New Beginnings
Stories
Contents
"New Beginnings" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Remember Your Baptism" by Keith Wagner
"Baptism by the Spirit" by Keith Wagner
New Beginnings
by Peter Andrew Smith
Genesis 1:1-5
John yawned and covered his mouth with his hand. “Sorry Kevin, it’s not the company. I’m just tired.”
“No problem.” Kevin smiled and handed him a paper cup filled with coffee from the hospital cafeteria. “The last twenty four hours have been a whirlwind for you and Nancy.”
“Our life has sure changed. We have a little baby of our own to help grow and find her way in the world.” John took a drink from the cup. “Joyce is so tiny that when I look at her my heart is overwhelmed.”
“So you’re naming her Joyce?”
“It was Nancy’s mother’s name.” John sighed. “I wish she was still with us. She was always so calm and certain when the world turned upside down.”
“She was a great person,” Kevin said. “So what’s so chaotic about having a baby?”
John laughed. “You mean besides everything?”
Kevin smiled. “Yeah, besides that.”
John thought for a minute. “I don’t know if I’m a good enough man to be baby Joyce’s father.”
“Oh, that’s a simple one.” Kevin looked his friend in the eye. “You’re not.”
“Sheesh. I was looking for a little support.”
“Yeah, well I have always been a straight shooter with you. You know that.”
“I know.” John slunk down in his chair. “So you don’t think I can be a good father to my daughter?”
“No, I never said that.”
“Kevin, I haven’t had much sleep so you’re going to have to explain yourself.” John took another drink from his coffee. “How can I not be a good enough man to be her father and yet you think I can still be a good father to her?”
“That all depends on what you do now.”
John’s brow furrowed. “So you think that I should try harder to get my life together so I can be a good husband and father.”
“No, I don’t because both you and I know that isn’t going to work.”
John frowned. “You don’t think I love them enough?”
“No, I just think if you try to tackle the most difficult challenge of your life by yourself that you will end up falling flat on your face.” Kevin tilted his head to one side. “Do you remember your first few years of marriage?”
“Nancy almost kicked me to the curb.” John waved his hand. “But we’re fine now. Things are good.”
“Which means you have a chance you wouldn’t have had before but make no mistake about it, having a kid and trying to do right by her is going to put a stress on you as well as your marriage.”
John considered his friend. “Are you saying this from experience?”
“I am.”
John put his coffee down and rubbed his chin. “So what do you suggest?”
“I suggest you and Nancy do exactly what you did when your marriage was in trouble.”
“What? I told you our marriage is fine now. Rock solid actually. I couldn’t love her more than I do this day.”
“Good, then build from that because when you are both walking around like zombies and you haven’t slept and something stressful happens then you are going to need that love to fall back on, especially if you end up being snappy with each other.”
John narrowed his eyes and then nodded. “Okay. I can see that.”
“You also need to work on yourself.”
“How?”
“Make church a priority in your life. Make time for prayer and connect with God every day.”
“I do that already.”
Kevin stared at him.
“Okay, maybe I’ve been slack these last few months but work has been busy and with Nancy pregnant...”
“There will always be some reason not to go to church and not to pray. There will always be too much to do and not enough time.” Kevin pointed down the hallway. “Your little girls and your wife are your best reasons to make time. Turn to God for guidance and direction and life will be richer and more wonderful than you can ever imagine.”
John thought for a moment. “Okay. I’ll try.”
“Don’t try.” Kevin put his hand on John’s shoulder. “Do it.”
John took a deep breath. “Okay, I will.”
“Awesome. Never forget that the God who created the earth can also create something wonderful in your life and the life of your family.”
John smiled and stood up. “Would you like to see Nancy and your goddaughter?”
“Sure. I would love ... goddaughter?”
John clasped his friend on the back. “I can’t think of anyone else that we want to help spiritually guide and support our dauther.”
Kevin grinned widely and the two friends headed down the hallway to see their future.
* * *
Remember Your Baptism
by Keith Wagner
Mark 1:4-11
Mark doesn’t go into great detail about the baptism of Jesus. He was baptized by John in the River Jordan. Following that we learn that "he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit was upon him." Then there was a voice; "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am pleased." Jesus was affirmed by God and God’s presence was revealed.
When we are baptized we too are affirmed. God loves us as God’s own. Our lives are now linked to God, Jesus and especially the Spirit of Peace.
