August 2010

Whether teaching a class on it, preparing several messages about it, or helping several blessed individuals prepare for it, I've been rather engrossed in the topic of baptism recently. So if you and I were to sit down over a beverage of choice, and share about the wonder of God who is at work in our lives, I would inevitable share some things from this topic.

But I guess I can't get away from the word of transformation that God seeks to accomplish in our lives. Romans 6:4 points to the purpose God has for us in Christ, that we might walk in the newness of life. This describes our faith as that which is "lived out" in our daily lives. It describes our faith as the journey that we are on with God and others beloved by God. But how shall we walk?

Here are a few reminders for us: Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to lean upon Him for understanding and not on our own understanding, Psalm 1 tells us to live and learn by his Word so that we may walk in his ways (Psalm 25; 119:105) and be renewed in our minds (Romans 12). Remember the goal is to love, which, above all, we are to put on (Col. 3:14). Friends, this is accomplished by the work of the Father Son and the Holy Spirit of God which is the very reason we are baptized in their name (Matthew 28:19). He is the one who is transforming our lives in Christ.

For His Praise and His Glory,
Pastor Chad Hemphill
August 2010