the sacrificial love of Jesus that was carried out by the early church changed and transformed the Roman Empire." [46:14] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "For me, a highlight of my week is Sunday morning, gathering together in worship. I'm always in awe of the variety, the mix of people that God brings and gathers together. We come from different ethnic backgrounds, roots in various countries around the world. Some of you are immigrants, some of you are first, second, third generation, fourth. We cover the age spectrum from infants all the way to people who are in their 90s, and one of our shut-ins who's over 100. We have multiple generations in our gatherings. We are male and female, single and married, employers and employees, retired and employed, blue-collar, gray-collar, white-collar, people with PhDs, and some with high school diplomas. We are all one in Christ Jesus." [47:00] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "He was here working in the baptism, but he will be inviting us. He's inviting us to come forward, to come to his table, where he's going to feed us. And as we hear the words, given and shed for you, it's the assurance of his loving forgiveness for us, the power of his sacrificial love that shapes our hearts and lives, so that in turn we will be able to willingly and sacrificially, in humility, submit to others. That is, we will be able to voluntarily give ourselves in service to others." [48:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "In the scriptures, Father, you have a lot to say about unity, a lot to say about the way we as your children relate to one another. You say how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity. You say, above all, put on love which binds everything together in perfect unity. You say, maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. We acknowledge that unity is very important to you and very difficult for us. Therefore we pray that you would bind us together with cords that can't be broken, that you would bind us together with love." [51:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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