Each member finds their value, worth, and identity from the same inexhaustible source: The grace-drenched water of baptism which splashes every living body just the same.
The most counter-cultural action any Christian church can take right now would be to foster healthy and constructive conversations among its members and neighbors across their variety of opinions and perspectives.
Jesus’ baptism ushers in more than only His own life of ministry, the reign of God come near. It opens the power of the baptism He received from God, the power of the Spirit with fire, to all the baptized.
Some of our most powerful preaching of the Law comes not by telling people what they have done wrong and why they need to repent, but by preaching what is truly God-pleasing.
The joy and thanksgiving for God’s work in and through the Philippians makes this text an opportunity to express your pride and love for your congregation.