Christian rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water
POPULARITY
We trace the Transfiguration from stunning vision to practical calling, challenging our urge to build shrines and instead to follow Jesus down the mountain into real need. Baptismal identity, rebuke of evil, and the cross redefine glory as love that serves.
Ash Wednesday 18-February-2026 Sermon Series Theme: “Hear Your Shepherd's Voice!” Bapt4-SA4 Sermon Text: Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Sermon Theme: “Baptismal Death and Life!” I. Daily Drowning The Old Adam In Jesus! II. Daily Walking Out of The Tomb In Jesus! by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
Baptismal service. Sunday 15th February 2025 Pm. Pastor Darren Rogers
Welcome back to the Let's be friends podcast. Back on the show, Father Peter Heers is here for part 2 of our chat about baptism. You may know Father Peter Heers from his popular online and YouTube account, Orthodox Ethos. Father Peter is a priest of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States of America and assistant priest of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Orthodox Church in Houston, TX. He is also the founder of Uncut Mountain Press.In this episode we discuss the unvarnished truth about Orthodox baptism and the overused practice of economia—what the church fathers truly teach and why modern departures threaten our salvation. When does a deviation undermine the very mysteries of the faith? And how does the historical patristic consensus challenge today's widespread laxity?In this compelling episode, Father Peter Heers unpacks the vital distinction between legitimate economia and dangerous innovations that distort the sacred mysteries. You'll learn how saints like Saint Basil and Canon 47 of St. Basil of the Council of Trullo uphold the necessity of proper reception for converts and how recent shortcuts risk undermining the divine grace bestowed through authentic sacraments. We break down the crucial criteria set by the church to distinguish temporary pastoral exceptions from systemic errors, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to the Fathers' teachings.In the episode, we discuss Father Peter's book, The Reception of the Heterodox into the Orthodox Church, which offers clarity on complex issues such as improper reception, rebaptism, and the dangerous shift from canonical practice to ecumenical compromise. You'll discover why the practice of pouring water instead of immersion is not only heretical but also spiritually perilous, and how saints and councils historically handled such deviations.Join us to understand how the loss of proper baptism and adherence to the church's tradition risks opening the door to spiritual danger, including the influence of heresies and the rise of anti-Christian forces. Equip yourself with the knowledge to defend the divine mysteries with confidence, and help restore the sacred posture of the church in our tumultuous times.Watch video on YouTubeMake sure to listen to part 1: "The Hidden History of the Great Schism & It's Impact on Christian Unity Today"Want more? Let's be friends. Join the Friendship Membership.Want to read my memoir, Here Comes Trouble? It's available now. Order your copy.Father Peter Resources & Links:Uncut Mountain PressOrthodox Survival Course by Father SeirThe Way of a PilgrimOrthodox Ethos YouTube ChannelChristianities Documentary ProjectConnect with Father Peter Heers:TwitterFacebookWebsite
