" Is Baptism Necessary? "

Was anyone here today baptized as an infant? 

How many of you were baptized as a youth or adult? 

The reasons for Baptism can vary depending on the denomination you attended at the time.   For those who were baptized as adult or youth, can you tell us what prompted you to get baptized?  

Jan 7, 2018 Reading:   Mark 1: 1-12   The Baptism of Jesus

Throughout the Christmas season, Advent through to Epiphany, we read and hear about the different ancient prophesies of a great King, a messiah that was to be born and would change the history of the world forever.  Isaiah one of the great Major Prophets made several predictions concerning the birth of a messiah 600 years before it actually takes place.  Someone was to prepare the way for these predictions to come true. That person was to be Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist as found in Luke 1: 39-43.  John now a grown man at the Jordan River, quotes the prophet Isaiah’s prediction and makes claim to be the one who was sent to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry and His mission. 

Baptism is one of two sacraments for many of the protestant denominations including Methodist and United Church of Canada.   The other being the Sacrament of Communion of which we will be taking part in later this morning.  

The baptism of Jesus must have been a very significant event as all four gospels recorded this important moment in Jesus' life.  It is hailed by many theologians today as the moment of His anointment, for ministry and mission.  He comes up from the waters, anointed by the spirit and the voice of God assures Him and all who hear, this is my Son with whom I am greatly pleased.   Those who witnessed this anointing are instructed to trust in Him and to follow in His ways.

What then is the meaning and significance of baptism for us as individuals within the Methodist Church today?   We claim it to be one of the sacrament and profess that a sacrament for us is, a religious ceremony or act of our denomination that is regarded as an outward and visible expression of an inward divine presence of God in our lives.  When we accept baptism we are making a commitment to begin the process of learning how to following Jesus and His ways.  Baptism for us is the beginning of our spiritual journey and ministry as we follow.  For the baptized, our ministry and mission is to be a living example of Christ in the world.  Living stones as Paul puts it 1 Peter 2: 5   

It starts with a commitment to seek a personal relationship with Jesus.  Then we make other commitments: to follow in the ways of Jesus, to attend a Christian fellowship of our choice, to learn, serve and worship with other Christians. We are to seek justice and walk humbly with our God, Micah 6:8.  After the anointing of blessed Holy Water, we begin our spiritual journey, mission and ministry.

As we commit ourselves to Christ and to God, a change in attitude begins to take root within us as we learn from and begin to study the scriptures.  The inward knowing, that the presence of God is with us, begins to take it root.  As we continue to grow spiritually, others will see the outward and inward expressions of our Baptism within our daily lives.   Often because of a change in attitude to social justice issues, compassion for the poor, sick, lonely or lost you will be told by friends and family that somehow you now seem different.  They may see you as being more confident, peaceful, assured, contented and balanced.  Did you know that there are others who do not want you to change and because of their fear they my ridicule the changes in you?  Fear sometimes comes out in ways of making fun of those who are different.  You may even get labeled as, gone religious on them.  In my family after I decided to answer the call to full-time ministry some of my family and old friends keep me at arm’s length for some time unsure of what this new me meant for our relationship.  It was a time of testing and a struggle for me.  I don’t know if you noticed in the reading from Mark 1: 12-13, after His Baptism, Jesus is immediately lead into the desert to have a face to face encounter with the Devil who would attempt to break Him.  I truly believe this is a challenge that we, the baptized will continue to experience throughout our lives.  The temptation to deny our Baptismal commitments.   If you resist this temptation, this process will eventually transform you and others as the fruits of "your mission and ministry" begins to show Christs love to neighbor and foe.

May I suggest that there are three major questions that you could ask here about baptism?  

1.  Who is qualified to perform such an anointing?

2:  Do I need to be baptized in order to get into heaven?

3.  Should anyone be refused baptism?

There is nothing in scripture that seems to suggest that a formal religious education was necessary to offer baptism.  It appears that the only qualification for those who were commissioned by Jesus was to be a committed follower.  There also is no mention of baptism being a sign of salvation {a ticket to heaven}  nor are there any rules that would exclude any person from this righteous act if they choose to ask.   It simply is for us, as it was for Jesus, a public beginning point, an anointing which begins our ministry and mission.  A celebration of our commitments to follow in the ways of God found in Christ Jesus.  Jesus simple tells John that baptism is a proper and righteous thing to do, as found in Matthew 3: 15.   In other words mimic and follow me, so that God’s will can be fulfilled in your life.  Jesus goes on to tell His disciples in Matthew 28: 19, go now, baptising in the names of Father Son and Holy Spirit.  As we prepare for the sacrament of communion let us reflect on our baptismal commitments.