September 13, 2020 – Christian Education Sunday Text: Acts 2:38-39
Dear Friends in Christ,
Sometimes Pastor’s hear criticisms from their members. Hear are two such cases that point to our need and understanding of Scripture and how people can view the church and its mission all wrong.
“You talk about Jesus too much. When are you going to talk about other subjects?” And then the second one, “Why are you teaching so much Bible to our youth? They’ll never want to invite their friends.”
Why does the church exist? What are we all doing here? If it is not about Jesus and the Bible then our faith is worthless, because it is the power that makes us wise for salvation. How wise are you feeling about your faith? Do you wish you knew more? It is about Jesus and Him crucified – welcome. On this Christian Education Sunday . . .
“GOD IS TRUE TO HIS WORD”
Our text is part of the Apostle’s Peter’s Pentecost sermon. The focus in Peter’s sermon was on Christ. That is the promise that makes all the difference for us. Peter is relating the promise to the coming Holy Spirit. It relates to baptism and our entrance into the family of God.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (v. 38) Why do we need to repent and be baptized? I’m doing alright. I’m a pretty good person. I think I got things figured out. Do you?
In Wales years ago there was man named Roche. He was deathly afraid of snakes. So he went about building a castle. He built it so high that there was no way for snakes to get in. He lived in the upper part of the castle with a solid rock foundation. He was safe. He might die by some other means but it wouldn’t be because of a snakebite.
This castle also had a fireplace. To have a fire you must have wood. One of his caretakers went out one day to collect wood for such a purpose. What that caretaker didn’t know was that hiding in that pile of wood was a snake. You‘ve guessed it by now but the owner – Mr. Roche died by the viper. This castle is still standing and can be visited – one thing though – watch out for the snakes!
Like the Roche castle we build our walls to protect us, but the snakes still get in. “Lord, I’ve heard your Word and I am going to do better this week,” and . . . we end biting someone we love . . . or we strike with a careless word . . . or we wrap our negativity around someone and squeeze the life out of them. Repent, indeed. When we do the marvelous Gospel message sounds through the gloom of our guilt and shame. God is True to His Word. The death of Jesus Christ, which we caused, has earned forgiveness for us. What could be more wonderful?
For those who are parents there is an additional wonderful – “For the promise is for you and your children.” (v. 39a) The Baptism Peter urges is also where our children, the next generation of believers, meet the Lord and experience adoption as His son and daughters – even while they remain our children.
Despite everything we can give our kids, this is one thing we are incapable of providing. Our children at birth were far from the Lord and covered in sin. Their souls are precious to the Lord and at the baptismal font He bathes them with forgiveness. Some see this act as simplistic and symbolical. We see forgiveness. We see the Lord creating faith in these young ones. What joy it is to know that those we love as parents will be saved through all eternity. God is True to His Word.
But the promise extends beyond them. “The promise is . . . for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (v. 39) There is no limit to God’s love, there is no limit to God’s forgiveness, and there is no limit to God’s mercy in Christ Jesus.
The Lord has given me the privilege and the responsibility of reminding all the members of our congregation the importance of Bible Study, devotions, and worship. In this way we witness to all people regardless of age or race. Your knowledge and wisdom of the Lord’s Scripture can help you to share it with friends. The same gift you want your children and grandchildren to enjoy can also belong to neighbors and co-workers.
The Spirit of God has promised to work through the Word here and beyond. In being True to His Word God knew it just wasn’t for the ancient Jews who heard Peter that day or for us or our children. It extends to all who hear the invitation of God in the Gospel.
Share this Word where you can. It is a responsibility that can bring great joy. God Is True To His Word and He fulfills it in Christ.
Amen.