In this episode, Christina Semmens shares insights on how to deepen your prayer life, embrace the Cross, and live out the Gospel with purpose and hope. She invites listeners into a meaningful Lenten journey centered on Scripture, virtue, and community, emphasizing that holiness is a daily choice rooted in God's grace.TakeawaysUsing the Particular Examen guided by the five wounds of Jesus to confront hidden faults and sinsThe importance of daily dialogue with the Word of God and how Scripture breathes life into our soulsVirtues inspired by the saints, like humility, poverty, patience, and obedience, and how to cultivate themThe significance of loving the Cross in small, everyday ways by trusting in God's planThe role of righteous anger and prayer in responding to injustice without divisionHow baptism and the Holy Spirit empower us as priests, prophets, and kings to bring Christ into our daily livesPractical steps to begin loving the Cross, bearing suffering with faith, and finding joy amidst trialsRecognizing that each person's path to holiness is unique, guided by the Holy SpiritTimestamps00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the Lent journey 00:28 - Announcing the Say Yes to Holinessonline retreat 00:57 - UsingRooting Out Hidden Faults for spiritual growth 1:21 - TheParticular Examen and its focus on Jesus' wounds 2:16 - Gratitude and review as tools for prayer 3:13 - Addressing the seven deadly sins through Scripture 4:08 - Pope Francis on making Sunday a day rooted in God's Word 5:05 - Meditating on Scripture beyond Mass 6:02 - The living nature of God's Word and its ongoing relevance 7:28 - Continuing the dialogue with Jesus throughout the day 8:44 - The importance of making space for God's Word daily 9:45 - St. Ignatius of Loyola's call to live for God's glory 10:40 - Baptismal call to holiness and present in every moment 11:39 - Responding to injustice with prayer and Righteous Anger 12:42 - The Holy Spirit within us and our divine calling 13:17 - The nonviolent power of Christ's sacrifice 14:17 - Embracing peace and hope through the Holy Spirit 15:39 - Virtues of humility, patience, obedience taught by St. Anthony 16:34 - The diversity of paths to holiness guided by the Holy Spirit 17:22 - The common traits of saints and how love unites us 18:09 - Love does—how Christian love manifests in action (Bob Goff) 18:57 - Allowing the Spirit to guide our words and actions 19:13 - Rooting in prayer, sacraments, and virtue for a holy life 20:09 - Responding to injustice with humility and prayer 21:08 - The importance of righteous anger guided by the Holy Spirit 21:36 - Avoiding division and trusting in God's truth 22:09 - Comparing ourselves only to Jesus, not others 22:52 - The one path to holiness: your unique journey 23:21 - Loving the Cross through acceptance and trust in God 23:50 - Carrying suffering with love and presence of Christ 24:33 - Embracing pain as part of God's divine plan 25:32 - Finding goodness and truth in suffering 26:17 - The journey from bearing to loving the Cross 27:14 - Trusting God to bring joy and purpose through suffering 28:11 - Mary as our model of faithful acceptance 28:52 - Asking Our Lady and saints to guide us in carrying crosses 29:21 - Closing prayer, encouragement, and invitation to the Lent retreatResources and LinksRooting Out Hidden Faults, How the Particular Examine Conquers Sin by Father James McElhoneySay Yes to Holiness (Substack platform)Love Does by Bob GoffSt. Ignatius of LoyolaSt. Anthony of PaduaTwitterWebsiteJoin the Lent Online Retreat:Send a message to Christina at: https://www.sayyestoholiness.com/
Something in the Water Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
On the heels of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Fr. Jacob and Fr. John discuss the symbolism of the Baptismal and Easter Candle and how we pass on faith from one generation to the next as we receive the light of Christ. They further discuss the role of anointing before public ministry and how sin mars our baptismal garment and dampens our flame, yet God is always working to restore even a smoldering wick.
Pastor Gina preaches this Sunday. Join us for worship every week at 9:00 and 10:30 am or live-streaming on our website at 9:00 am.
The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth preaches on the celebration of the Baptism of our Lord, January 11, 2026.
Be faithful to your baptismal promises as God has been faithful to his covenant.
