Author Description

Water baptism, praying for the sick, celebrating the Lord’s Supper, and footwashing are acts of faith that demonstrate the saving and healing acts of God. Jesus said, “... signs will follow those who believe” (Mark 16:17). These signs include speaking in tongues, exorcism, and healing. Likewise, water baptism is a sign of new birth; the Lord’s Supper signifies forgiveness and new creation through the sacrificial body and blood of Christ; anointing oil is a sign of healing; and footwashing signifies cleansing and sending. By worshipful participation in the sacred signs as a healed people, we tell God’s redemptive story to the world. Laity and ministers alike will be blessed and challenged by these practical insights.