Sermon

A Picture Tells the Story

Theme

The meaning of baptism

Object

A baby photo album.

Scripture

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

This morning I have a photo album. It has pictures of our son when he was born. Just like any other parents, we were so proud when our son was born that we wanted to tell everyone about him. We didn't just want to tell them about him...we also wanted to show them! One way we did this was with pictures. We always carried a picture of our baby with us to show anyone who would look at them. I can't think of anything that makes a person more proud than the birth of a child.

The Bible says that when we invite Jesus into our heart, we are born again. That is so exciting that want to tell everyone what Jesus has done for us -- but we don't just want to tell them about it, we want to show them a picture.

That is what baptism is -- it is a picture of what Jesus has done for us. It shows the world that just as Jesus died, was buried, and rose again -- our old self died, our past has been buried, and we have been born again and raised to live a new life in Jesus.

Dear Lord, this morning we celebrate the joy of a new birth. May we tell others of our new life and show them a picture of what you have done for us through baptism. Amen.