Baptism service 4/30/2023

In Romans 5:20, Paul introduces the idea that where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. However, this gospel of grace is unsettling to those who think salvation can be obtained by trying to keep God’s rules. So, it isn’t surprising that Paul’s critics would try to undermine him. Most people would not read this and think that it is their job to keep sinning so God can do His job of forgiving. However, Paul uses chapter six of Romans to clarify. Starting with debunking the very notion of deliberately continuing to sin. He says, “May it never be!” From there, he begins to untangle the confused logic his critic used. We all have our old nature before surrendering to Jesus, also known as our flesh. We have all sinned and fallen short, but Jesus has covered our sins and has given us an opportunity to be buried with Him in death and raised to new life in the resurrection. Today, we will participate and support several people as they get baptized. They will share their story of why they are making this declaration today, and then we will celebrate with them. Baptism is far more than a symbol. It is a declaration of faith testifying to genuine transactions which have taken place in the believer’s heart and in the spiritual world.