Baptism

In reflecting on what must be a baptism oriented Sunday for most of us I began to ruminate on several verses. One of those verses is Acts 2. We've mentioned it and reflected on that mighty wind briefly during several of the SCUPE classes this past week. Today, Acts 2 reminds me of all that we have been given in baptism and the claim that God exerts on us that makes us his beloved children. But it also reminds me of what that gift calls us to be and to do. I believe we are called to be disciples and to make disciples.

In Acts 2 we hear "power." When it comes to power I often think of the first chapter of John where to all who believe in him he gives the power to become children of God and I think that that is an appropriate verse for a baptism day. And while I have my specific beliefs about what that power entails, Acts 2 speaks clearly of a very practical power which on this day seems more relevant than John.

In Acts 2 the divisive power of sin is overturned. The power that was taken from the people at Babel has been returned to the disciples and others who are there. The power that had been taken away because it was used for people's purposes has now been returned to the people for God's purposes.

Acts is a specific moment of empowerment and a specific call. That call is to put power to use for God. It is a call to be all things to all people so that Christ might be known and so that God's love for his children might make a claim on his people wherever they may be.

And, there is a call to us not just to be the children of God, but in Matthew 28 to make disciples among all the nations. Disciples are not just believers. Disciples are empowered by Christ to speak in tongues proclaiming the good news of salvation by the grace of God through Christ. And the disciples are scattered among all the nations.

Does anyone know that verse where we are called to do greater things than Christ? Anyone have any thoughts on baptism or these verses?