The kingdom of Jesus relies on the sacrificial love of God as we see this in the life and teachings of Jesus, and the subsequent love of his followers for all other people, including their enemies. Entry into this large community of the body of Christ, or the church, is not based on one’s status in society or one’s wealth or even one’s religiosity.
The entrance into this kingdom is humbly, with empty and open hands that are willing to receive the transforming love of God.
Today we will witness this as God graciously welcomes Keith through baptism, a new brother in Christ. Baptism is a reminder for all of us that the only reason we stand in God’s presence and can love him and serve him, is because he first loved us. In baptism we are reminded that it is God’s decision for us that invites us and then carries us through every moment of our lives, because we are not relying on our strength but on his love to carry us through all that might come our way.
