January 12, 2020
We hope everyone had a Happy and safe new year. And I hope everyone is finally getting well from the flu, stomach virus, and respiratory problems. I’ve had all three and I am ready for sunshine and to start walking all over town.
There are January and February Upper Room booklets on the table in the narthex. This publication is uplifting to read for anyone. Take one to a shut-in for their enjoyment.
David and Annette Cleveland enjoyed another Happy Anniversary on the second of this month.
Those celebrating birthdays this month are, Cole Moore, Virginia Stephen, Raymond Salinas, Brady Moore, Sammy Moore, Robert Sohm, and Ike Wade.
Cole Moore and Jaden Harrell are in our prayers, let’s hope these youngsters are back to being “fit as a fiddle “ very soon.
Robert Sohm has been ill, and Irene is on the mend.
Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family, friends and the people of Dublin in the passing of Mary Yantis.
DJ Klutts served as Worship Leader last Sunday, Raymond Salinas was acolyte, and I ran the Power Point.
DJ gave the scripture reading, it was from Matthew 3:13-17.
Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “An Invitation That Went Astray.”
In our Bible lesson, John the Baptist is giving an invitation to the people of Jerusalem and Judea to repent, confess their sins and be baptized because the kingdom of heaven is at hand. John directed his most demanding preaching at the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious elites. He was telling them, “Don’t think you’re too good for this! You better get over here now and get baptized and begin living a life that shows you have repented and turned back to God!” Now that may not be exactly what John said, but it’s the gist of his message.
It’s different when Jesus comes to be baptized by John. He tries to deter Him. John says, “I need to be baptized by you.” Was this invitation for everyone but Jesus? Was this a case of an invitation gone astray? But Jesus answers with the words. “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus needed to give us an example of a life that is aligned with God’s will. He also identified Himself with those He came to save, namely you and I. This is an important time in Jesus’ life, up until now He was a nice fellow who did carpentry. After His baptism the glory of God shown down on Him, His old life was left behind, and His ministry began.
When we are baptized, we are leaving our old life behind, because now we belong to God. New life in Jesus is not an add-on, like an app. It is an exchange; you give up your old life for a new one in Jesus. Is your life as a follower of Jesus, any different than those friends or relatives that do not know Christ?