As Lutheran Christians, we believe that Baptism is a gift of God bringing saving grace into a person’s life.

Jesus commanded Baptism in Matthew 28:19 when He said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” In Mark 16:16, Jesus promised, “Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved.” In Baptism God calls us by name and makes us his own. Baptism is our entry into the Church, the family of God, for we read in 1 Corinthian 12:13: “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.”

Because it is God who is at work in baptism, we believe that the baptism of children is also God’s will. Mark 10:13-16 says, “Some people were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples tried to turn them away. But when Jesus saw it, he became righteously angry and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Though it may appear to us that they cannot yet comprehend the teachings of the faith, we believe that God can make Himself known to them and does. It’s as true for children as it is for all people that it is by grace - by God’s activity in our life - that we are saved. Salvation is not our own doing.

We believe that Baptism is not intended to be an isolated act but the start of a life-long relationship with God that is to grow stronger day by day. For parents, that means more than bringing a baby to the font but never to church again or to church only infrequently. Parents bear a special responsibility to a child and to the church. Their duty is to bring a child up to fear, love, and trust in God. This relationship with God develop by coming to church, praying as a family, and teaching the basics of the faith: the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the 10 Commandments. As the child learns to read, parents are to provide the Word of God and share it so as a family together they may continue to grow in the faith. Likewise, sponsors at a Baptism should frequently remember the child in their prayers, remind the child of the high honor of Baptism, and lend their counsel and aid to the parents, that the child may be nurtured and grow in the Christian faith.

What about an adult who already knows and believes in Jesus? We believe that Baptism is God’s desire for all people, young and old. Jesus calls it being born again by water and the Spirit: “Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’ ”

To speak more about Baptism – for yourself or for your child or loved one – please contact Pastor Dan Mueller or Pastor Chris Kennedy at 210-614-3742, dmueller@shlutheran.org, or ckennedy@shlutheran.org.

As Lutheran Christians, we believe that Baptism is a gift of God bringing saving grace into a person’s life.

Jesus commanded Baptism in Matthew 28:19 when He said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” In Mark 16:16, Jesus promised, “Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved.” In Baptism God calls us by name and makes us his own. Baptism is our entry into the Church, the family of God, for we read in 1 Corinthian 12:13: “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.”

Because it is God who is at work in baptism, we believe that the baptism of children is also God’s will. Mark 10:13-16 says, “Some people were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples tried to turn them away. But when Jesus saw it, he became righteously angry and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Though it may appear to us that they cannot yet comprehend the teachings of the faith, we believe that God can make Himself known to them and does. It’s as true for children as it is for all people that it is by grace - by God’s activity in our life - that we are saved. Salvation is not our own doing.

We believe that Baptism is not intended to be an isolated act but the start of a life-long relationship with God that is to grow stronger day by day. For parents, that means more than bringing a baby to the font but never to church again or to church only infrequently. Parents bear a special responsibility to a child and to the church. Their duty is to bring a child up to fear, love, and trust in God. This relationship with God develop by coming to church, praying as a family, and teaching the basics of the faith: the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the 10 Commandments. As the child learns to read, parents are to provide the Word of God and share it so as a family together they may continue to grow in the faith. Likewise, sponsors at a Baptism should frequently remember the child in their prayers, remind the child of the high honor of Baptism, and lend their counsel and aid to the parents, that the child may be nurtured and grow in the Christian faith.

What about an adult who already knows and believes in Jesus? We believe that Baptism is God’s desire for all people, young and old. Jesus calls it being born again by water and the Spirit: “Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’ ”

To speak more about Baptism – for yourself or for your child or loved one – please contact Pastor Dan Mueller or Pastor Chris Kennedy at 210-614-3742, dmueller@shlutheran.org, or ckennedy@shlutheran.org.