Grace Notes 2021-10-20
A favorite Scripture verse for those who rightly want to emphasize discipleship in their church is Matthew 28:19-20. It reads, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Almost everyone emphasizes that the mandate involves going and that the recipients to be made disciples include all nations. Well and good!
The rest of the admonition involves a two-fold process, if you will. The first is the baptizing in the name of the Triune God. And the second is the teaching of what Christ has commanded us. Those who are reluctant to affirm the importance of baptism often accordingly don’t say much of how the action is involved. And although most churches are involved in Christian education there is often a reluctance to stress the importance of such catechesis in the making of disciples. There can be a tendency to see the whole work accomplished at the so-called moment of conversion.
The beauty of being able to affirm the Scripture’s teaching on baptism is to recognize that our Lord initiates and then proceeds to accomplish our being fashioned into his followers (disciples). Accordingly, we learn our sins need to be washed away. The atonement of Christ’s death on the cross must come to us and be bestowed on us. This happens through the preaching of the Gospel accompanied by the rite of Christian Baptism. The Bible also teaches that the new birth from above takes place by the Holy Spirit’s work in baptism. As Israel’s journey from bondage to promise took place through a watery deliverance in the Red Sea, so our spiritual journey has a watery beginning.
And the attentiveness to being catechized (instructed) in the doctrines of Christ makes us lifelong students of God’s Word. The Scriptures are formative. They shape us, not only as we learn in an academic manner, but perhaps even more importantly as they guide our practice and manner of life.
Since You Asked…
What is the purpose and meaning of our Votive Prayer Candles?
To “light a candle for someone” means that you will say a prayer for them. The candle symbolizes your prayers. When we light a candle it is a sign of attentiveness and that we are being purposeful in offering intercessory prayer. It is an important act in which we are involved! To be in prayer is to be spiritually awake and vigilant. And as the candle continues to burn it symbolizes our ongoing prayers. It is a sign to others that prayers are being offered. In such an atmosphere, indeed the darkness gives way to light.