Emphasis Preaching Journal

The first question asked of someone desiring baptism in the United Methodist Church is this: "Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?" Those words always seem to overwhelm the parents who bring their young, innocent newborn babies to the church altar for the sacrament. But those important words are an acknowledgment that when our lives are not tamed by the presence of Christ living with us, it will descend into debauchery and the lowest common denominator of enjoyments and entertainment.