Bulletin for baptismal service 25 / 9 / 16
Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ made this promise, “I will build My church, and the power of hell will not overcome it” (Matt 16:18). We have all made promises, or at least expressed what we intend to do only for circumstances to work against us. Our desires sometimes fall short because we can’t control our health or the weather or any number of other things which prove to get in the way. It can be wise to preface our grand declarations of intent by saying “if God wills”. It is God who determines the future, not us (James 4:13-15).
How is it then that Christ could make this promise with such confidence; a promise spanning centuries and involving millions of people; a promise which anticipates tremendous opposition? Because He is God and He has determined the success of His church in the world. The Christian faith has been and continues to be the most opposed religion on earth. From humble beginnings it has grown and flourished on the back of a simple yet profound message – God the Son became a man in order to deal with the guilt of our sin. He died on the cross so that we would not have to be punished in hell. Anyone who believes this message will have peace with God and a home in heaven.
Christ’s promise is being fulfilled every day across the globe. In places where Christians face bitter opposition, He is building His church. In our own land of secularism, materialism, and pluralism, He is building His church. Today we see this promise fulfilled in our midst when two more of our young people are baptised as evidence of their faith. God has saved them as individuals, but He has not saved them to live as islands.
- The Bible tells us that Alex and Oliver have been adopted into God’s household; they now belong in His family; He is their Father and they are His children (Eph 1:5; 2:19).
- The Bible tells us that Alex and Oliver have become living stones and are being shaped and built up to fit within God’s spiritual building (Eph 2:20-21).
- The Bible tells us that Alex and Oliver are now members of Christ’s body; they are joined to Him and to the other members. As members they are to use their gifts for the good of the rest (Eph 4:15-16).
All of these metaphors – family, building, and body describe the church. This is God’s purpose on the earth – to build His church. Sinners from every walk of life; men, women, boys and girls; rich and poor; forgiven through the blood of Christ and united together in their love for God and one another. Maligned, mocked, supressed and persecuted, the church will ultimately triumph because God guarantees it, “I will build My church, and the power of hell will not overcome it”
Today we witness a small yet nevertheless glorious demonstration of this reality as Alex and Oliver are baptised. May God bless them and all those present.