I believe that to be truly baptized is about getting wet. That means we are moving in a new direction, being committed to change and living in the newness of God. In the wilderness life became an everyday challenge as Jesus struggled with people who resisted living their lives in a new way. It took all of his strength, all of his knowledge and all of his faith to convert them. Unfortunately he was rejected, misunderstood, debated, considered a threat and ultimately put to death, but he prevailed. He prevailed because the Spirit of God was with him.
In the summer of 1980 I began my ministry in a rural community north of Marysville, Ohio. Since I had always lived in large cities, living in the country was like living in the wilderness. While there I was asked to visit a man who was in the hospital in Marion about 40 miles away. His family said his prognosis was not very good and that he wanted to be baptized. I agreed to visit him and performed the baptism. When I arrived at the hospital some members of his family had gathered and also a few hospital personnel. I used a plastic bedpan as a baptismal font and my worship handbook that I had purchased a few weeks before in the seminary bookstore.
The man was anxious to be baptized and everyone thanked me for coming and performing the baptism. A few months later I visited the man in his home. He lived only a few blocks away from the parsonage. His health had dramatically improved and he was happy to see me. At one point in our conversation he pointed to the television console where his baptism certificate had been framed and placed on top. He was proud of his baptism and he kept it as a centerpiece in the family gathering area.
Baptism is a mystery. But, I am convinced that whenever someone is baptized, God showers them with grace. It is an event which seems to transcend our humanity. It is an event that brings people closer to each other and closer to God. It has the power to bring people who are estranged to come together in peace.
Who are we to deny the reality that the love of God is present every time someone is baptized? Baptism prepares us for the chaotic world in which we have to live. Baptism gives us the power of peace. And baptism brings us together and closer to God.
The first baptism in my ministry was for the infant daughter, named Jennifer, of a woman who was not married. Her mother and I were friends and since I was the only pastor she knew she requested that I baptize her granddaughter. At the time I was the pastor of that same small, rural church and I wasn’t sure how the congregation would react since the child who I baptized was being presented by a single parent. To my surprise and to their credit, the congregation welcomed them and as far as I know no one objected. It had been years since anyone had been baptized in that church and I believe it was an event that gave them hope. But, for that young mother to have her child baptized and be welcomed by total strangers had to be a tremendous affirmation.
Do you remember your baptism? For many of us we only know what our parents have passed on to us since we were baptized as infants. I still have my baptism certificate which my mother gave to me, shortly before her death. I can’t say for sure if my baptism changed me or gave me any spiritual power. But, I have no doubt that the faith and love of my parents and the churches who have influenced me over the years have definitely helped me to be a more loving person, and dedicated to peace.
* * *
Baptism by the Spirit
by Keith Wagner
Acts 19:1-7
Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. The city is currently about six miles from the Aegean Sea. Centuries ago Ephesus was a coastal seaport. Over the years sediment from the rivers has filled in that region, thus making Ephesus further inland.
The ruins of Ephesus are now a national park. Turkey has created a popular site which is visited by tourists, many who come from cruise ships. We had the good fortune of touring Ephesus on a Mediterranean Cruise. One of the highlights for me was to visit the massive grand arena where Paul preached to the people at Ephesus. I actually stood on the very floor where Paul stood over two centuries ago. As a theologian it was a very special moment for me. I could only imagine what an overwhelming experience it must have been for Paul to speak to thousands of people.
That being said, we learned through our guide about some of the history and traditions of Ephesus. There is a tradition in Turkish culture that Mary, the mother of Jesus, escaped or migrated from Israel to Turkey. In the park we visited what they believe are the ruins of Mary’s house. It is there, they believe, that Mary ascended into heaven. That contradicts our understanding as Christians as to Mary’s ascension. Nevertheless, the Turkish people seemed very proud of that legend.
In the city there was a site where baptisms (by water) had taken place. It was obvious by the ruins that Ephesus was a once prosperous city with thousands of inhabitants. While there, Paul preached a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” of which the people of Ephesus had no knowledge. According to Acts 19, twelve men received the Holy Spirit then spoke in tongues and prophesied. Controversy and religious conflict permeated Ephesus during the time of Paul and I find it ironic that this once flourishing seaport is now nothing but dust and ruins. And yet, amazingly, millions of people visit there every year only to stand in the very streets where Paul preached about the coming of Jesus.
Like other ancient cities where Christianity flourished, take Corinth for example, people were confused about the meaning of the Holy Spirit. For me, a baptism of the Holy Spirit means little unless the believer changes their way of living and lives and acts as a true servant, making peace and love their goal. Perhaps if that were true, Ephesus would be a modern community instead of a place where only legends, pillars and monuments remain.
*****************************************
StoryShare, January 7, 2018, issue.
