…and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

These were the last words that Andrew heard before he was plunged into the dumpy surf at Floreat Beach last Sunday, in that ancient, symbolic demonstration of repentance, cleansing and new life in Christ.

Before baptising Andrew, Nigel reminded us of Christ’s words to his disciples in the ‘Great Commission’, commanding them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:16). He explained some of the significance of being baptised in the Names of each of the three Persons of the Trinity.

…in the Name of the Father: a new family; Andrew’s new identity as a child of God the Father.

…and of the Son: a new Lord, a new Ruler in Andrew’s life; a new example to follow and a new purpose to live for; the very One who made relationship with God possible by paying the penalty for our rebellion.

…and of the Spirit: a new empowering presence, to live on mission for God and to be transformed into the likeness of the Lord Jesus.

It was an exciting occasion for Providence Church – our first baptism! – and a wonderful, fresh reminder of the new life that all of us have, whether we have come to Christ in the last year or in the last 20 years.

Praise God for the good, good news of the gospel of Christ – that in His death we are freed from bondage to sin and selfishness, in His resurrection we are assured that death has lost its victory, and through Him we have the sure promise of an eternal home with our God.