Thomas G. Long is Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and is one of the most popular preachers in the United States today. He is the author of The Witness of Preaching; The Senses of Preaching; Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible; Whispering the Lyrics: Sermons for Lent and Easter; Matthew (Westminster Bible Commentary); Hebrews (Interpretation); Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian; and Preaching from Memory to Hope. Be sure to check out http://long.wjkbooks.com for more information on Tom, including a video interview on his new book!
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Running Time: 29:30 minutes
Related Resources:
Thomas Lynch, The Undertaking: Life Studies from a Dismal Trade
H. Richard Rutherford, Death of a Christian: The Order of Christian Funerals
Music Credit:
“Shadows,” by David LaMotte
Very briefly, baptism is sometimes called a service of "initiation" because it begins, or initiates, the Christian life. Early Christians were called "People of the Way," because they conceived of the Christian life as a journey, a path, a way of life. Baptism, which starts the Christian life, also marks the end of it as well. We are baptized into Christ's death and into Christ's resurrection (Romans 6). In other words, the Christian life is a journey whose beginning and ending are marked by our baptismal identity. At a funeral, the Christian community carries the baptized person to the place of farewell and gives this person back to God. The baptismal journey is now complete...brought to consummation.
Hope this is clearer!
Tom Long
Posted by: Tom Long | November 17, 2009 at 02:33 PM
could you please explain what you mean by "A Christians Baptismal Journey Towards God?"
Posted by: Pastor John Chiara | November 17, 2009 at 09:44 AM