Copyright 2017 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
"New Beginnings" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Remember Your Baptism" by Keith Wagner
"Baptism by the Spirit" by Keith Wagner
New Beginnings
by Peter Andrew Smith
Genesis 1:1-5
John yawned and covered his mouth with his hand. “Sorry Kevin, it’s not the company. I’m just tired.”
“No problem.” Kevin smiled and handed him a paper cup filled with coffee from the hospital cafeteria. “The last twenty four hours have been a whirlwind for you and Nancy.”
“Our life has sure changed. We have a little baby of our own to help grow and find her way in the world.” John took a drink from the cup. “Joyce is so tiny that when I look at her my heart is overwhelmed.”
“So you’re naming her Joyce?”
“It was Nancy’s mother’s name.” John sighed. “I wish she was still with us. She was always so calm and certain when the world turned upside down.”
“She was a great person,” Kevin said. “So what’s so chaotic about having a baby?”
John laughed. “You mean besides everything?”
Kevin smiled. “Yeah, besides that.”
John thought for a minute. “I don’t know if I’m a good enough man to be baby Joyce’s father.”
“Oh, that’s a simple one.” Kevin looked his friend in the eye. “You’re not.”
“Sheesh. I was looking for a little support.”
“Yeah, well I have always been a straight shooter with you. You know that.”
“I know.” John slunk down in his chair. “So you don’t think I can be a good father to my daughter?”
“No, I never said that.”
“Kevin, I haven’t had much sleep so you’re going to have to explain yourself.” John took another drink from his coffee. “How can I not be a good enough man to be her father and yet you think I can still be a good father to her?”
“That all depends on what you do now.”
John’s brow furrowed. “So you think that I should try harder to get my life together so I can be a good husband and father.”
“No, I don’t because both you and I know that isn’t going to work.”
John frowned. “You don’t think I love them enough?”
“No, I just think if you try to tackle the most difficult challenge of your life by yourself that you will end up falling flat on your face.” Kevin tilted his head to one side. “Do you remember your first few years of marriage?”
“Nancy almost kicked me to the curb.” John waved his hand. “But we’re fine now. Things are good.”
“Which means you have a chance you wouldn’t have had before but make no mistake about it, having a kid and trying to do right by her is going to put a stress on you as well as your marriage.”
John considered his friend. “Are you saying this from experience?”
“I am.”
John put his coffee down and rubbed his chin. “So what do you suggest?”
“I suggest you and Nancy do exactly what you did when your marriage was in trouble.”
“What? I told you our marriage is fine now. Rock solid actually. I couldn’t love her more than I do this day.”
“Good, then build from that because when you are both walking around like zombies and you haven’t slept and something stressful happens then you are going to need that love to fall back on, especially if you end up being snappy with each other.”
John narrowed his eyes and then nodded. “Okay. I can see that.”
“You also need to work on yourself.”
“How?”
“Make church a priority in your life. Make time for prayer and connect with God every day.”
“I do that already.”
Kevin stared at him.
“Okay, maybe I’ve been slack these last few months but work has been busy and with Nancy pregnant...”
“There will always be some reason not to go to church and not to pray. There will always be too much to do and not enough time.” Kevin pointed down the hallway. “Your little girls and your wife are your best reasons to make time. Turn to God for guidance and direction and life will be richer and more wonderful than you can ever imagine.”
John thought for a moment. “Okay. I’ll try.”
“Don’t try.” Kevin put his hand on John’s shoulder. “Do it.”
John took a deep breath. “Okay, I will.”
“Awesome. Never forget that the God who created the earth can also create something wonderful in your life and the life of your family.”
John smiled and stood up. “Would you like to see Nancy and your goddaughter?”
“Sure. I would love ... goddaughter?”
John clasped his friend on the back. “I can’t think of anyone else that we want to help spiritually guide and support our dauther.”
Kevin grinned widely and the two friends headed down the hallway to see their future.
* * *
Remember Your Baptism
by Keith Wagner
Mark 1:4-11
Mark doesn’t go into great detail about the baptism of Jesus. He was baptized by John in the River Jordan. Following that we learn that "he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit was upon him." Then there was a voice; "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am pleased." Jesus was affirmed by God and God’s presence was revealed.
When we are baptized we too are affirmed. God loves us as God’s own. Our lives are now linked to God, Jesus and especially the Spirit of Peace.
