Washed in Christ(Titus 3:5; LD 26)
Baptism is more than a mere symbol, but it is not a magical act that automatically regenerates everyone who receives it. As the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us, baptism visibly communicates and confirms the promises of the gospel. Through the sign of water, we are pointed to the cleansing found in Christ’s blood and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism calls us to remember who we are in Christ. We have passed from death to life, have been set apart as his people, and are called to walk in the new life he has given us. We do not pursue holiness to prove ourselves worthy of Christ. We pursue holiness because Christ has redeemed us, made us his own, and continues to work in us by his Spirit.
Finding our Unity in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26; LD 25
How does the gospel advance? It advances not only as people come to faith, but as the church grows together as the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that we have been joined together by one Spirit, called to serve rather than compete, and to find our worth not in our gifts or accomplishments but in Christ alone. Through the preaching of the gospel and the visible testimony of the sacraments, our eyes are continually directed back to our Redeemer as we grow in gratitude and are increasingly conformed to him.
The Unlikely Advancement (Acts 8:4-25)
Stephen is dead, persecution is spreading, and the church is being scattered. Yet the gospel does not stop. In Acts 8, Philip goes to Samaria—a place the Jews would hardly have expected to receive the gospel. There we see both the surprising reach of God's grace and the danger of an outward profession without genuine faith. The gospel is not for the worthy, nor can God's Spirit be manipulated for our ambitions. Christ himself preserves and advances his church, calling sinners to repentance and faith in him.
A Little Faith Goes A Long Ways (Luke 17:1-10)
Christ’s teaching affirms the validity of Moses and the prophets, emphasizing the importance of a Christian walk as a servant before our gracious master. The apostles request more faith, but Christ emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, living in God’s service is a joy, knowing His favor is unearned. It is the assurance that we live for the greatest master.