Matthew 3:13-17Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.' We don't like resolutions anymore. In fact, most of us probably didn't make a single one this year.Pew Research Center found that about 70 percent of Americans skipped resolutions altogether. When asked why, more than half simply said, “We don't like them.” And honestly, I'm with them. Most of our resolutions have become predictable, boring, and very inward-focused. Just listen to the top five resolutions according to a survey done by You Gov.Exercising moreBeing happyEating healthierSaving more moneyLosing weightYou probably could've guessed them. But these days self-improvement isn't just the focus of our resolutions: it's the focus of our whole society. We're surrounded by a culture that tells us we are always one habit, one purchase, one routine away from becoming a better version of ourselves. Social media feeds us an endless stream of trends, all built on the same promise: if you work harder, focus more, and optimize your time, you will finally be okay. Nearly all of it tells us to cut out distractions — like the people in our lives — so we can walk with a weighted vest and drink mushroom coffee till we are entirely better people, physically and mentally.Who has time for New Year's resolutions when the pressure to improve is nonstop? But resolutions weren't always this way. In fact, for most of their long history, they were almost the opposite of what we know today.The practice goes back thousands of years. In ancient Babylon and Rome, people made vows at religious festivals that were meant to strengthen the whole community: praying together, settling debts, promising to live well with their neighbors and their gods. Even as recently as the 1940s, resolutions were still mostly about how to be a better person with other people. A Gallup poll from 1947 found the top three resolutions were to improve my disposition, be more understanding, and control my temper. That's a very different vision of change than losing weight, getting rich, or optimizing yourself. My favorite legend about New Year's resolutions is the Vow of the Peacock, told of medieval knights. They would gather for a grand feast, and at the center of it all was a peacock: roasted, re-dressed in its dazzling feathers, and carried through the hall. One by one, knights would rise and make their vows upon the bird, speaking promises of chivalry before everyone present. These were not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky commitments: to courage, loyalty, and love.The Vow of the Peacock, more legend than ledger, shows us what people once believed promises were supposed to be: public, costly, witnessed, and binding; not private acts of self-improvement, but commitments made for the sake of others.And that turns out to be exactly the kind of vow Jesus steps into at the Jordan River.Because when Jesus comes to be baptized, he is not trying to become a better version of himself. He is stepping into a shared, public act: one that binds him to sinners, to repentance, and to the people he has come to save.That's why we get baptism so wrong when we treat it like a spiritual achievement, something you earn once you've spiritually improved enough to be worthy. That's not what's happening at the Jordan at all.In fact, at this point in Jesus' life, he had done nothing. No miracles. No healings. No teachings. And yet God says to everyone gathered, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”God doesn't say, “This is my Son, who kept all his resolutions, who eats the right amount of protein, and walks on water.” There is none of that. No self-improvement, no spiritual résumé, but still called beloved.So if this baptism isn't about self-improvement or earning anything, what is Jesus doing in the water?First, he is doing this for us and with us. By stepping into the Jordan, Jesus is saying, “I am in this with you — all of you who repent, all who need forgiveness, everyone trying to turn toward God.” He does not stand above us, but with us. That's why Jesus tells John, “It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” He chooses not to go it alone. He includes John in the work God is doing. This baptism is a radical act of solidarity, showing us how Jesus will bring about the kingdom of heaven, by working in, with, and through people.And that righteousness doesn't stay with Jesus. The righteousness he fulfills in those waters is given to us in ours. In baptism, our sins are forgiven and we are set back into right relationship with God and with creation. That's why, at every baptism, and every time you remember your own, you should hear God's voice echoing over you: “This is my child, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” With you. God is well pleased.We don't need resolutions to be worthy of anything, no matter what the trends and ads tell us. What we do need, believe it or not, are peacock vows. I know that sounds strange. We don't need to swear chivalry on a bird. But we do need public promises made for the good of our neighbors: the kind that say, out loud and together, “I'm not just here to improve my own life. I'm here for yours.”The good news is we don't need to be medieval knights or stage a ceremony with a roasted bird — even though that does sound fun. What we already have are our baptismal vows: promises made to God, to one another, and for the sake of the world.In the Lutheran tradition, many of us were baptized as infants, when others made those promises on our behalf. But at some point — at confirmation, or later in life — we take those vows as our own: to live among God's faithful people, to hear God's Word and share in communion, to proclaim the good news of Christ in word and deed, to serve all people as Jesus does, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.Yes, keeping these promises will shape you. But their real purpose is to bless others: just like Jesus' baptism, and even those old peacock vows. And we know that resolutions made with others and for others are the ones that last.So here is what I'm asking of you this year: instead of self-improvement resolutions, tend to your baptismal vows. Not for you, but for God and for this world God so loves. Because what this world needs right now is not one more upper-middle-class person chasing a wellness trend or a bigger bank account.In a world that is lonely and anxious, it needs people who will live among and beside their neighbors. In a world flooded with bad news, it needs people who hear and carry the good news of God.In a world that is bitterly divided, it needs people who serve all, especially the scared and the oppressed. And in a world marked by violence and injustice, it needs people who strive for justice and peace — in their hearts, their homes, their streets, and their nation.So now I invite you to rise. Today, on this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, I'm going to ask you to affirm the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism. After each promise, if it is your intent, please respond, “Yes, and I ask God to help me.”Will you live among God's faithful people…Will you hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper…Will you proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed…Will you serve all people, following the example of Jesus…And will you strive for Justice and peace in all the earth?...Siblings in Christ, these are not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky, commitments to community, justice, and grace. When we fail, come back to the water. Remember your baptism. Hear God's promise again: You are my child. With you I am well pleased.And if you have not yet been baptized, come talk with me. Because we need you. The world needs you. And Jesus has bound himself to you. Together, we will fulfill all righteousness.Amen.
Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 3:13-17 Baptismal Identity In November 2024, a young high school graduate shipped off to boot camp, full of promise, and excited to serve in our nation's military. This was his dream. In mid-December, just a few weeks ago, a family member emailed me saying, “My grandson is being medically discharged. You can remove him from your mailing list.” My heart broke. I said a quick prayer, texted the young man and asked him, “I heard what happened. This must be hard for you. How can I pray for you today?” I'm guessing that you have faced disappointments like this. You planned the mission, anticipated every possible deviation, but when it came time to execute the mission was called off, or it went horribly wrong. You were on track to achieve rank, but it didn't happen. You set goals for your squadron but fell far short. You entered a marriage that was to be for life, but it hasn't. Maybe you were expecting a child who was to fill your house with joy, but that child is no longer with you. When the unexpected derails life, it's hard to see yourself as you once were. When you're no longer carrying out that vocation, or when you've failed horribly at that vocation, or have had a series of unfortunate events that no longer allow you to carry out that vocation, you might be asking yourself, “Who am I? What's my purpose anymore if I am not what I used to be?” My friends, Christ Jesus came to give you identity and purpose and meaning and worth. When he was about 30 years old Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by the prophet John. John knew Jesus was the Son of God, so he tried to stop Jesus. “But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented” (Matthew 3:14-15). Jesus had no sin. He was completely righteous in his living. The righteous thing his Father sent him to do was to completely identify with our sin, our failures, our brokenness, our disappointments. And at his baptism, he became them, took them upon himself as if they were his own. Since Jesus has completely identified himself with your sin he has given you his righteousness – his right living – as if it were your own. His gift comes to you through the hearing of these words. His gift comes to you through the waters of your baptism. In your baptism he puts his name on you, calls you his brother, his sister, sons and daughters of the Father, heirs of a resurrection from the dead and eternal life in heaven. In your baptism he gives you his righteous life which covers over your failures. He gives you his righteous life so that you might know you are not a failure but forgiven, redeemed and restored. Whatever disappointments, failures, heartaches, regrettable decisions you've made in your life, take them to Jesus. Take them to the waters of your baptism and wash them clean. See yourself the way your God sees you; baptized, forgiven, brother or sister of Jesus, dressed in the robe of Christ's righteousness forever. And then go and live that baptismal life. Every morning wake up and say, “I am a baptized child of God. I will live that way today.” Every evening before you lay your head on your pillow say, “Despite what happened today, I am still a baptized child of God, forgiven by my Father in heaven, because he loves me.” That's who you are and who you will be because Jesus says so in your baptism. Prayer: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life. As we remember in our prayers those who are deployed, keep them faithful to their marriages, pure in their thoughts and intentions. Keep them content and may they find joy in their work. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.
Talk from Eddie Scrase-Field on January 4, 2026
Bishop reflects on Sunday's Gospel. Will Wright helps us understand the baptismal priesthood and we'll hear from Bishop-elect Peter Bui. You'll also get up to date on the latest news and events in the Diocese of Phoenix. Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.
