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Posted At: 5:58am by Brent Kuhlman
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Second Sunday in Advent Trinity Lutheran Church
4 December 2005 Murdock, NE
Baptism of Madison Elizabeth Lambert
+ Jesu Juva +
Acts 2:38-39
Did you hear what Peter said? Is that really in the Bible? He serves up a very stiff drink today. If you’re not used to what the New Testament says about the benefits of Baptism, you may just choke on the baptismal martini Peter serves up today. Do you like your Baptism watered down? Some do. But hooked to the Word of God Baptism is a life-giving water. A water full of grace. A washing of renewal and rebirth in the Holy Spirit. So it’s time to repent. To think differently. To believe differently about Jesus and the gift of Holy Baptism He gives.
Peter’s not the kind of bartender who waters down Baptism. He’s an apostle. And he’s reckless when he fills up your tumbler. You say: “Whoa there Peter!” But he keeps on pouring. And what he pours is the good stuff. The best stuff. And that’s what comes from the Lord.
Today I invite you to drink up. To drink heartily. Enjoy the baptismal flavor. Yes, and I dare to say it – relish the baptismal buzz. Because once you taste what Peter’s pouring, you’ll be hooked. You’ll never go back to a diluted, blended, Baptism. You’ll only be satisfied with the hundred proof stuff Peter’s pouring from the font.
Are you ready to belly up? Matt and Dana were and they did. They brought little Madison with them too. For the good stuff of Holy Baptism. Full strength, hundred proof, Baptism in the Name of Jesus for her.
“But she’s too young to be partaking of Baptism Reverend! Shouldn’t we wait until she’s older?”
No! When it comes to Baptism we’re into baptizing all nations just like Jesus mandated. His death is for all. So is Holy Baptism. But that’s getting ahead. We’ll hear more about this from Peter in a little bit.
So Madison is baptized in the Name of Jesus. So are you. In the water and Word of Holy Baptism Jesus puts His Name on people. When you’ve been named with the Name of Jesus in Baptism, you belong to Him. Madison’s been named with the Name of Jesus. She belongs to Savior Jesus.
Do you know what the name Jesus means? “Jesus” means “The Lord saves.” And that’s precisely what Jesus has done. Died for Madison, all of you, and me. Good Friday-ed us all in His death as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
And now today at the font Madison received the benefits of Christ’s Good Friday salvation for all dying. “Be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus,” Peter says. “Every one of one of you.” None are to be left out. Why? He tells us. “For the forgiveness of your sins.”
Who should we leave out of Peter’s “every one of you”? “Every one” means “every one.” For forgiveness.
Now that’s an undiluted, full strength Baptism. Forgiveness won on the Cross is applied and delivered at the font. And it’s for you.
So is Madison forgiven? Are you forgiven? What’s the answer? Yes! How do you know that? Because Jesus died. For you, for me and for Madison. Because you, me and Madison are baptized. “Be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.” And when you’re forgiven, you’re saved. The blood of Jesus is the detergent in the baptismal washing.
After a stiff drink like that you might be ready to call it a night. But Peter notices that your tumbler is empty. He’s ready to fill it up again. He insists. The good stuff of Baptism is better than you ever imagined. Forgiveness given at the font. We’ve drunk to that. Now another toast. “Ladies and Gentlemen! To baptism in the Name of Jesus!” Why? Because Peter says that in it, “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Gift of the Holy Spirit! Is Madison Holy Spirit-filled? Are you? Am I? What’s the answer? Yes! Absolutely. How do you know that? Because Madison is baptized. I am baptized. You are baptized. “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Peter says. Baptized, your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. He lives in you through Baptism and the Word. Brings you to faith and keeps you with Jesus Christ in the one true faith through Baptism and the Word. Holy Spirit-filled the baptized are.
Peter’s ready to pour again. Some more of the good stuff. I told you he’s gospely reckless with the benefits of Baptism. He speaks of “the promise.” What promise? The promise of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit in Baptism. Peter says that promise is, “for you and your children and for all who are far off.”
For you. Even for your kids. No matter how old. No matter how young.
The promise of Holy Baptism is for Madison. For you. For all who are far off. For me.
Next week it will be Jordan Renee’s turn. The Voglers will belly up again to the font. Rejoicing in the hundred proof taste of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism.
Until then, have a happy Baptism Day Madison. Happy living in your Baptism in the Name of Jesus!
In the Name of Jesus.
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