Not long after I was born, those closest to me and those my parents trusted with my life made some promises on my behalf. I had no say in it. But I trust that those who made these promises, to Almighty God, kept them. I know most, if not all, have.
I had water splashed on me, certain prayers were spoken over me to God, and I knew nothing about it.
Sixteen years later I repeated those promises, from my own mouth, to Almighty God.
They are only possible because Jesus first acted by becoming human and dying on the cross to enable us to enter into into relationship with Almighty God.
He has overcome evil, dealt with our sins, so we can turn to Him.
He is the God of all history, and the One who took the sin and shame from our account and paid it in full on the cross.
By the Holy Spirit we confidently look forward to living in His light, striving to live Christlike and to serve Him faithfully.
By God's revelation in Scripture we affirm His truth, and seek to understand it more, to mature in our faith and bear much fruit for His glory.
All of this takes years. And years. And years. Not just a New Year's resolution, but an eternal promise based on what God had done for us long before we knew we needed it, or even asked of it.
That's grace. That's Good News.
May we all seek to grow in our baptism and confirmation promises - and if you have never made these promises for yourself - pick up the phone and call NOW. (The number is 5439 4817).
I had water splashed on me, certain prayers were spoken over me to God, and I knew nothing about it.
Sixteen years later I repeated those promises, from my own mouth, to Almighty God.
- I turn to Christ.
- I repent of my sins.
- I renounce evil.
- I affirm the beliefs expressed in the words of the Apostles' Creed.
- With God's help, I will strive to keep His holy will and commandments and serve Him faithfully throughout my life.
- I affirm the truths expressed in The Catechism.
They are only possible because Jesus first acted by becoming human and dying on the cross to enable us to enter into into relationship with Almighty God.
He has overcome evil, dealt with our sins, so we can turn to Him.
He is the God of all history, and the One who took the sin and shame from our account and paid it in full on the cross.
By the Holy Spirit we confidently look forward to living in His light, striving to live Christlike and to serve Him faithfully.
By God's revelation in Scripture we affirm His truth, and seek to understand it more, to mature in our faith and bear much fruit for His glory.
All of this takes years. And years. And years. Not just a New Year's resolution, but an eternal promise based on what God had done for us long before we knew we needed it, or even asked of it.
That's grace. That's Good News.
May we all seek to grow in our baptism and confirmation promises - and if you have never made these promises for yourself - pick up the phone and call NOW. (The number is 5439 4817).