Grace

Matthew 3:13-17

Here is a United Methodist Perspective on Baptism:

In baptism God initiates a covenant with us, announced with the words,

“The Holy Spirit works within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus.”

I understand the baptismal covenant in light of Jesus’ baptism.

In the gospel of Matthew,

The Spirit said: “This is my son.” While Jesus’ relationship to God as Son seems unique,

I see this as a model for God’s people, baptism reminds us that God has also chosen us as children with whom God is well pleased.

We are all chosen by Grace.

So the most important thing about us,

our true identity,

is that we are children of God.

“We are incorporated into God’s mighty

acts of love and given new birth through

water and the Spirit.” We are partners in

God’s work, God’s agents, if you will.

We are God’s hands and feet.

The Holy Spirit has descended and

landed on us.

- Rolly Loomis