Saturday, August 14, 2010

Into the Water

I'm in the midst of preaching a series on baptism which I have described as an anecdotal look. Why anecdotal? Because it seems we approach the doctrine as a point of contention and I wanted to lead a rediscovery of the beauty of the experience. So, we are integrating stories from Scripture on baptism, doctrinal teachings from Scripture on baptism, and video stories of church members telling the story of their own baptism. In the final analysis perhaps it is more of an emotional journey through an experience historically at the heart of church life.

I wonder how many of us remember our baptism. Who were the people present? Who influenced us to make the decision? And to what extent does our baptism story continue to shape us? Perhaps it is in periodically recounting our own story which may not only influence others for Christ, but keep us faithful. Have you told your story lately?