“Baptism is at the heart of the gospel of grace and at the core of the church’s mission. When we baptize, we say what we understand as Christians about ourselves and our community: that we are loved into being by God, lost because of sin, but redeemed and saved in Jesus Christ to live new lives in anticipation of his coming again in glory. Baptism is an expression of God’s love for the world, and the effects of baptism also express God’s grace. As baptized people of God, we therefore respond with praise and thanksgiving, praying that God’s will be done in our own lives.”  This quote comes from the United Methodist work By Water and the Spirit which explains our theological understanding of baptism.

 Today, as we look to the baptism of Jesus, you are asked to consider: How does baptism make your life different? John Wesley and many others have spoken of the “marks” of our faith and discipleship.  How has baptism marked you?  Is God’s grace visible in your life?

 As we renew our vows today to God and God’s church, what goals do you plan to set forth to live into your baptismal vows deeply and faithfully in 2019?

For more on the UMC understanding of baptism go to: www.umc.org/what-we-believe/by-water-and-the-spirit-a-united-methodist-understanding-of-baptism.