Category: Church

… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  (Proverbs 18:24b )

Friendships come in many forms: school friendships, childhood friendships, multi-generational friendships, work friendships. Some friendships are new; others remain solid after many years.

We see some friends almost daily while others are miles away. How wonderful it is to have a friend in whom we have complete trust. One who forgives us, encourages us, and loves us – warts and all. Our deepest friendships are those that share a mutual faith in Christ. What a blessing to have a friend who prays for us and shares God’s Word with us! These relationships are treasured gifts from our Savior Jesus Who is our truest friend. (more…)

Baptism … now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, … (1 Peter 3:21)

New parents are bombarded with lists of “necessities” for their baby! Everyone has recommendations for the best car seat, stroller, and diapers, as well as differing opinions on feeding and sleeping schedules. Realizing many things are essential to the physical well-being of a newborn, the Christian parent is also concerned about the child’s spiritual needs.

As cute as this tiny baby is, sin separates the child from its Creator. God’s plan to redeem us meant sending His own Son to conquer sin by dying for us on the cross. That new life comes to us through the Holy Spirit in Baptism.  “Baptism … now saves you … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Parents present the baby entrusted to them to the mercy of the Eternal Father. By grace, Baptism is a means of salvation by which the Holy Spirit produces faith in the child. The child receives the sign of the cross and assurance of life forever. That is the best gift parents can give their precious child. (more…)