Baptism 11: Only one Baptism

 Have you ever wondered about baptism, or maybe about a special experience you've had in your faith journey?  Baptism is a beautiful way to celebrate God's incredible love and become part of our Church family.  It's also a special promise, a covenant between God and you.

Baptism: A Promise of God's Faithful Love:

Think of baptism as God reaching out to you, inviting you into His loving embrace.  It's a promise He makes, a covenant established through the Church.  Because God's love for us never wavers, baptism is a one-time experience, a beautiful symbol of His enduring commitment.  This aligns with the teachings of many churches throughout history, and with recent agreements between different Christian denominations.

God's Love Stays Strong, Even When We Don't:

The amazing thing about baptism is that God's love for us remains constant, even when we make mistakes.  Life can be messy, and sometimes we stray from the path.  But baptism reminds us that God's love is always there, waiting for us to return.  It's not a one-time fix, but a symbol of His unwavering promise.  While we may break the promises we make at baptism, God's love for us is never broken.

Celebrating Growth in Your Faith:

Sometimes, after baptism, we experience powerful moments of growth in our faith.  Maybe you've had a time of conversion, a deepening commitment to God, or a powerful feeling of forgiveness.  These are definitely worth celebrating!  The good news is, you don't need to be baptized again.  Instead, we have beautiful services where you can reaffirm the vows you made at baptism.  It's a chance to say, "Yes, I may stumble sometimes, but God, I'm still here, and Your love is what keeps me going."

Reaffirming Your Faith Journey:

The United Methodist Church has special services like "Confirmation or Reaffirmation of Faith" or "A Celebration of New Beginnings in Faith."  These services allow you to publicly declare your ongoing commitment to God's promises.  They remind us that faith is a lifelong journey, and God is always by our side, cheering us on.

Always Welcome in Our Church Family:

Whether you're considering baptism for the first time, or seeking to reaffirm your existing faith, you're always welcome in our Church family.  We'd be honored to support you on your faith journey, no matter where you are.