If you have read the Book of Ecclesiastes you will recognize the common refrain found in chapter three, verse one: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This week the Spring season has officially arrived. As our world becomes more green and flowers open up to show their brilliance it is a fantastic reminder of newness of life. As Christians we mark this season of newness with a Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday celebration of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again. This is the same picture we observe in water baptism as we, too, are invited to die to self as we are buried with him in death and rise to newness of life when we emerge from the water. Have you been baptized? On Easter Sunday I invite you to take the waters of baptism as we are offering this opportunity to our Trinity Church Family. Why does it matter? Baptism doesn’t save you but it’s part of your act of worship if you have been saved. Jesus Christ, Himself, was baptized as an example of obedience to the Father. When He came up from the water a dove descended and many heard the words, “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” When you get baptized it pleases God. Baptism is an outward expression of your inward commitment and gratitude. This week I experienced the hospitality of dear friends who hosted Nicole and I in their Croatian home. They insisted on paying for dinner and bus rides. They stayed up late and got up early and stayed up late. Not once did I feel like they were put out or burdened. I felt loved. It felt very natural and appropriate to express my gratitude in words of thanks, of affirmation and recognition. It didn’t feel like I gave enough back. They gave me more than I could give in return, but I would have gladly given more and I gave my gratitude with joy. I’m sure you can relate. That’s why I encourage you to get baptized on Easter if you have not yet taken the waters of baptism. It is the best way to show your gratitude and declare your allegiance to Jesus Christ, our Lord. Please contact Pastor Dan directly or the Trinity Church Office if you’d like to explore water baptism or questions of faith.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10
“Trinity International Church is a safe, welcoming, community of Christ-followers who uphold a high view of Scripture, celebrate unity in diversity and participate fully in the abiding Christian life as described in the Bible. We are united by the principle that in the essentials there should be unity, in all else there should be charity.”
Pastor Dan
