Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

On January 9th the first Sunday after the Epiphany, we celebrate Baptism of our Lord. Our sermon title is Baptism – Road Sign? The scriptures are Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Worship this Sunday will include the Luke passage about the baptism of Jesus. We in turn will renew our congregational Baptismal Covenant.

We as United Methodists recognize two Sacraments, Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Both are “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace.” One marks a beginning of a journey and the other is like “food” throughout the journey. We are people who have “signpost.” Those moments and events which point us in a direction.

The road of life needs markers and means of guidance. God has supplied us with at least two through life in the church. Gratitude and humility and service are our response. All people need guidance. Some are reluctant to ask and try to go it alone. Sometimes a false pride in our own power and strength blinds us to our dependence upon the Creator, the Savior.

It’s interesting that on January 9, 1928 in Nashville, TN “The Seeing Eye,” the first school to train dogs to guide the blind was opened. We are all spiritually impaired and need guidance. We all need guidance on January 9, 2022 and onward. Baptism by “water and the Spirit and fire” is intended to open our spiritual eyes and help us see throughout this world and beyond.

God bless us as we celebrate our Lord’s own Baptism and renew our congregational covenant in this New Year.

Pastor Barry †