Sermon Text - Galatians 3.26-27 - by Pastor Dan Frey
In this Advent sermon, “The Armor of Light for the Darkest Days,” Pastor Balla opens Romans 13:11–14 to reveal the urgent call to awaken, repent, and trust in the saving work of Christ. This message speaks into a world weighed down by spiritual darkness and points believers to the hope found only in Jesus, the true Light who breaks through every shadow. Explore the biblical themes of repentance, watchfulness, Baptismal identity, and the strengthening power of Christ's gifts in Word and Sacrament. This sermon is crafted for Christians seeking depth, clarity, and renewal as the Church begins a new year of grace.If this sermon blesses you, consider supporting the ministry here:https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphbuymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphWhether you are searching for Advent preaching, Lutheran theology, biblical exposition, spiritual encouragement, or Christ-centered teaching, this sermon invites you to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and walk as a child of the day. Share, comment, and subscribe for more sermons grounded in Scripture and the hope of Christ's coming.Hashtags#AdventSermon #Romans13 #ChristianPreaching #ArmorOfLight #PastorBalla
In this episode, Brother Byron addresses what he calls "baptismal chaos" amid the surge of college revivals where many young people are being baptized without truly understanding salvation. He carefully examines what Scripture teaches about baptism, making the case that baptism is an outward expression of faith—not a means of salvation. Through passages like Ephesians 2:8–9 and Romans 6:3–6, he explains that salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ and warns against confusing emotional experiences with genuine conversion. The message is a heartfelt call for discernment, biblical understanding, and true faith in Jesus Christ.
B.L.E.S.S. 2 - ListenPlease forgive us - this is very (very) much shortened because we ran out of time after the Baptismal part of the service.
In this hour we are talking with different women leaders in the Church about their experience as Daughters of Christ.
The nephew is back at it.
Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org
Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org
Did you know that all the baptized are priests? They're a part of the common priesthood also known as as the baptismal priesthood. It is different than the ministerial priesthood, but still important. Listen to my homily to learn more!
Send us fan responses! The baptismal certificate might be the most overlooked yet powerful document when establishing your legal identity and navigating commercial systems. Don Kilam breaks down how this spiritual record serves a crucial legal purpose that few understand.Right from his penthouse, Kilam explains that baptismal certificates allow you to enter the system as a foreigner when attached to a W8BEN form. Without this ecclesiastical recognition, you're considered a "rogue vessel" lacking jurisdiction – essentially a pirate ship adrift in legal waters. The certificate formally recognizes your vessel (legal identity) within ecclesiastical courts, granting authority that can override state jurisdictions.Understanding the distinction between maritime and admiralty law reveals how consent is gained through contracts. Your Christian name on the birth certificate differs from your spiritual name on the baptismal certificate – a critical separation that establishes different identities for different jurisdictions. Kilam shares how wealthy families like the Kardashians leverage these concepts through private ministry trusts (508C1A) that appear as nonprofits but operate with significant advantages.For those with foreign nationality, this framework provides strategic options. As Kalam advises during the Q&A session with a Haitian woman, maintaining foreign status while in America offers unique benefits. "Every church is a tribe, every church is a government," he explains, highlighting how ecclesiastical structures create alternative jurisdictions outside conventional state control. Ready to establish your proper legal standing? Text PRIVATE LIFE to 702-200-4900 or visit skool.com/donkilam to learn how to protect your vessel in commerce.https://www.skool.com/donkilam/abouthttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Don-Kilam/author/B09J54V2ZD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=a626ae46-2ba5-4124-beee-27d01c771e34 https://www.skool.com/donkilam/abouthttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Don-Kilam/author/B09J54V2ZD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=a626ae46-2ba5-4124-beee-27d01c771e34Support the showhttps://donkilam.com
Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. The Catechism explains each and every element of the Baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the baptismal water. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on Baptism as the beginning of our sacramental journey and how we are called to walk as children of God throughout our lives after our Baptism. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1234-1245. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Christianity is often considered prevalent when it comes to defining the key values of late antique society, whereas 'feeling connected to the Roman past' is commonly regarded as an add-on for cultivated elites. Roman Identity and Lived Religion: Baptismal Art in Late Antiquity (Cambridge UP, 2025) demonstrates the significant impact of popular Roman culture on the religious identity of common Christians from the fifth to the seventh century in the Mediterranean world. Baptism is central to the formation of Christian identity. The decoration of baptisteries reveals that traditional Roman culture persisted as an integral component of Christian identity in various communities. In their baptisteries, Christians visually and spatially evoked their links to Roman and, at times, even pagan traditions. A close examination of visual and material sources in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Italy shows that baptisteries served roles beyond mere conduits to Christian orthodoxy. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review. Stefanie Lenk is a postdoc the university of Göttingen, and she's held other postdocs and fellowship at the Universities of Bern and Hamburg. And she, along with Jaś Elsner, was Curator at the Ashmolean's of the international exhibition “Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions. Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
A sermon by the Rev. Canon George Maxwell on the Day of Pentecost (June 8, 2025) at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
Christianity is often considered prevalent when it comes to defining the key values of late antique society, whereas 'feeling connected to the Roman past' is commonly regarded as an add-on for cultivated elites. Roman Identity and Lived Religion: Baptismal Art in Late Antiquity (Cambridge UP, 2025) demonstrates the significant impact of popular Roman culture on the religious identity of common Christians from the fifth to the seventh century in the Mediterranean world. Baptism is central to the formation of Christian identity. The decoration of baptisteries reveals that traditional Roman culture persisted as an integral component of Christian identity in various communities. In their baptisteries, Christians visually and spatially evoked their links to Roman and, at times, even pagan traditions. A close examination of visual and material sources in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Italy shows that baptisteries served roles beyond mere conduits to Christian orthodoxy. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review. Stefanie Lenk is a postdoc the university of Göttingen, and she's held other postdocs and fellowship at the Universities of Bern and Hamburg. And she, along with Jaś Elsner, was Curator at the Ashmolean's of the international exhibition “Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions. Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Christianity is often considered prevalent when it comes to defining the key values of late antique society, whereas 'feeling connected to the Roman past' is commonly regarded as an add-on for cultivated elites. Roman Identity and Lived Religion: Baptismal Art in Late Antiquity (Cambridge UP, 2025) demonstrates the significant impact of popular Roman culture on the religious identity of common Christians from the fifth to the seventh century in the Mediterranean world. Baptism is central to the formation of Christian identity. The decoration of baptisteries reveals that traditional Roman culture persisted as an integral component of Christian identity in various communities. In their baptisteries, Christians visually and spatially evoked their links to Roman and, at times, even pagan traditions. A close examination of visual and material sources in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Italy shows that baptisteries served roles beyond mere conduits to Christian orthodoxy. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review. Stefanie Lenk is a postdoc the university of Göttingen, and she's held other postdocs and fellowship at the Universities of Bern and Hamburg. And she, along with Jaś Elsner, was Curator at the Ashmolean's of the international exhibition “Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions. Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/art
Christianity is often considered prevalent when it comes to defining the key values of late antique society, whereas 'feeling connected to the Roman past' is commonly regarded as an add-on for cultivated elites. Roman Identity and Lived Religion: Baptismal Art in Late Antiquity (Cambridge UP, 2025) demonstrates the significant impact of popular Roman culture on the religious identity of common Christians from the fifth to the seventh century in the Mediterranean world. Baptism is central to the formation of Christian identity. The decoration of baptisteries reveals that traditional Roman culture persisted as an integral component of Christian identity in various communities. In their baptisteries, Christians visually and spatially evoked their links to Roman and, at times, even pagan traditions. A close examination of visual and material sources in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Italy shows that baptisteries served roles beyond mere conduits to Christian orthodoxy. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review. Stefanie Lenk is a postdoc the university of Göttingen, and she's held other postdocs and fellowship at the Universities of Bern and Hamburg. And she, along with Jaś Elsner, was Curator at the Ashmolean's of the international exhibition “Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions. Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/italian-studies
