Baptism's wondrous gift

A fellow pastor’s father-in-law wrote this devotional thought. It was shared in the Lutheran Forum Letter of November, 2020.

The author was ruminating on his baptism, a gift given in accord with our Lord’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, “…baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

In my own Christian life, these words, which were spoken over me at the time of my baptism, are among the most reassuring words of Holy Scripture. In this sacramental act, during which I also received my own name, I was made a member of the family of God in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I was marked with the cross of Christ FOREVER!! In moments of discouragement, temptations, and even in the face of apparent failure, I can remind myself as Martin Luther did in his tines of deepest distress: “I am baptized!” From the God who gave me this great gift, I hear the eternal words of assurance, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. … You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.” Help me, dear Father, to remember that I do not walk alone today, but that I may begin and close this day and every day in the assurance that through baptism I am beloved, and that he who gave me my baptism also promised at the same time that he would be with me to the end of the age. In His name I pray! Amen.

Back at it!

2020 11 23

I’m sorry to have been away so long. It’s high time to contribute to the blog on our website and I’m going to make a concerted effort to have something worth pondering each Monday.

As we approach the Day of National Thanksgiving I wanted to share some of the things for which I’m thankful this year. I’m certainly in the same boat with you that this year has challenged us to be thankful! But then, again, when we consider Thanksgiving our thoughts have often gone to the pilgrims, who had barely survived the winter in the New Word. We also remember that it was established as a consistent holiday in the United States by President Lincoln, who presided over the Civil War.

In writing this I pray that no one feels pressured to participate in anything that causes anxiety during this pandemic. I just want to emphasize that I’m thankful that we have been able to resume corporate worship.

At the same time, I’m thankful that we’ve been able to provide things to help our brothers and sisters worship online. Initially it was pre-recorded. Now, we’ve been able to live-stream each of our Sunday morning offerings.

With all that in mind, I’m thankful for Scott and Katie, who have shepherded this online presence. Thanks, too, to Johanna for sending out the links and, via post, the sermon and outlines. Thanks to Jen and Jeff for their work in children’s messages.

Switching focus just a bit, I’m thankful for the diligence of the Call Committee. We’ve been working to call an associate pastor and we will continue to keep that effort in our prayers.

Lastly, but certainly one of the items for which I’m most thankful, I’ll bring up Jami. I’m thankful for her presence in my life: her support; her balance; her work; and her humor!

Along with her, I need to mention the technology that has allowed our family to be interacting through this pandemic. It’s good not simply to hear each other but also to see each other.

Oh, and I’m thankful that my mother and father, Jami and I have been kept through our bouts with the coronavirus.

Thank you for all this, Lord, and for our everlasting life in you. Amen.

At Redeemer...

My dear family in Christ,

            When our Lord met the temptations of the old, evil foe in the wilderness He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3: “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” That scriptural truth leads me to be at the church, today, because I believe that God’s communication with the people He has redeemed to Himself is essential for us all. That’s especially true as we face this COVID-19 pandemic, which has certainly had a humbling effect on us.

            So, if you’d like to come in to talk or to pray, please do so. We’ve again bleached the door handles this morning. If you’d like to talk on the phone, I believe we’ve accurately forwarded my extension (#13) to my cell phone. If you would like to drop off an offering, I’ll be here and the doors will be open until roughly 2 pm. And then I’ll be here again, tomorrow. And the next day, the good Lord willing.

            God remain with you and give you comfort, peace, and strength through Christ Jesus our Lord. We will make it through this under His loving care!

Pastor Chip Winter