9.23.24

This week is our quarterly Family Sunday. And this means we will have a shortened service followed by a lunch together (sign-ups, even if you’re not able to bring anything, are found on the Newsletter page of citychurchbristol.org). On this Family Sunday, we will be baptizing and dedicating babies.

What’s the difference? All baptisms are dedications - it’s part of the vows. But not all agree that baptism should be applied to babies before they make their own profession of faith. And so we are a church that allows for a diversity of views on this subject.

We will talk a bit more about baptism as the week goes. But one of the primary calls during a baptism/dedication time, is for all those who have been baptized or dedicated, to stop and reflect on the commitments to God that they have made (or have been made on their behalf). In other words, it’s a time to remember our neediness of Jesus, and to look at our own hearts with a critical eye to ask, “Have I pursued what my baptism/dedication promised? Am I running to Jesus to satisfy my heart’s needs? Or have I merely made him a Helper in my quest for life on my own?”

As we said yesterday, all we need is need. Are you needy enough for Jesus - and for his life for yours alone? He is more than a good example to follow. He is more than a motivation to live with more holiness. Though he is both. But unless he is also the substitute that has fully paid for all your sins and made you fully right before the eyes of a holy God, you will be unable to follow his example - and his motivation will be self-serving and not born out of love.

Reflect today on the vows that you (or your parents on your behalf) made before God about your own deep need of Jesus. And RUN to him with love for the mind-blowing acceptance that you have with him today because of your big Brother, Jesus.