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Pastor Chris Boyd

Ordained Minister of the NALC for Resurrection Lutheran Church since 2020; a MDiv graduate of the North American Lutheran Seminary and Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. Pastor Chris is a prior soldier of the Army, but now serves full time as the RLC minister. His ministry extends to the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department as its chaplain and as a volunteer fireman, to the township for community events such as street dedications and Wreaths Across America, to the city of Port Clinton for events including their Memorial Day Ceremony and Passion Walk, and many other entities. He passionately encourages rigorous study of the Word of God, apologetics, and communal involvement.

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Sermons

Isaiah 43: 1-7                                                                                                      January 12, 2025

Psalm 29

Acts 8: 14-17

St. Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

 

“Baptism is for All”

 

Grace and peace to you my brothers and sisters in Christ, Amen.

 

How often do we turn to our neighbors, to whole groups of people and claim that they cannot be redeemed? How often do we turn to a mirror and upon seeing our own face we say God won’t redeem me?

 

The Jews had a long history with Samaria and viewed them as irredeemable. Their hatred toward the Romans is understandable, but their hatred towards the Samaritans runs a little deeper. As a child, they were raised to hate the Samaritans. So, imagine the apostles’ surprise when they heard that the Word of God was received in Samaria!

 

Before Philip (who is not the disciple) baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, he was in Samaria proclaiming Christ. While there he cast out demons and healed the sick, and even converted a magician. To all, Philip then baptized the citizens of the city of Samaria. This was the first time a non-Jew was baptized. Upon hearing that the Samaritans now believe and were baptized, the apostles sent Peter and John to confirm that such indeed happened. And upon their visit they realized that the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on the Samaritans, so Peter and John swiftly laid their hands on each citizen and the Holy Spirit came to them.

 

Let it be known that this is a very rare occasion, intentionally done by God so that Peter may witness the Spirit being given to Samaritans and so that the Samaritans would personally be blessed by Peter, the leader of the apostles. And yet many may see this passage confused and out of concern question whether they have received the Holy Spirit. And those who are deeply conflicted with their sinfulness may be so shaken that they convince themselves into believing that “No, God has not granted His Spirit.” And still others may sinfully reject their neighbors who have been baptized and falsely accuse them of not receiving the Spirit through the holy washing. They may rationalize that because the Spirit did not fall on the Samaritans during their baptism then the same can be true for others, and thus go further and claim that the Spirit does not descend on say Africans (even though in the same chapter the Spirit did descend on a baptized Ethiopian) or infants.

 

So, I say again, this is a rare occasion, intentionally done by God. And let it be known that not much time passed between their baptism at the hands of Philip and the laying of hands. In fact, by withholding His Spirit until the proper time, He can then profess to the world through the Samaritans that Christ died for all people and that all are welcomed into the Church. Peter himself personally laid his hands on the Samaritans and the Spirit came to them. If even the Samaritans can be redeemed, then all can be redeemed. Thus, in Acts 10, Peter baptized the next group deemed unworthy, Romans.

 

Other than this account, let it be known that through baptism, the Spirit does indeed come to you. The Father did not reject the Samaritans, nor did He withhold His Spirit on account of the Samaritan’s unworthiness. He temporarily withheld His Spirit so that the whole world may know that God has claimed the Samaritans as His own. In the end they did receive the Spirit. Samaria is a unique case. So be at peace and know that through Holy Baptism, all are claimed by God, and all have received the Spirit.

 

And why is this? Am I not unworthy? Yes, you are unworthy, but it is because you are unworthy that God chose you. Do you think the worthy need redemption? Do the healthy need a doctor? Christ Crucified comes to you, because you are a sinner unworthy to tie the strap of His sandals. He redeems you because you need redemption. He saves you through the cross, because you need salvation. Not because you earned it, but because God unconditionally loves you and desires you to be set free from sin.

 

Whereas it is impossible to baptize the unborn, to all those who give breath, Holy Baptism is a gift so that we may receive the grace won for us on the cross. At conception all people suffer from Original Sin and are thus in need of Salvation. Baptism is for all so that we who are conceived incapable of loving and trusting and truly knowing God may, through the power of the Spirit which enters us via the cool waters of Baptism, be able to turn to our Father above and cry to Him, “Abba Father,” trusting in the mercies and grace won by His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

When we are born into this world, we are born marked by Satan who has claimed us as his slaves. We are not children of God but damaged children of Satan. But in our Baptism, not only does the Spirit descend upon our hearts, but the great Father above comforts us as His voice comes down from heaven and tells us, “You are my beloved son [my beloved daughter]; with you I am well pleased.” By water and Spirit, the chains of the Devil are smashed to pieces and the Father rushes to us and claims us as His child. He then turns to the wicked serpent and tells him, “This is my child, don’t you dare touch him again!”

 

He knows every hair on your head, and He lays His hands upon your head as He places a holy kiss upon your forehead. You were once lost, but now am found; bruised, but now healed. And as such He is well pleased, not because you have done anything. He is well pleased because you are now home and safe in His arms, and He will never let go.

 

So, if at any point you ask yourself, “Am I saved?” Turn to your baptism and remember that the words the Father gave to His Son, He gives also to you. And with God, there are no take backs.

 

Let us pray,

 

Dear Heavenly Father, you desire all people to be a part of your family and to be comforted in knowing that through Your Son we are saved. Grant us peace in knowing that you have claimed us as Your own and lead us so that others may know this peace too. In Your most holy name, we pray: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

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RLC

EST.  1967

ADDRESS

2370 NE Catawba Road  Port Clinton, OH 43452

SERVICE TIME

Sundays at 9am

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©2023 Resurrection Lutheran Church

John E. Braun
Memorial Park

 

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