"Communing With The Saints

“Communing With the Saints”

At St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, we come together each and every Sunday to sing praises to our Savior, to confess our sins, to receive forgiveness in the words of absolution, to hear Law and Gospel proclaimed to us through the preaching of God’s Word and to lift up our prayers for all in need! Then on every 1st and 3rd Sunday, we come to the altar where we receive the true body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which was given into death and shed on the cross for us, and for the forgiveness of all of our sins. 

However, how often do we stop to really think about what is happening when we come and kneel down at the altar? Is it like the rest of the service, where we have done it for so long that it becomes more of just a routine? Do you stop to really think about what is happening at the altar? 

The Altar Rail

The altar rail in churches vary depending on the architecture of the church. As for St. Paul’s, the altar rail is straight across. In some churches, the altar rail forms a semi-circle or even a square around the chancel and altar area. Often times, there is a piece of altar rail that is put in place to make the altar rail one continuous flow! But what significance is there behind the altar rail? There are many different theological explanations to this, and I will do my best to offer up my insights to this. 

It is at the altar rail that you come and you are welcomed to the Lord’s Table! You are invited to the Lord’s banquet in which we get a foretaste of the feast to come that awaits us in heaven. It is at this point, that you are invited to kneel down at the altar rail and Christ comes down to us to pour out his grace, mercy, and forgiveness on us as we receive His body and blood in the Sacrament of the Altar! Not only is this where Christ comes to us, but this also where we kneel down to commune with our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the Christian Church all around the world, but we also come and commune with the saints that have been called on before us! 

So the altar rail is not just another piece of architecture in the church, but it is place of significance. A place where we come to offer up our daily struggles and offer up our prayers for others as well. It is the place where we come to meet Christ, as we receive with praise and thanksgiving His true body and blood that was given and poured out for us on the cross at Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins and for our salvation. Therefore, as we come to the altar rail on Sunday’s, we don’t come and kneel because it is an architectural piece of the church. We don’t come and kneel because it is a routine part of our worship service. No! It is much more than that. It is a place where Christ comes down to us in, with, and under the bread and wine! It is the place where with the angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify His glorious name as we sing: “Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabbath adored; Heaven and earth with full acclaim shout the glory of your name. Sing hosanna in the highest, sing hosanna to the Lord; Truly blest is He who comes in the name of the Lord! 

Communing With the Saints

As mentioned above, when we come to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, several things happen. One of the most beautiful and significant things that happens is that we kneel at the altar rail and we commune with the saints that have gone on before us. As we kneel at the altar rail, on the other side, Christ comes down to us and extends to us His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. As we are welcomed to the Lord’s table and receive Christ’s body and blood, we get a foretaste of the feast that is to come in heaven. We join together with the saints that have run the marathon race of faith and have gone before us. 

This is a truly beautiful thing when we stop to think about what is happening when we come and kneel at the altar rail, the Lord’s Table. The unexpected death of my twin brother has been hard. There are a lot of questions still unanswered. However, I know that my twin brother was saved and was a baptized child of God. It still doesn’t make it easy. However, as I knelt down at the altar rail this past Sunday, I was flooded with so many emotions. I felt sadness, I felt grief, but ultimately, I felt joy and happiness. I felt this, because as I knelt at the altar, I was communing with my brother who has gone before me. I was communing with other faithful saints that have gone before me. I was communing with faithful saints from this congregation that have run the marathon race of faith and gone before me. 

There, at the Lord’s table, Christ came down to me in, with, and under the bread and wine and there I received His peace, His comfort, His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. There, in my time of sadness and grieving, I was reminded that things are finally and ultimately and eternally okay not only for my brother, but for the many faithful saints that have departed from this life here on earth. There, in that moment, I was reminded that because I am a baptized child of God, and because of Christ’s death on the cross and by His resurrection, that all things will one day be finally and ultimately, and eternally okay for me as well. The same goes for all of God’s children. What a beautiful thing it is when we stop to really think about what is happening when we come to the altar to receive Holy Communion! 

My Prayer

My prayer is that as you read this blog, that you will find an appreciation and see the beauty and significance there is when we come to the altar rail to commune on Sunday mornings. I pray that you will feel Christ’s presence as he comes down to us and extends to us His gifts of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I pray that this blog/article was helpful to you. Please note, that this is not meant to be a deep, theological post. It is a post that has allowed me to express my feelings during my time of grieving. As I grieve, I just pray that the words you read will be a source of comfort and blessing to you as well! 

September Newsletter Article From The Pastors Desk

“I Have Good News For You”

Greetings in the name of our Triune God, 

On a dark night on a road from Jackson to Vicksburg, MS, heavy rains washed a bridge away. When a truck driver saw the tail lights of the car ahead of him disappear, he knew something was wrong. Suddenly his own truck sailed silently through the black void where a bridge once stood, and he crashed into the river below. He made it out of the cab, swam to shore, and sat there in darkness. Car after car zoomed into the gap and crashed into the swirling water below. Sixteen people died that night. Each of them had faith in a bridge that was no longer there. 

