Walking Wet

In his sermon this week, Pastor Matt talked about repentance.  He challenged us to not only become people of repentance, but to make repentance our lifestyle.  When I think of repentance I automatically think of those things or actions that I regret doing or saying, but a lifestyle of repentance goes much deeper.  In fact, Tim Keller, in his book, “The Prodigal God,” suggests that we even need to repent for the very reason that we do anything good as well.  That’s a bit counter-intuitive and even more challenging to consider.  

Pastor Matt mentioned that Martin Luther’s number one item listed on his 95 Thesis that he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg Germany, dealt with repentance:  “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ said repent, He called the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”  Repentance isn’t a one-time event, but an everyday freedom we can experience and a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity.  

Check our this fun rap about Martin Luther and his 95 Thesis.Click here to watch the video 

Interestingly enough, Martin Luther also felt very strongly that Baptism was a life-long experience as well.  Each day, Luther suggests that we are to remember our Baptism and make the sign of the cross on our forehead before our feet even hit the floor to get out of bed!  In fact, Luther talked about Baptism as, “walking wet.”  If we live a lifestyle of repentance we know that God has forgiven us and as Baptized believers we have this assurance each day as we “walk wet” with our Lord and Savior. 

When we are Baptized, God doesn’t just bestow on us a “few” benefits.  He doesn’t “dangle the carrot” in front of us and say, “Now, Carol, if you are VERY good, I will give you a few more blessings, but you have to prove to me that you are worthy.”  No, instead, God gives us the WHOLE enchilada at once!  We get all the blessings – all the “goodies” that a life with Christ brings, including an eternal “home.”  The wonderful thing is these blessings are FREE to all who desire them. 

“Walking wet” each day means that we are drenched with God’s forgiveness and drenched with His love through our Baptism!  So today, as you are going about the day-to-day activities in your life, think about what a privilege it is to live a life of repentance and start “walking wet!” 

Pax,

Pastor Carol