A Journey of Faith
Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus chapter three:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)
Therefore, we baptize people at any age!
Baptism is essentially a means by which He has chosen to adopt us into His family, give us His Holy Spirit and forgive us of our sins. God often uses things which seem ordinary to do miraculous works. We believe in baptismal regeneration. This means that the Spirit has chosen to work through baptismal water in the same way that He works through His Word. Therefore, we practice infant through adulthood baptism. Since infants cannot understand the word, God uses baptism as a means to regenerate them and bring them into the faith. Through it, God gives faith to the baptized regardless of age. We believe that baptism is a form of the gospel, not a form of the law. Baptism is an act performed by Christ, through the hands of the minister of the sacrament. It is His gift of life and salvation. It is not a work we do but His alone.
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus chapter three:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)
Therefore, we baptize people at any age!
Baptism is essentially a means by which He has chosen to adopt us into His family, give us His Holy Spirit and forgive us of our sins. God often uses things which seem ordinary to do miraculous works. We believe in baptismal regeneration. This means that the Spirit has chosen to work through baptismal water in the same way that He works through His Word. Therefore, we practice infant through adulthood baptism. Since infants cannot understand the word, God uses baptism as a means to regenerate them and bring them into the faith. Through it, God gives faith to the baptized regardless of age. We believe that baptism is a form of the gospel, not a form of the law. Baptism is an act performed by Christ, through the hands of the minister of the sacrament. It is His gift of life and salvation. It is not a work we do but His alone.
First Communion
First Communion is not new for the Lutheran Church. Historically the church has consistently communed children before the Rite of Confirmation. We believe, teach, and confess at Trinity Lutheran Church that in receiving the Lord's Supper we receive the very body & blood of Christ our Lord (Matthew 26:26,28). We believe this is one of the many gifts that the Lord has given to His church for His people’s benefit.
Therefore, if receiving the Lord's Supper is a benefit for the baptized Christian, whereby they receive from Christ the forgiveness of sins, life, salvation, and the strengthening of our faith; wouldn’t it be good to prepare our children to receive it as soon as possible?
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14) So, our conviction is, “Yes, we should be preparing our children to receive the Lord's Supper as soon as possible” . . . But how do we do it?
The Bible is clear in saying that the person who comes to the Lord’s Supper should be equipped to “examine themselves” and “discern the body of Christ.” This means that we recognize our sinful condition and trust in God’s grace alone -- found in the Lord’s Supper in Christ’s body and blood -- to grant us forgiveness, renewal and strength to live as His people.
To that end, we offer a “First Communion” class every winter (the four weeks leading up to Ash Wednsesday) for children who have not yet been confirmed and are in the 5th grade or older. This class is designed to prepare the individual so that they may faithfully participate in the Lord’s Supper and thereby receive Christ and His gifts as He comes to us in the Holy Supper. For we know that where Christ is, so are His gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant[c] to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ (Luke 14:17)
Therefore, if receiving the Lord's Supper is a benefit for the baptized Christian, whereby they receive from Christ the forgiveness of sins, life, salvation, and the strengthening of our faith; wouldn’t it be good to prepare our children to receive it as soon as possible?
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14) So, our conviction is, “Yes, we should be preparing our children to receive the Lord's Supper as soon as possible” . . . But how do we do it?
The Bible is clear in saying that the person who comes to the Lord’s Supper should be equipped to “examine themselves” and “discern the body of Christ.” This means that we recognize our sinful condition and trust in God’s grace alone -- found in the Lord’s Supper in Christ’s body and blood -- to grant us forgiveness, renewal and strength to live as His people.
To that end, we offer a “First Communion” class every winter (the four weeks leading up to Ash Wednsesday) for children who have not yet been confirmed and are in the 5th grade or older. This class is designed to prepare the individual so that they may faithfully participate in the Lord’s Supper and thereby receive Christ and His gifts as He comes to us in the Holy Supper. For we know that where Christ is, so are His gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant[c] to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ (Luke 14:17)