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This podcast is a 20 minute "primer" on Baptism in the Christian church: what it is, why we do it, and what it means for daily life.

Matthew 3:13-4:1
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Excerpt from today's message:
"Simply put, Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life. This includes the reality of sin, temptation, struggles, doubts, and wilderness. This includes the messiness of Christian community—what do you expect when you take a bunch of forgiven sinners and put them all in one place? This includes the blessed assurance of the presence of God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the unconditional love of the God who created you and all living things."

Two little books about Baptism I recommend, both by Rev. Daniel Erlander.
Let the Children Come: A Baptism Manual for Parents
Water Washed and Spirit Born: A Baptism Manual for Youth and Adults

You can also download Luther's Small Catechism as a free app for your phone or tablet. I recommend the one from Augsburg Fortress (the one with a white leafy branch on a burgundy background).

Study Guide
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