Dear Faith Family,
"Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
(Romans 6:3-4)
When the Church's gatherings began to move from primarily in homes, fields, and cemeteries into dedicated "sanctuaries" -- a transition entangled with political motives and not universally adopted, still it seems -- the apostle Paul's question, "Have you forgotten...your baptism?" was at the top of mind.
Whether as large "fountains" constructed just outside the doors of repurposed ancient temples, or, as paedo (infant) baptism became more normal, in the smaller "fonts" added just within the doors at the back of the sanctuary, requiring all who entered "the church" to pass through them on their way in. Or, as many of us who practice credo (confessional) baptism are more familiar, the "baptistry" was placed at the front of the sanctuary and elevated, giving the sense that all that took place in front of the font did so because it took place in the font. Remembering our baptism has been literally built into Church.
This coming Sunday morning, we'll have the opportunity to remember our baptisms as we celebrate the baptism of Ellie Holtkamp! If you are in town and able, I hope you'll join us in this joyous ancient rite. In the meantime, I encourage you to remember your baptism. Remember that you have been, as Paul reminds, immersed in the atoning death of Christ Jesus, raised through the cleansing waters of His actions into a new life with God. Everything that takes place as the Church on the other side or in front of this, your life as worship (Rom. 12:1-2), takes place because
"...we have been united with Christ Jesus in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." (Romans 6:5)
May we not forget our baptism, but rather, with gratitude and courage, truly live.
Love you, faith family. God bless.