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Gospel centred sermons, based on the lectionary often in advance.

Sep 29, 2011

Focus reading: Philippians 3:4b-14

Paul’s main argument in today’s reading is that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s love or favour. Churches like the Uniting Church baptize babies like Parker and Jaxon to proclaim the belief that there is nothing we can do to earn God's love because God already loves us and claims us. It is also why churches like the Uniting church allow Children to receive communion, because we believe that God includes everyone in God's love.

A tiny baby can not give anything, yet they are just as loved and accepted as Paul, or me. And no matter how much you can give, or how little, the same is true of every one of you, young or old, strong or weak, sinner or saint. You are loved and accepted by God. As adults of course we have to decide if we want to accept that gift of love, and what we will do with it if we do, but that is another sermon, for another day.

Questions for thought or discussion:

What do you think of the idea that being declare as right or good in God’s eyes comes from faith in Christ and not from living a good life? In what ways is this understanding that nothing we do or are makes us right with God a strong (or weak) argument for infant baptism? What do you read as Paul’s motivation for pushing on toward the goal?

Image (c) Rotorhead