Persevering with our Baptismal Covenant

Sermon Summary 🎬

In a sermon titled “Persevering in Baptismal Commitment,” Dennis emphasizes staying focused on the mission of the church as he prepares to leave. He explores the Gospel of the Wedding Feast in Cana, connecting it to Isaiah 25’s prophecy of a future feast for all peoples. The wedding miracle is the first of several signs in the Gospel of John, revealing Jesus’ identity and encouraging believers to persevere in their mission. Dennis urges believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ and remember their baptismal promises, rooted in the core of being the Body of Christ.

Ice Breaker 🧊

If you were invited to the wedding feast in Cana, what dish would you bring and why?

Discussion Questions 💬

1. How can we see the Wedding Feast in Cana as a symbol of God’s kingdom and the salvation feast described in Isaiah 25?
   • Dennis refers to Bishop Tom Wright’s insights into the Wedding Feast in Cana and the symbolism of weddings representing the coming kingdom of God and wine recalling the salvation feast described in Isaiah 25.
   • How can this symbolism influence your understanding of your own baptismal commitment and role in God’s kingdom?
2. Why is it important for believers to be transformed toward the promised time?
   • Dennis draws a parallel between Jesus transforming the water in the purification jars into wine and the transformation that occurs through baptism, emphasizing the need for believers to transform toward the promised time.
   • What steps can you take in your personal life to ensure that you are growing and transforming in your faith?
3. What is the significance of the seven signs found in the Gospel of John in relation to Jesus’ identity and mission?
   • Dennis explains that the seven signs, including the Wedding Feast in Cana, point to Jesus’ identity and mission, revealing Jesus as the divine bridegroom who brings new life and abundance.
   • How do these signs help deepen your faith and encourage you to persevere in your baptismal covenant?
4. Why should the mission of the Church be driven by love and not by fear or division?
   • Dennis expressed concern about using fear-based images like the Doomsday Clock and emphasized that the love of God should be the motivating force for transformation and the Church’s mission.
   • How can you practice and foster love within your community and ensure that it guides your actions?
5. In your daily life, how can you remember and remain faithful to your baptismal promises?
   • Dennis urged believers to persevere in their mission, embrace the transformative power of Christ, and remember their baptismal promises.
   • Can you identify specific practices or disciplines that help you remain focused on your baptismal commitment and relationship with Christ?

Prayer 🙏

• Begin by asking for any prayer requests from the group or your family. 

• Pray for God’s guidance as we each strive to become vessels purified by Christ for His use, continuously growing in spiritual maturity and holiness. and to be of good courage. 

• Pray for a deeper understanding of the Gospel of John and the signs within it that affirm our faith. Ask for the wisdom to see these God to help us be driven by His love in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Pray for unity among believers and a focus on. Encourage them to share any specific areas in their lives where they need God’s guidance, strength, or comfort. 

• Ask God to help each member remember their baptismal promises and to apply the transformative power of Christ in their daily lives. Pray for the strength to persevere in their mission