Season of Baptism: A is for Affirmed

My sermon for from Sunday, January 20th was a little bit different. Due to weather, I was planning on low attendance and prepared a more conversational sermon. I was pleasantly surprised when we got a lot of people, and it still worked to do what I planned. I walked the congregation through our Affirmation of Baptism service (Confirmation).  I'll share my notes here. 

Sermon 1-20-19, A = Affirmed

Grace to you and peace from God our creator and from our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, amen. 

Last week - B = Born Anew

This week A = affirmed

What does that word mean?

1. state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.

synonyms:declare, state, assert, aver, proclaim, pronounce, attest, swear, avow, vow, guarantee, promise, certify, pledge, give one's word, give an undertaking;

2. offer (someone) emotional support or encouragement. 

In baptism God, affirms our chosenness, that we are created good and beloved by God at our birth

Then, we affirm something to = Affirmation of Baptism

Baptize infants/ kids vs. “Believer’s Baptism” (when you're older)

The reason we baptize babies - symbolizes that we do nothing to earn God’s love

But what about when we grow up? 

Rite of “Confirmation = Affirmation of Baptism (we can affirm this all the time, not just when we’re in the 9th or 10th grade)

(I asked, "What was your Confirmation class like? Do you remember your confirmation verse?")

ELW Page 234 - Go through the Affirmation of Baptism service 

Profession of Faith

The leader addresses those making affirmation of their baptism.

I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?

Response:

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?

Response:

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?

Response:

I renounce them.

This section comes from the ancient rite of exorcism. We are casting out/ turning our backs on everything that gets between us and God.  I asked, 'If you were to add things to “turn our backs on,” what would they be? What specifically “defies” or “rebels” against God?'

Then we got on to the Apostles Creed, which affirms what we DO believe and turn toward:

The presiding minister addresses the candidates and the assembly.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.*

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Affirmation in the presence of the assembly = 
Reiterates all the baptismal promises - flip back to page 228 - It’s the same list 
Each person reiterates that promise

The leader addresses those who are making affirmation of their baptism.

You have made profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:

to live among God’s faithful people,

to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,

to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

Response: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

Then WE reiterate OUR promise to THEM:

The leader may address others who are present.

People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for them in their life in Christ?

We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

The leader prays for God’s blessing.

Let us pray.

We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life.

“Stirrup prayer” - blessing of the Holy Spirit 

Kind of sounds like a horse …

The following words of blessing may be repeated for each person. The leader may lay both hands on the head of the person and say:

Stir up in  name  the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever.

Amen.

So, Affirming our Baptism means = responding to the call to live a life of a baptized follower of Jesus 

Life of baptism - stirring up the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as Paul wrote. Many gifts, one spirit. 

All are Affirmed, or to put it another way, = “ACTIVATED”

“ACTIVATE BUTTON” on my Approval essay/paperwork 
= ready to rock and roll!

Affirmation of baptism/ Baptism= activate all the Gifts that God has given us! To become saints of God. 

Take at look at that list…  if you don’t feel any of your gifts are reflected, that’s ok…. Not a comprehensive list… stubbornness…. Determination…. Listening… all can be spiritual gifts too. 

Spiritual Gifts = as  many baptized people 

Tune in next week to find out what our next letter is!