I believe that to be truly baptized is about getting wet. That means we are moving in a new direction, being committed to change and living in the newness of God. In the wilderness life became an everyday challenge as Jesus struggled with people who resisted living their lives in a new way. It took all of his strength, all of his knowledge and all of his faith to convert them. Unfortunately he was rejected, misunderstood, debated, considered a threat and ultimately put to death, but he prevailed. He prevailed because the Spirit of God was with him.
In the summer of 1980 I began my ministry in a rural community north of Marysville, Ohio. Since I had always lived in large cities, living in the country was like living in the wilderness. While there I was asked to visit a man who was in the hospital in Marion about 40 miles away. His family said his prognosis was not very good and that he wanted to be baptized. I agreed to visit him and performed the baptism. When I arrived at the hospital some members of his family had gathered and also a few hospital personnel. I used a plastic bedpan as a baptismal font and my worship handbook that I had purchased a few weeks before in the seminary bookstore.
The man was anxious to be baptized and everyone thanked me for coming and performing the baptism. A few months later I visited the man in his home. He lived only a few blocks away from the parsonage. His health had dramatically improved and he was happy to see me. At one point in our conversation he pointed to the television console where his baptism certificate had been framed and placed on top. He was proud of his baptism and he kept it as a centerpiece in the family gathering area.
Baptism is a mystery. But, I am convinced that whenever someone is baptized, God showers them with grace. It is an event which seems to transcend our humanity. It is an event that brings people closer to each other and closer to God. It has the power to bring people who are estranged to come together in peace.
Who are we to deny the reality that the love of God is present every time someone is baptized? Baptism prepares us for the chaotic world in which we have to live. Baptism gives us the power of peace. And baptism brings us together and closer to God.
The first baptism in my ministry was for the infant daughter, named Jennifer, of a woman who was not married. Her mother and I were friends and since I was the only pastor she knew she requested that I baptize her granddaughter. At the time I was the pastor of that same small, rural church and I wasn’t sure how the congregation would react since the child who I baptized was being presented by a single parent. To my surprise and to their credit, the congregation welcomed them and as far as I know no one objected. It had been years since anyone had been baptized in that church and I believe it was an event that gave them hope. But, for that young mother to have her child baptized and be welcomed by total strangers had to be a tremendous affirmation.
Do you remember your baptism? For many of us we only know what our parents have passed on to us since we were baptized as infants. I still have my baptism certificate which my mother gave to me, shortly before her death. I can’t say for sure if my baptism changed me or gave me any spiritual power. But, I have no doubt that the faith and love of my parents and the churches who have influenced me over the years have definitely helped me to be a more loving person, and dedicated to peace.
* * *
Baptism by the Spirit
by Keith Wagner
Acts 19:1-7
Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. The city is currently about six miles from the Aegean Sea. Centuries ago Ephesus was a coastal seaport. Over the years sediment from the rivers has filled in that region, thus making Ephesus further inland.
The ruins of Ephesus are now a national park. Turkey has created a popular site which is visited by tourists, many who come from cruise ships. We had the good fortune of touring Ephesus on a Mediterranean Cruise. One of the highlights for me was to visit the massive grand arena where Paul preached to the people at Ephesus. I actually stood on the very floor where Paul stood over two centuries ago. As a theologian it was a very special moment for me. I could only imagine what an overwhelming experience it must have been for Paul to speak to thousands of people.
That being said, we learned through our guide about some of the history and traditions of Ephesus. There is a tradition in Turkish culture that Mary, the mother of Jesus, escaped or migrated from Israel to Turkey. In the park we visited what they believe are the ruins of Mary’s house. It is there, they believe, that Mary ascended into heaven. That contradicts our understanding as Christians as to Mary’s ascension. Nevertheless, the Turkish people seemed very proud of that legend.
In the city there was a site where baptisms (by water) had taken place. It was obvious by the ruins that Ephesus was a once prosperous city with thousands of inhabitants. While there, Paul preached a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” of which the people of Ephesus had no knowledge. According to Acts 19, twelve men received the Holy Spirit then spoke in tongues and prophesied. Controversy and religious conflict permeated Ephesus during the time of Paul and I find it ironic that this once flourishing seaport is now nothing but dust and ruins. And yet, amazingly, millions of people visit there every year only to stand in the very streets where Paul preached about the coming of Jesus.
Like other ancient cities where Christianity flourished, take Corinth for example, people were confused about the meaning of the Holy Spirit. For me, a baptism of the Holy Spirit means little unless the believer changes their way of living and lives and acts as a true servant, making peace and love their goal. Perhaps if that were true, Ephesus would be a modern community instead of a place where only legends, pillars and monuments remain.
*****************************************
StoryShare, January 7, 2018, issue.
Copyright 2017 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
