Friday First - All in for God

The story of Jesus’ baptism is one that we may take for granted and pass over its tremendous significance. Luke 3.23 reveals that Jesus is around 30 years old as His ministry begins. To this point, He has lived in obscurity. Nothing, at this time, would give any indication to His being the Son of God.

Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His earthly ministry. When Jesus approaches John to be baptized, John tries to stop Jesus. For John, this was all backwards. It should have been Jesus baptizing him, not the other way around. Jesus tells him to allow the baptism to take place so that all righteousness can be fulfilled.

In the next two verses (3.16-17), the Spirit and the Father Himself both affirm the action of Jesus. The Spirit descended on Him as a dove, and the Father verbally affirmed that He was pleased with Jesus.

As we move into October, we will examine how Jesus’ faithfulness to the Father serves as an inspiration for our faith. The story of Jesus’ baptism presents us with three practical applications:

• Humility matters
• Your baptism meant something
• You must embrace the mission

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• From where did Jesus travel to be baptized by John?
• Why do you think John tried to stop Jesus from being baptized?
• What does it mean to you when Jesus spoke of fulfilling all righteousness?
• Do you think everyone saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus?
• What is one special thing about the Father’s statement in Matthew 3.17?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Isaac Tincher

LORD'S SUPPER
Matt Ringle

SCRIPTURE READING
Rich Jacobs
Matthew 3.13-17
 
PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Cain Atkinson / Pat Reeder

USHERS
Paul Braden / Roger Robins

HEALTH SCREENING (arrive @ 08.45)
FRONT ENTRY: Rachel Curry
REAR ENTRY: Donna Allen