“Following Jesus: Marks of Discipleship” Sermon Series, Week 1 – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer (First on Chatham)

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – January 11, 2026

In the beginning of the Jesus story, Jesus goes into the waters of baptism first and calls his disciples to follow. In the end, Jesus commissions his disciples on a mountain top, encouraging them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As those who have followed Jesus into the waters of Baptism to receive the name Beloved, how might we as disciples invite others into the life-changing waters of baptism?

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20