Sermon 05.26.13 :: Faithful

Die. Rise. Go.                     

At the occasion of a baptism, we change our order of worship today.  Many historical churches place the baptismal font at the entrance to the sanctuary.  Such a placement forces you to walk past the water every time you worship.  In this way, one is reminded of the daily significance of baptism, which places you into a whole new life.  Baptism occurs on one day in your life, but it lays forth a pattern for every day.  Die.  Rise.  Go.

"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.  Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.  See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 

Sermon posted at reliantchurch.org