Genesis 2:7 tells us, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Later, in the Gospel of John, we discover that this Word of God that spoke creation into being and gave us life is, in fact, Jesus. Then Jesus himself tells us, “I came that they might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Our God is not an impersonal force. God did not simply jump-start the creation process and then step back and get out of the way. He holds all things together as not only the maker but also the sustainer of life. This “Word” that spoke all things into being became flesh and dwelt among us so that we, who bear God’s image, might know God, experience God, and discover the life we were made for. It is not simply cliché to say, “God has a plan for your life”; it is the truth.

Part of our study of “beginnings” is to help us understand this plan and to begin to answer some of the most important questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

Today, we also have the privilege and opportunity to celebrate with some of our unexpected family as they follow the Lord in obedience by being baptized. Our word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizo,” which means “to dip” or “to immerse.” It often was used to describe or signify the dyeing of a garment. The cloth would be “baptized” into the dye and come out looking different. It had taken on the characteristics of the dye.

Jesus commands us as his followers to “go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Baptism symbolizes the reality that through faith in Jesus Christ we have been immersed in God. By faith, we declare our new identity as followers of Jesus. We affirm our identity as the children of God, made in His image, and now through the saving work of Christ on the cross take our place in the family of God—ready to participate in the great adventure of redeeming a lost world. This is the life you were made for.

To God be the glory,

John Secrest
Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries