Baptism Sunday – 18th November

Dear Friends,

At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, after his resurrection, he said to his disciples: 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20

One of the things that disciples of Jesus do is get baptised as a public and visible sign of the grace of God that is towards them in Jesus. Simply, people who are Christian get baptised.

For many people, we were baptised (christened) when we were children as we gathered with the church to hear the Word of God. And this is a good and right thing! As a child of Christian parents you are introduced to Jesus in the same way you are introduced to your grandparents. Jesus is not an optional extra, he is real and he is your King and you are his child who will get to know him more and more each day.

I was baptised as an infant and I thank God that all the time and effort I put into that special day serves as a memory of all the time and effort I put into being saved by Jesus. Perhaps you have the same memory! Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solis Christus!! Of course, baptism doesn’t save you but it is a moment to look back on and give thanks for as it reminds us of the grace of God. Somewhere I have a silver baptism mug. I was also baptised in a dress! The dress was used for our three girls as they too were baptised as infants. We spared our last born from wearing the dress!

For many others, you were not baptised as an infant and having become a Christian as an adult, perhaps you would like to be baptised. We would love to give you that chance.

On Sunday 18th November, we are holding a Baptism Sunday. This is an opportunity for anyone who has never been baptised to declare their faith publicly before their church and family and friends.

If you are keen to be baptised, please contact a member of staff or speak to your Growth Group leader. We would love to rejoice in the work of God in your life with you in November.

Some people wonder if they can get baptised a second time or wish they had the opportunity to be baptised as an adult. I respond to these enquiries by asking, “How many times did Jesus die for you?” I do understand the appeal of being able to declare your faith publicly and going through Confirmation is one option for people baptised as children.

I look forward to a great Sunday rejoicing in the grace of God.

In Christ
Nigel