The Cahill Family: Baptism

This past Sunday we had Mary Frances baptized at church. What a sweet celebration of the covenant of baptism. Dr. Paul Gardner did a great job explaining why we baptize our babies in our denomination. Baptism is not a sign that our child has been saved but rather she has become a part of the covenant family of believers. Baptism does not give Mary Frances an advantage in the Kingdom of Heaven in the sense that by being baptized she has been saved. Just like the Jews in Romans 3 are no better off than the Gentiles for "we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written, 'No one is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.'" However, baptism does create an advantage in the sense that Mary Frances has been placed into a family and a community of believers that are praying for her salvation and teaching her about the Lord. Paul says in Romans 3:1-2 "Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God." Mary Frances has the word of God at her finger tips! Paul, myself, our family, and church family have all been charged with the responsibility to teach her God's word and to pray for her salvation. How special to know we have so many people praying for and leading our Little Lady to the Lord!

Mary Frances was very interested in Marianne,
who was also being baptized.

Dr. Gardner baptizing Mary Frances

Following the sweet church service, we celebrated with brunch at our house. We felt so blessed to be able to celebrate with so many sweet friends and family. We have shared so much of life with these friends and they were there celebrating with us during our pregnancy and when Mary Frances was born. It was only fitting that they share in this special day as well! It was such a pretty day, although a little cooler than pervious days, and we enjoyed eating on the deck and hosting something in our home.

Here are some pictures from our celebration.