Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after Trinity - Rom. 6:3

Baptism is symbolic of the death of our old, fallen natures and rebirth into the new man in Christ Jesus that is free from the burden of sin that condemns us to death. Paul calls us to be responsive to our new life in Christ by forsaking sin and the burden it carries. Baptism is like other life changing events such as the birth of your child, and marriage. All these life events require a commitment to the new responsibilities and relationships involved and a forsaking of the prior way of life. What can you turn away from in this very week that will strengthen your walk with Christ. In all these life events, the Christian can receive strength from the Holy Spirit, and rely on the community of fellow Christians for strength and wisdom.