Autumn Lynn Hayes – Baptized Christian, January 22, 2012

We live in a world that is confused about a good many things. Years ago someone came to my door from Greenpeace or some other such group seeking money to save the babies seals, or baby whales or something. I stopped them and said that I wanted to ask them a question first: Do they agree with me that abortion is wrong. Oh, no clearly not – the choice of the mother cannot be violated. It told them that we could not continue in agreement about baby animals because our moral compasses were pointing to different True Norths. Until they could see that human babies are infinitely more valuable than baby animals, we have little to say to one another.

Sadly, for some today, there is more conviction that animals have more of a right to life than unborn children. One recognized ethicist has written that,

“The right to life is grounded in the ability to plan and anticipate one’s future. [given what he says next one wonders if he can anticipate the future] This extends the concept to non-human animals, such as other apes, but since the unborn, infants and severely disabled people lack this,” he states that “abortion, painless infanticide and euthanasia can be “justified” (but are not obligatory) in certain special circumstances, for instance in the case of severely disabled infants whose life would cause suffering both to themselves and to their parents.”

It is for this and many other reasons that we at RCC have set aside today as Anti-Abortion Sunday, to stand before the Lord in opposition to the disgraceful and abhorrent sin of abortion, calling upon Him to bring this horric practice to an end.

While its important to hate and actively oppose the sin of abortion, even more we must lovingly celebrate the children given to us, and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord Jesus. And so with Christians all over our land, we also acknowledge what has been called the Sanctity of Humna Life Sunday. What more fitting way to do so than to welcome Autumn Hayes into the church of Jesus Christ through the waters of baptism – for the Apostle Paul declared that the children of believers are to be numbered with the holy, the sanctified people of God (1 Cor. 714).

There are four generations of Hayes’ here today, all descended from other godly Christian forebearers. Who can say how many more generations of the Christian faith will be extended into future as a result of what God is doing even today. For our Lord Jesus said (Mk. 10:14-16) “Let the little children to come to Me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter therein.  And He took them up in His arms and put His hands upon them and blessed them.”

Jon & Michelle, in presenting your child for baptism do you confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and do you promise, in dependence on the grace of God, to bring up your child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Let us pray.

Most merciful and loving Father we thank You for the Church of Your dear Son, the ministry of Your Word, and the sacraments of grace.  We praise You that You have given us so great and gracious promises concerning our children and that in mercy You call them to Yourself, marking them with this sacrament as a singular token and pledge of Thy love.  We pray that what we now do on earth may be confirmed in heaven.  As in humble faith we present this child to You, we ask You to receive her, to indue her with Your Holy Spirit and to keep her ever as Your own, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(To the parent)   What is the Christian name of this child? Autumn Lynn Hayes

Autumn Lynn Hayes, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. And may the blessing of God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit descend upon you and rest upon you, now and forevermore.      Amen.

This child is now received into Christ’s kingdom, and do you, the people of this congregation, in receiving this child, promise with God’s help to be her sponsors to the end that she may confess Christ as Lord and Saviour and come at last into His eternal Kingdom.  If so answer, “Amen.” (Congregation responds ” Amen.”)   Jesus said “Whosoever shall receive one such little child in My Name, receives Me.”  Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who of Your infinite mercy and goodness has promised that You will not only be our God, but also the God and Father of our children, we humbly ask You for this child, that Your Spirit may be upon her and dwell in her forever. Take her, we entreat You, into Your fatherly care and protection.  Guide her and sanctify her, both in body and in soul. Grant her to grow in wisdom as in stature, in favor with God and men.  Abundantly enrich her with Your heavenly grace.  Bring her safely through the perils of childhood.  Deliver her from the temptations of youth and lead her to witness a good confession and to persevere therein to the end.  O God, our Father, give unto Your servants in whom You has committed this blessed trust the assurance of Your unfailing providence and care.  Guide them with Your counsel as they teach and train their children.  Help them to lead their household into an ever increasing knowledge of Christ and in a more steadfast obedience to His will.  We commend to Your fatherly care the children and families of this congregation.  Help us in our homes to honor You and by love to serve one another, and to Your name be all blessing and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

Tags: Autumn Lynn, Baptism, RCC