Spiritually, there are millions of people today who have faith in a bridge that isn’t there. So many people believe that by their good works, their character, their church membership, their morality, they will somehow cross the river of death to heaven. But the bridge is out! From Genesis to Revelation the message is the same. It is that God’s Son, Jesus, has come, and He is the sure and only Bridge to heaven. 

The bottom line of Christianity is that Jesus Christ satisfies in life and in death! People cannot give the satisfaction that man desires. Human nature says that a lot of friends, a lot of companionship, a lot of fellowship satisfies. But every friend will let you down. Every fellowship finally breaks up. Then you are alone with your thoughts, your feelings, and your desires. The famous words of St. Augustine are still true today: “God, Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” 

My friends, you have at least three needs. One, you need to know who you are! Two, you need to know that you are loved. Three, you need heaven. How do you meet these needs? You meet these needs by coming to church on a regular basis to hear God’s Word proclaimed through Word and Sacrament! You devote yourself to spending time in God’s Word through personal devotion and through group Bible study. You meet these needs by being active in other areas of the church as well such as missions, teaching Sunday school, and so forth. 

It is my daily prayer, that each of the members of our congregation would continue to be strengthened in their Christian faith and that each member of our congregation would be in church each and every Sunday! If you allow yourself to let the desires of your flesh satisfy you, then you will always end up disappointed. But if you come and hear the Good News of Christ proclaimed and you continually fix your eyes upon the cross and upon Jesus, then you will always be satisfied, uplifted, and encouraged. Come and be a part of the many great things that are happening at St. Pauls. 

In His Service, 

Pastor Corey Brooks

To Baptize or Not To Baptize: The Case For Infant Baptism

To Baptize or Not To Baptize: The Case For Infant Baptism!

Throughout the Christian Church, there have been debates, and controversies surrounding the topic of Baptism. In fact, at some point in your life, you may have been asked one or more of the following questions: Why do we baptize babies? Aren’t babies born innocent? What is the objection to infant baptism?  What is the point of baptism? What good does baptism do? 

So why do we baptize babies?  

The short answer to that question is: "Because it's biblical." It is faithful to Scripture on several levels. First and most obviously there is ample evidence in the biblical text that babies were baptized in the New Testament. Those who deny infant baptism often claim there are no examples of babies being baptized in the Bible. That claim is not completely accurate. There are instances of the apostles baptizing entire households (1 Cor. 1:16 – Paul said, “I also baptized the household of Stephanas”  Acts 16:15 Lydia and her household were baptized). Entire households include all members of that household from the very young to the very old. The Bible shows that apostolic baptism did not discriminate in regards to age.

Those who hold to “believers baptisms” also say that the Bible never says we should baptize babies. This seems to ignore the fact that the Bible never says we should baptize only adults either. In fact, there is no age or developmental requirement given for baptism.

If one looks as Christ’s own command regarding baptism one can see that Jesus too was very inclusive and non-discriminatory with regard to who should be baptized.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:19-20

Jesus speaks of “all nations” as the object of baptism. There is nothing in his command to suggest that He only intended it to apply to those old enough to make decisions for themselves.

But why baptize babies? Aren’t they born innocent?  

To which we respond, “No, not exactly.” In our natural condition, that is, the way we are at birth, we are a mess! No baby is born innocent or perfect. For even the newborn child has the sin and guilt of the human race, which is passed on through its parents. For in Psalm 51:5 we learn that,“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” As a child grows, this inherited sin soon rears its head. The child will naturally do what is wrong and not do what is right. How can this be? The Scripture describes the natural state in which we were born as being: 

Spiritually dead (‘You were dead in your transgressions and sins’ Ephesians 2:1).

Spiritually blind (‘The man without the Spirit does not accept things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them’ 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Enemies of God (‘The sinful mind is hostile to God’ Romans 8:7). 

What a mess we are, even from the time of birth. This is one of the reasons that we confess “I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto you all my sins and iniquities.” Even after our baptisms and instruction in the Christian faith, we continue to sin on a daily basis. We sin against God with our words, thoughts, and our deeds. 

 However, the miracle of grace is that God still loves us and sent Jesus to rescue us from our natural condition. He paid for all of our sins. Then Jesus instituted Baptism as God’s way of handing each one of us over individually all of the blessings He won on the cross. Therefore, the age of the recipient makes little difference, because baptism is God’s work. We are not making a commitment to God; He is making a commitment to us. We are not dedicating a child to God, He is dedicating himself to a child. 

