Baptism Day

Team Gabbie
Aug 25, 2022
2 min read

Thursday, August 25, 2022

I was seven days old when I was baptized on August 25th, 1995.

My godparents are Rose Forsmann Harman and Dean Nuxoll.

Thank you to my mom and dad for revealing the gift of Baptism to me at such a young age.

I am so grateful for the Sacrament of Baptism.

"A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by God to give grace."

-Baltimore Catechism

The Baltimore Catechism was part of our homeschool curriculum.

Good morning, Baltimore.

I remember thinking as a kid, "I am never going to remember this stuff."

And yet, here I am today, remembering what I learned in grade school and realizing why.

The Sacrament of Baptism not only removes original sin but gives grace.

If it weren't for the sacraments, we would miss out on the gift of grace.

Here is what I mean by "grace" and "gift" :

"Years ago, I was presenting to a group comprised mostly of Southern Baptist seniors. We were talking about Philippians and the distinction between Law and Gospel, but the people in the class were very interested in the Lutheran teaching about Baptism. “Don’t you Lutherans baptize babies?” “Yes, indeed,” I answered. “How can you do that if they haven’t made a decision for Christ?” “We think of Baptism differently,” I responded. “The Baptist faith and message teaches that Baptism is our first act of obedience, that it is our work, our action. We Lutherans understand that Baptism is God’s work, His gift of forgiveness to us. Just about the only thing babies are good at is receiving gifts.” To impress the point, I asked, “How many of you are grandparents?” The entire room raised their hands. “Okay, what would you say if I told you not to give gifts to your grandchildren? Their first Christmas: no gifts. Their first birthday: no gifts. In fact, I don’t want you to give them any gifts until they reach the age where they can ask for gifts and truly appreciate them.” A dear old grandmother sitting in the back said, with a shaky voice, “Point made!” Baptism is God’s gift to us. In Baptism, God delivers His promised forgiveness, the very same forgiveness won by Jesus in His death. By the death and resurrection of Jesus, and by His institution, Baptism saves."

Has American Christianity Failed by Bryan Wolfmueller

Happy Birthday St. Faustina!

"Thank You, O God, for Holy Baptism

Which engrafted me into Your family,

A gift great beyond all thought or expression

Which transforms my soul (37)." Diary of St. Faustina

http://www.baltimore-catechism.com/lesson14.htm