Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

August 15, 2022

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Galatians 3:27-29

Summertime is hardly time to think about a winter coat yet there will be a time coming soon where a coat will be needed to keep us warm from the elements that identify the change of seasons.  There is a feeling of security and certainly warmth with a good coat; it keeps the cold air out and the warmth inside.  To be clothed in Christ Jesus is to know the warmth of the Spirit in our soul despite what life blows in our direction. Baptism does not save us from challenges but gives comfort and assurance that no matter where our path leads Jesus will sustain and provide what is needed to overcome all that may blow in our direction. Being baptized cleanses us of all that keeps us from the mercy and grace of Jesus and reminds us also that we are part of the eternity that is the love of God through Jesus Christ. Baptism “clothes” us with hope where our world may seem hopeless; joy where so much around us tries to rob us of the joy of the eternal presence of Jesus; grace that saves us from ourselves; peace that affirms that Jesus walks with us with every step we make along the path.  “Put on Christ” and know the grace, hope, joy, and grace of the one who “neither slumbers nor sleeps.”  Your baptism is a divine gift from God where the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit enters your life and binds you into the “Body of Christ,” free from the burden of sin while celebrating new life which is Jesus.  Thank you Jesus for the gift of Baptism!