This week at Avalon Beach Church is going to be EPIC! We will celebrate as the family of God the sacrament of Baptism. But it is going to be even more than that. . .
Our theme this season has been: “A Summer of 3:16.” We have looked at passages in the Bible that are found in a 3rd chapter, the 16th verse. This week we will focus on Luke 3:16: “John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'”
We are going to look at these important elements in what exactly water baptism is:
- An outward sign of an inward grace
- A means of grace
- A public declaration of faith
- A family celebration
- An open door for the Holy Spirit
And at the end of the service, all who are willing can come down to the ocean’s edge and join in what may be the highest mark of celebration the church can experience. . .brothers and sisters in God’s family publicly declaring their decision to follow Jesus.
But this week at ABC is going to be more than this. We are also going to invite Jesus to pour out his Holy Spirit on all of us and baptize us with fire! The fire of God is both purifying and powerful. It is the deepest work of God’s Holy Spirit and when the Church gathers for baptism, the windows of heaven are thrust open for God’s grace to come like a wave on the whole family of God.
I said it at the beginning, this Sunday at ABC is going to be EPIC! Join us at 9am on the 30th street beach in Avalon. Bring your beach chair, some Wawa coffee and a whole carload of family and friends.
Avalon Beach Church 