Christianity is often considered prevalent when it comes to defining the key values of late antique society, whereas 'feeling connected to the Roman past' is commonly regarded as an add-on for cultivated elites. Roman Identity and Lived Religion: Baptismal Art in Late Antiquity (Cambridge UP, 2025) demonstrates the significant impact of popular Roman culture on the religious identity of common Christians from the fifth to the seventh century in the Mediterranean world. Baptism is central to the formation of Christian identity. The decoration of baptisteries reveals that traditional Roman culture persisted as an integral component of Christian identity in various communities. In their baptisteries, Christians visually and spatially evoked their links to Roman and, at times, even pagan traditions. A close examination of visual and material sources in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Italy shows that baptisteries served roles beyond mere conduits to Christian orthodoxy. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review. Stefanie Lenk is a postdoc the university of Göttingen, and she's held other postdocs and fellowship at the Universities of Bern and Hamburg. And she, along with Jaś Elsner, was Curator at the Ashmolean's of the international exhibition “Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions. Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 26, 2025“Keeping Sacred Promises” – Ecclesiastes 5:4–7 (ESV)In this devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on the seriousness of making and keeping vows before God. Solomon warns that promises made to the Lord are sacred and must not be taken lightly. “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”We live in a culture where promises are easily broken, yet our God is faithful. His Word never fails. As believers, we are called to reflect His integrity—whether in marriage, Baptismal sponsorship, ordination, or personal commitments.Through Christ, we find both forgiveness for our failures and strength to keep the vows we make. His promises are sure, and in Him, we find grace to live faithfully.Join Pastor Balla as he teaches the importance of honoring sacred promises with reverence, faith, and truth.#DailyDevotion #PastorBalla #Ecclesiastes #ChristianIntegrity #GodsPromises #Faithfulness #VowsBeforeGod #LutheranDevotion
Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. The Catechism explains each and every element of the Baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the baptismal water. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on Baptism as the beginning of our sacramental journey and how we are called to walk as children of God throughout our lives after our Baptism. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1234-1245. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In many Orthodox churches, baptisms are done privately and almost secretly: after the morning Divine Liturgy at which the entire church community was present had concluded and all the people had left, a few people remained behind—or perhaps, if they had not been at the Liturgy, came to church deliberately late to attend the private family baptism to which they had been invited. If Liturgy began at 9.30 am and concluded at 11.00 am and if the people had all dispersed after the post-Liturgy coffee hour, then a baptism would be held in the now empty church around 1.00 or 2.00 pm.
In many Orthodox churches, baptisms are done privately and almost secretly: after the morning Divine Liturgy at which the entire church community was present had concluded and all the people had left, a few people remained behind—or perhaps, if they had not been at the Liturgy, came to church deliberately late to attend the private family baptism to which they had been invited. If Liturgy began at 9.30 am and concluded at 11.00 am and if the people had all dispersed after the post-Liturgy coffee hour, then a baptism would be held in the now empty church around 1.00 or 2.00 pm.
On this episode of “Cultivating Second Chair Leaders,” we will take a closer look at how celebrating baptismal identity through worship has shaped the KINDLE experience and its value when we are serving as Christ like servant leaders in our own settings. Our guest today is Joel Symmank, who has served for many years as KINDLE's chaplain in addition to his primary ministry call, serving in a congregation. The Founders' moments from today's episode come from Steve Arnold and Bill Karpenko. Steve lives in Forest Lake, MN and currently serves as a chaplain. Bill lives in Bloomington, MN with his wife, Michelle, and in retirement continues to faithfully serve KINDLE as part of the board of directors. Resources mentioned in today's episode:Clifton Strengths Assessment Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day: A 40 Day Journey with the Daily OfficeGo to www.kindleservantleaders.org to learn more about the organization and support our work!Share this episode with a friend and leave us a review. Connect with us! Instagram: @emilyphoenix or @kindle_social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KINDLEServantLeaders If you have a question to ask or story to share about one of this season's topics, we would love to hear from you. Send an email to emily.phoenix@kindleservantsleaders.org and we will share it along the way! Download episode discussion guides at: https://www.kindleservantleaders.org/podcast/
Baptismal Sunday. It opens the hearts of eyes, ours souls. Jesus opened his the blindman eyes through clay. Gospel Reflection (John 9:1-41).
