Called to Witness

Lectionary Text: Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)

This Sunday is the Baptism of the Lord Sunday in the liturgical calendar.  We remember our own baptism in the context of that of Jesus. 

When Christians are baptized, they experience dying to sin and newness of life.  If one is immersed, this is symbolized by being taken under the water (akin to being put in the ground) and brought to resurrection as one rises (new life).

Christians receive the Holy Spirit and are initiated into church membership (the Body of Christ).

Do you think this dad is remembering his baptism?
The boy may have a calling.

In 2008, I remember when we voted at General Conference to add "witness" to the list of how United Methodists would show faithfulness to the local church along with "prayers, presence, gifts and service."  Some of the rationale for adding witness was due to the losses in membership the church had undergone.  It was part of the overall trend in Christendom in the United States.  By adding witness, it was thought that we would remind ourselves of our call to share our faith which would strengthen our church.

This Sunday's reading reminds us that God chooses us as witnesses.  According to Acts, Jesus appeared not to all people but to those whom God has chosen.  Within the context of our baptism, we become the modern witnesses to the resurrection.  We are the modern "chosen." 

As we receive the Holy Spirit in baptism, this puts us in relationship in a unique way.  We become a part of something larger than ourselves.

How do we witness to our own sense of forgiveness and new life we find in Christ?

How do we witness to the transforming grace of God in our lives?

How do we witness to the significance of baptism?

This Sunday, we will remind ourselves that we are called to witness.  We will explore in worship how this continues to be a significant part of the Christian story.  Our story is part of a much larger narrative.  It is a blessing to come together and remind ourselves of our part to play.

In Christ,

Sam


Photo by popofatticus via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons license.