The Chronicles of Christ Church

That Wonderful Font

Is the Bible tentative on the meaning of baptism? A quick search of the New Testament on the Greek noun “baptisma” identifies three germane texts which I have listed below. No one who is orthodox and Reformed argues that baptism of itself does something. This is where we need to discern nuances because God does do something through baptism:

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:11-12 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

1 Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

It is unclear what the practical payout is in arguing what God will not do via baptism. It would seem, that as a paedobaptists, we are to baptize Covenant children and to trust God for the results. Whether God chooses to use the rite to save on the spot (epicletic) or not, is not for us to question. God after all, has inserted this sacrament into the very center of His Covenant people’s lives. It is not an empty sign as the salvation-oriented texts above clearly teach. Appealing to proof-texts about cognate faith (and infants lack of it) doesn’t alter the import of the three verses above either as one can appeal to numerous mysterious texts that demonstrate clear paedofaith. Let us baptize like we mean it!

Calvin on Tap

Last night was our November installment of Calvin on Tap. At the Tap, the men of St. Andrew's gather to enjoy male fellowship, perhaps an adult beverage and some tobacco, and study a subject together. Currently we are going through John Piper's "Desiring God."

It was a beautiful evening with clear skies and temperatures in the 60's. An evening of guys enjoying one anothers company and talking about worship.

Savoring a fine beverage and a Montecristo.

One of our Master's students, strangely and inexplicably playing with fire.

How We Worship

Here are a few shots of some of the elements of our Divine Service. This one is of the Confession of Sin which is followed by the Absolution.