Therefore, it is in infant baptism that grace is proclaimed the loudest in the church, for an infant has done nothing to earn or deserve God’s favor. An infant shows what real faith means: to be in the presence of a Holy God with nothing to offer; with empty hands, totally dependent on Him. Baptism is not a contract between two parties, but it is a promise God is making to us. 

Furthermore, baptism is not a vaccination which protects us until we are old enough to decide for ourselves. No, being a baptized child of God is an identity we carry with us all the days of our life. It’s as if God said, “I am your Father, you are my child, I will always love, bless, and be with you. 

So What Is the Objection to Infant Baptism? The Example of Circumcision

The objection to infant baptism usually comes from proponents of “Decision Theology.” They believe that baptism is not valid unless one makes the personal decision to be baptized for him or herself. Their view is that any decision made on one's behalf by someone else holds no meaning for that person. 

Such a claim is contrary to the biblical witness. In the Old Testament God commanded circumcision of all males at 8 days old (Gen. 17:12). Obviously a baby 8 days old can't make a decision to be circumcised for himself. Parents made the decision for them.  This mark of circumcision was a “sacramental” mark. 

It joined that child to the family of Israel (God’s people) - just as baptism joins the child to the family of Christ. That baby boy was part of God’s covenant with Abraham because of circumcision. Without circumcision he was considered cut off from God's covenant (Gen. 17:14). It was unthinkable and expressly forbidden by God that parents should let their sons grow up to some age of decision and then decide for themselves whether or not they wanted to take the mark of circumcision and thereby join the Abrahamic covenant.

 The heart of the Abrahamic covenant was the promise of the Messiah who would proceed from Abraham’s family. To be joined to the covenant was to be joined to Christ who was yet to come. Baptism joins a person to Christ. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” - (Gal 3:27). Baptism is the New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament sacrament of circumcision.

What is the point of baptism? The Whole Point of the Gospel!

The very heart of the Gospel is that God chooses us. You did not choose Me, but I chose you (John 15:16). If our being joined to Christ depends on our decision then the Gospel is nothing but something else we have to do. In other words the Gospel is turned into a law when our decision is what makes or breaks baptism. The whole point of the Gospel is that we don’t do a thing! We don’t decide to accept Jesus. He decides to choose us. He doesn’t wait for us to do something. He chooses to give us His grace even when we were His enemies. “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10).

Infant baptism is a beautiful expression of God doing it all. Infants can’t decide, can’t choose, can’t do something good. They are utterly helpless. God comes to them in their helplessness – apart from their thoughts, deeds and decisions. He decides to claim them as His own and join them to His forgiveness. He gives them His Holy Spirit who will stay with them and guide them and help them grow in understanding and faith over time. God does it all. That’s what infant baptism teaches.

Once Jesus was surrounded by women carrying babies. The disciples thought it was beneath Jesus to be troubled by these helpless, crying, squirming infants. So with the best of intentions for Jesus honor they tried to shoo the women away from Jesus. When Jesus saw what they were doing he called them over to him and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Luke 18:16-17).

 The Greek word that is translated “little children” is in fact the word for “infant.” Jesus says that infants are part of the kingdom of God and that anyone who doesn’t receive His kingdom like an infant won’t enter it! Infants are the perfect picture of what it means to be saved because they are helpless and totally dependent on others for everything.

That’s what the Gospel is. It is our total dependence on Christ for everything and His giving us everything we need apart from anything we can offer Him. Infant baptism expresses the Gospel very clearly, while insisting on decision baptism actually denies the very heart of what the Gospel is.

So what good does baptism do? Baptism Forgives!

I know, I know – that’s a hard pill to swallow. Most of American pop Christianity and non-denominationalism say that’s impossible. They say baptism doesn’t forgive anything; it’s just a symbolic ritual. Look at what Scripture actually says though:

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Acts 22:16)

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)

“This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also . . . It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ .” (1 Peter 3:21)

“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)

“All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27)

One wonders what else God has to say or how He could say it clearer. Baptism forgives. Baptism saves. Baptism gives Christ. Baptism is rebirth by the Holy Spirit. It’s right there in black and white.

It always amazes me how people who consider themselves “Bible believing” Christians can simply choose to ignore what the Bible says because it goes against their philosophical presuppositions. They approach the Word with the belief that baptism doesn’t save or forgive, so when they come to verses like these that say it does, they just ignore them because it doesn't match what they’ve been conditioned to believe.

But believe it or not, the Word of God does say baptism forgives, gives Christ and the Holy Spirit and saves. We baptize babies because we believe Christ also forgives their sins (yes, babies are born sinful - Psalm 51:5), gives them His Holy Spirit, joins them to His life, death and resurrection, and saves them.

Infant baptism was the practice of the apostles, the ancient church during the centuries after the apostles, and the Christian church ever since.  It is our practice.  Thanks to God for this great gift given us even as infants in baptism. Amen!