Sacra-Mental - Baptism 06/06/2010

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Back to the Beginning…
Read the account of the first baptisms in Matthew 3:5-17. The reason for us to get baptised all starts here as God identifies with mankind by coming as Jesus. Reflect on how amazing this is.
On the cross Jesus took on the whole world’s sin. Think about the feelings of guilt, shame and disappointment you can find yourself carrying and reflect on how much it cost Jesus and how thankful we should be.

Public Identification
How does your life publicly identify you with Jesus? Do the people around you know that you’re a follower of Jesus? How can you do this effectively without acting like a Bible-basher?
Baptism is a relational promise. How is your relationship with God? Are you putting time and effort into it? (Almost everyone feels that they’re not doing enough; so don’t worry if you feel like this. But instead of thinking about where you wish you were and feeling guilty, think about what small step you could take now to improve things even a little bit.)

Baptism’s Rich Meaning
There are some really powerful metaphors used in the Bible for baptism. Read Romans 6:1-14. It likens baptism to death and burial, followed by resurrection. Meditate on the passage – perhaps rewrite it in your own words. Think about how much you have let the ‘old you’ die and how much you are a ‘new person’ offering everything in you to God.

Not Been Baptised?
Acts 22:16 – “What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
If you want to be baptised contact the office or fill in the online form at www.tinyurl.com/33unyqz
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