Sharing and defending Catholicism can be overwhelming—how can we do it with confidence and peace? Tim Staples offers practical advice and answers more on the Wailing Wall prophecy, Eucharistic Adoration, and the role of the Trinity in Baptism. Questions Covered: 08:15 – Why is a Wailing Wall leftover from the temple (Mt 24, there will not be a stone leftover)? 19:31 – What is Joseph referring to in Gen 50:19? 23:58 – How can we defend the faith and not be anxious? 42:00 – How do you explain Adoration to a Protestant? 50:55 – Do we have to believe in the Trinity for the Baptismal regeneration to occur?
Rev. Dr. Peter Jurchen joins Mark and Julianna to talk about how youth ministry can help every young person to deeply understand their Baptismal Faith. Bio: Rev. Dr. Peter Jurchen is an Assistant Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska. Prior to that, he was an editor of Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House. In addition to his MDiv, he has a Masters and Doctorate in Education. He enjoys the pursuit of lifelong learning and serves as the Editor for the Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry book. Resources: Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry available at CPH
Fr. Ryan preached this homily on January 12, 2025. The readings are from Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7, Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10, Acts 10:34-38 & Luke 3:15-16, 21-22. — Connect with us! Website: slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
At our Baptism, we are are washed in the waters of Christ's merciful love that we too might go out into this world to bring Christ to others. But He doesn't send us out alone, He gives us a community, specifically a parish community, which helps us to nourish and grow even in the midst of transitions. St. Basil the Great Bulletin: https://basilthegreat.org/bulletin/ Check Us Out Online: Website: www.basilthegreat.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stbasilthegr8/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stbasilthegr8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stbasilthegr8 Spotify Music: https://bit.ly/StBasilSpotify
Hour 2 for 1/10/25 Drew prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Brooke Taylor (1:00). Then, Fr. Nicholas Federspiel broke down baptism (27:10), why we Baptize infants (34:10, and Baptismal records (40:51).
Phil has one particular way to guarantee that no snakes or gators will interfere with his baptisms any more, but Jase isn't so sure it's foolproof. Al fondly looks back on shows like “I Dream of Jeannie” but Jase admits that the genie costume kept him distracted from the show's deeper meaning. God isn't a million miles away; he is near each of us, and the real battle isn't trying to stay out of hell; it's choosing to keep evil out of us. In this episode: Hebrews 10, verses 9-12; Mark 10, verses 49-52; James 3, verses 13-17; Ephesians 1, verses 1-10; Ephesians 2, verses 6-9 “Unashamed” Episode 921 is sponsored by: https://policygenius.com/phil — Get FREE life insurance quotes and see how much you could save! https://philmerch.com — Get your “Unashamed” mugs, shirts, hats & hoodies! https://ICouldBeWrongButIDoubtIt.com/ — Get your copy of Phil's best-selling new book now! -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Baptism is the sacrament of faith.” The Catechism explains to us who can baptize as well as why we need Baptism for eternal life. It also explains to us what happens when people die without the opportunity for Baptism. Fr. Mike addresses our “what about” questions concerning Baptism. Most especially, Fr. Mike addresses the destination of those who will never have the opportunity to hear the Gospel or be baptized. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1253-1261. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Put simply, “[e]very person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” The Catechism explains to us the purpose of Baptism for both adults and infants. Fr. Mike doubles down and makes sure we understand that Baptism is for everyone. God wills Baptism for all people. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. The Catechism explains each and every element of the Baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the baptismal water. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on Baptism as the beginning of our sacramental journey and how we are called to walk as children of God throughout our lives after our Baptism. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1234-1245. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.