January 15th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: John 1:29-34 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
[Reading above - John 1:29-34]
John the Gospel Writer is keenly interested in revealing the identity of Jesus. His prologue (1:1-8) is a soaring poetic proclamation rooted in Genesis chapter one, introducing Jesus as the logos—the preexistent one through whom creation comes into being. The remainder of the first chapter plus a brief passage in 3:22-30, focuses on the testimony of John the Baptist. The Baptist bears witness to Jesus as: one who is greater (vs. 27 & 30), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (vs. 29 & 36), the one on whom the Spirit remains (vs. 32 & 33), the Son of God (vs. 34), the Messiah (1:25-27 and 3:28), and the one who must increase (3:30). We will join John in exploring this testimony of Jesus’ identity.
Questions for Reflection:
John the Baptist is presented as one who bears witness to Jesus. The Baptist sets an example for the disciples of Jesus. How do you give testimony to the importance of Jesus in your life?
Which of the ways the Baptist identifies Jesus resonates with you? How does the Baptist’s testimony enrich your understanding of Jesus?
The Baptist understands that he must decrease so that Jesus can increase (3:30). In what ways do you make Jesus a bigger and more expansive part of your life?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
A great way to bear witness to the way Jesus makes a difference in your life, is to tell a story of how that actually happened! Prayerfully reflect on the times you felt Jesus’ presence in an especially helpful way or when a teaching or story of Jesus helped you move forward in life with new assurance and vitality. Once you have that experience in mind, ask God to give you an opportunity to share that experience with someone who needs your encouragement and care. Pay attention to the opportunity God will provide to tell your story and bless another person. I would love to hear your story and how your story helped someone else. You can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
