"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Day 140 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: I Chronicles 1,2 John 7:32-53)
I AM BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:37-39 ESV)
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches a powerful sermon on Pentecost (today). The people are “cut to the heart” and ask “what shall we do?” The answer is THE ANSWER for all sinners... for all people like you and me.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Peter then assures us of the importance of infant Baptism by adding: “For the promise is for you and for your children.”
Yesterday was a very special day in my life. It was my BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAY! 73 years ago yesterday, the Holy Spirit gave me saving faith in Jesus by means of the water and the Word. Since that special day when I was a little over a month old, I have known and confessed that Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior. The following hymn from our hymnal perfectly expresses how blessed by the Lord I am because of that special day when God called me to be His child.
1. God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it, gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth’s treasures many? I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free, Lasting to eternity!
2. Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me, since my baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?
3. Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation; I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I’ve traveled, all your might has come unraveled,
And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!
4. Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
Baptism has the strength divine to make life immortal mine.
5. There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise!
(God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It, Lutheran Service Book #594)
Lord, thank You for calling me by name on the day of my Baptism. What a blessing it is to be one of Your children. Since You love all children of all ages, please use me to help others to know how precious they are to You. And as usual, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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