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Signs and Seals: A covenantal understanding of baptism, part 2 04/30/2026

Signs and Seals: A covenantal understanding of baptism, part 2 Eric Dugan explores the meaning and practice of baptism from a Reformed perspective, emphasizing that baptism is not a means of salvation but a covenant sign of belonging to God’s people. He argues that, like circumcision in the Old Testament, baptism marks inclusion in the visible church—explaining why Presbyterians baptize both believers and their children. Drawing on Scripture, church history, and cultural context, Dugan also makes the case for sprinkling or pouring as biblically grounded modes of baptism. Ultimately, he calls listeners to see baptism less as a personal milestone and more as God’s sign of covenant identity within the church. /episode/index/show/missio/id/41074835

Signs & Seals: Baptism Part 1 (3/7) 04/23/2026

Signs & Seals: Baptism Part 1 (3/7) In this talk, Eric Dugan explains baptism as a covenant sign and seal that marks a person’s identity as part of God’s people rather than a means of salvation. Using relatable illustrations, he shows how baptism functions like an outward identifier—similar to a uniform—that points to a deeper reality. Dugan traces baptism back to the Old Testament sign of circumcision, arguing that while the sign has changed, God’s covenant of grace remains the same. He also clarifies the difference between John’s baptism of repentance and Christian baptism, emphasizing that true baptism signifies belonging to Christ and His church. Ultimately, the message highlights baptism as a powerful reminder of our place within the visible church and God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness. /episode/index/show/missio/id/40985135

Signs & Seals: What is the church? (Part II) (2/7) 04/16/2026

Signs & Seals: What is the church? (Part II) (2/7) In Week 2 of our Signs & Seals class, Dennis Bills lays the groundwork for understanding baptism and the Lord’s Supper by focusing on the visible church. What is the relationship between the visible and invisible church? Why does belonging to a local church matter? And how do the sacraments function within that structure? Dennis explains that the visible church is not optional or symbolic—it is Christ’s real, gathered people in the world, made up of connected local congregations. From there, he shows how baptism serves as the entry into the church, and the Lord’s Supper expresses our ongoing unity with Christ and with one another. This episode challenges individualistic views of Christianity and highlights the importance of church membership, leadership, and discipline in rightly understanding the sacraments. Key Themes: Visible vs. invisible church The necessity of local church membership The connection between churches Baptism as entry into the church Communion as participation in Christ’s body Why the sacraments belong in the gathered church /episode/index/show/missio/id/40894085

Signs & Seals: What Is the Church? (Part 1/7) 04/09/2026

Signs & Seals: What Is the Church? (Part 1/7) In this first talk of our Signs and Seals series, Dennis Bills explores the doctrine of the visible church and why it matters. He shows that the church is not optional or merely symbolic, but a real, Christ-established New Covenant community where God ordinarily works through His Word and sacraments. /episode/index/show/missio/id/40780455