Baptism

Had an interesting conversation last night with our Tuesday Night Group about baptism. We went around and shared our stories of when & why we were baptized. The consensus of the group seemed to be that while it isn't necessary for salvation, baptism does mark a certain maturity in Christ. I don't know if I agree with this or not. I suppose I would say that it probably more marks a maturity in the Church instead of Christ. I question the necessity. Yes, Jesus did it, yes the apostles did it. Jesus even commands at the end of Matthew--to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But is that to replace the baptizing by water that the Jews routinely did for purification? So Jesus is letting them know that instead of baptizing with water to purify yourself--now you may baptize with water in the name of God for once and for all. And did this make more sense to the Jews because of their history and their culture. As an analogy?

I also brought up that Jesus was baptized by John and while some think that this is the only time Jesus was baptized, I would disagree. Being a Jew, he would have been required by the law to "wash" to purify himself numerous times over the course of his life. In Matthew 3 when Jesus goes to John to be baptized, John was not doing the type of baptism we were thinking--or at least that's my understanding--he was doing the routine baptisms that all Jews must go through.

Interesting...

Evelyn

Last week a woman in my church, Evelyn, passed away. It was rather unexpected. She went in to have a stint put in her heart and while recovering had a heart attack and passed on. I didn't know Evelyn intimately. We didn't have long heart to hearts or share personal problems. But she definitely affected my life. She always had a kind word for me. She was an encourager to me. She made me remember why I long to do ministry. And now she's gone. I weep for her family and her friends and for me--for the loss of not having her here on earth. But to want her to return would only be selfish of me. Thanks Evelyn. I don't ever think I told you how much your kind words meant to me.

Friday Five!

1. What do you like most: Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays (and why)?
Used to be Fridays because we would have a bunch of our friends come over and hang out and play games. But my hubby has to work Friday nights now and we haven't really figured out how to start up another evening like that. So I guess my fave night now would be Sundays because we just hang out at home with the family.

2. What was the best weekend of your life?
That is impossible to answer. I really have no idea. One weekend that sticks out to me is last April when we went with Josh's brother & wife to Lake of the Ozarks and hung out. It was relaxing and fun and non-stressful.

3. What weekend of the year is your favorite?
Probably my birthday weekend. Lately we haven't been able to do anything special because a kid has been sick or something has happened. But I love my birthday and celebrating with friends & family.

4. Do you have any weekend routines?
We always go to church on Sunday morning and in the afternoon we hang around and take naps etc and then in the evening we snack on whatever is in the cabinets or fridge and watch tv or a movie.

5. Describe your ideal Saturday night.
Hmm.. I don't know. I'm not one for routine, so I would rather have something different happen every Saturday night. I like surprises!