A Sign of the Time (LD 26; Zechariah 13:1-6)

Zechariah promises that there will be a fountain that is opened. This fountain will open on the day of the Lord where the Lord will establish the true cleansing. The Lord will care for us, and the Lord will redeem. This fountain is the symbolism of the true definitive washing. Baptism is the sign of the time that is shown in covenant history.

Worship Elements: Sacraments Uncircumcision (Leviticus 26:41)

So often people think of the sacrament of circumcision as a physical sign while baptism is a sign of Spiritual renewal.  So, these signs might point to Christ, but they have radically different intentions.  When we survey scripture we find that this is not necessarily a true distinction with circumcision being physical while baptism is spiritual.  In fact, Moses teaches that one being uncircumcised is stating that one is not walking in power of the Lord.  So, can we really say that circumcision is not a spiritual sign? 

A Holy Household (Ephesians 6:1-4)

The Apostle Paul exhorts children to obey their parents for this is pleasing to the Lord.  It is not a surprise to us that Paul would exhort children to obey their parents, but what does this imply about their status in the church?  Why is the context of their exhortation so significant? Why is it important that this exhortation seems to echo the Old Testament?  What could this imply about children being in covenant with the Lord?

Sign of Faith or Faithfulness? (Romans 4:11 (LD 27; BC Article 34)

Many times people will say that the sacraments are a sign of our faith.  We might not think that it is important to see that sacrament is a sign of God’s faithfulness verses the sign being a sign of my faith.  Ultimately we need to look discussion in light of the covenant of grace.  Did Abraham receive the sign because of his faith or because of the Lord’s faithfulness?  In other words does the sign point to Abraham’s faith or does it point to the promises of God and His faithfulness?  What does Paul say in Romans 4:11 regarding the sign that was given to Abraham?

Beyond a Land Promise (Genesis 17:1-27; Acts 2:29-41)

The Lord makes a promise to Abraham about bringing about His kingdom through the champion line.  This promise is tied to a land and also to circumcision.  Why would we desire to appeal to this passage for infant baptism?  What does Genesis 17 tell us about the covenant and the covenant sign?  What is Peter saying regarding the application of the covenant promises to us?