Drawing on the roots of early Methodists, Philip Meadows urges readers to use the act of "remembering their baptism" to connect themselves to their own discipleship and mission. This will result in the daily shaping of their Christian lives by personal and corporate spiritual discipline, which is itself decidedly baptismal in character. When church communities of every size remember their baptism, they hold one another accountable for the life of disciplined discipleship and everyday witness. A great resource for small group study and clergy.
"This child has been reborn in Baptism. This is now a child of God." So begins this beautiful, illustrated book for memories and reflections of a day your child will honor for the rest of his or her life. Includes: *Presentation Pages *The Calling of the Baptized *Space for Family and Friends to Write *Prayers and Scripture *Responsibilities of Family and Friends *The Baptism of Our Lord *Jesus's Blessing for Little Children Let's Remember Your Baptism: Readings, Memories, and Records of a Special Day is a beautiful keepsake to help a child remember and reflect on their baptismal covenant.
In this accessbile and informative book, Dr. Mark W. Stamm examines the sacrament of baptism within the context of The United Methodist Church. Included are sections on the biblical roots of baptism, the meaning of baptism as cleansing, new birth, new life, and covenant; effective means of forming persons and sponsors for baptism; and frequently asked questions about a United Methodist practice of baptism.
Baptism, a Model for Christian Life. Explores the significance of baptism in day-to-day living and provides a model for living a Christian life. Each chapter focuses on one historical-biblical dimension of baptism.
"On The Day You Were Baptized" helps young children understand the meaning and significance of their infant baptism. Walking through the liturgy of the baptism, this book explains what the various elements mean: the white gown, the Christ candle, the water, etc. (This version uses pastor instead of priest)
A 40-page booklet for youth or adults preparing for baptism. Also useful for adult classes on baptism and individual study. Includes Biblical background, a special section on baptism in the context of the Roman Empire, and chapters on Reformation baptism practice and contemporary baptism practice. Closes with a discussion of "living wet" - the baptism way of life.
This paperback volume contains the liturgy for all kinds of Christian Initiation. It includes the well-known rites of Baptism and Confirmation, as well as a range of associated services to help Christians in the various stages of their journey of faith. These associated services included Rites on the Way, designed to be used with adults who have recently found faith. These rites mark their coming to faith and help them on the journey towards baptism and confirmation. Also included are various Rites of Affirmation, designed for those who wish to mark or reaffirm a Baptism that has already taken place. Services of Reconciliation and Restoration are also included, as they draw individuals back into the full baptismal life of the Christian community. These include the Reconciliation of a Penitent (individual confession), and a corporate service of penitence for use during Advent and Lent or in preparation for mission or pilgrimage. Services included are: Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child Rites Supporting Disciples on the Way of Christ Holy Baptism Emergency Baptism Holy Baptism and Confirmation, including a Vigil Service Celebration after an Initiation Service outside the Parish Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism Admission of the Baptized to Communion A Form for the Corporate Renewal of Baptismal Vows Affirmation of Baptismal Faith Reception into Communion of the Church of England A Corporate Service of Penitence The Reconciliation of a Penitent A Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
The prophet Brigham Young taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in a basic, practical way that gave inspiration and hope to the Saints struggling to build a home in the wilderness. Though more than a century has now passed, his words are still fresh and appropriate for us today as we continue the work of building the kingdom of God. President Young declared that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we possess the “doctrine of life and salvation for all the honest-in-heart” (DBY, 7). He promised that those who receive the gospel in their hearts will have awakened “within them a desire to know and understand the things of God more than they ever did before in their lives” and will begin to “inquire, read and search and when they go to their Father in the name of Jesus he will not leave them without a witness” (DBY, 450). This book reflects the desire of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to deepen the doctrinal understanding of Church members and to awaken within them a greater desire to know the things of God. It will inspire and motivate individuals, priesthood quorums, and Relief Society classes to inquire, read, search, and then go to their Father in Heaven for a witness of the truth of these teachings. Each chapter contains two sections—“Teachings of Brigham Young” and “Suggestions for Study.” The first section consists of extracts from Brigham Young’s sermons to the early Saints. Each statement has been referenced, and the original spelling and punctuation have been preserved; however, the sources cited will not be readily available to most members. These original sources are not necessary to have in order to effectively study or teach from this book. Members need not purchase additional references and commentaries to study or teach these chapters. The text provided in this book, accompanied by the scriptures, is sufficient for instruction. Members should prayerfully read and study President Young’s teachings in order to gain new insights into gospel principles and discover how those principles apply to their everyday lives. By faithfully and prayerfully studying these selections, Latter-day Saints will have a greater understanding of gospel principles and will more fully appreciate the profound and inspired teachings of this great prophet. The second section of each chapter offers a series of questions that will encourage thoughtful contemplation, personal application, and discussion of President Young’s teachings. Members should refer to and carefully reread his words on the principle being discussed. Deep and prayerful study of these teachings will inspire members to greater personal commitment and will help them resolve to follow the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ. If individuals and families prayerfully follow the principles in this book, they will be blessed and inspired to greater dedication and spirituality, as were the early Saints who heard these words directly from the lips of the “Lion of the Lord” (HC, 7:434)—the prophet, seer, and revelator, President Brigham Young.
The award-winning author of Grateful goes beyond the culture wars to offer a refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus, keeping his teachings relevant and alive in our daily lives. How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.
