Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Readings for Sunday, January 12, 2014

Hello Everyone,

Now that we have gotten through the cold snap we look forward to this coming Sunday’s worship. Since we were not able to do our Covenant renewal service last Sunday, and the fact that I really like taking the time to renew our baptismal vows, we will have do it this Sunday. The scripture lessons will not change. Here is what I wrote last week:

Joshua 24:14-15 – Whom will you choose: God or the gods of money and power?

1 John 1:5-2:6 – God is Light and in God there is no darkness. Living in the Light means fellowship with each other. Claiming to be sinless we confirm that we still sin, but with confession God forgives.

John 13:12-19, 31-35 – We are to wash each other’s feet and follow Jesus’ commandment: love each other. By this the world will know that we are followers of Christ and that a new way of life is available to all: the way of love.

This Sunday is the First Sunday of Epiphany and is also known as Baptism of Christ Sunday. The scripture appointed for Sunday are:

Isaiah 42:1-9 – The first part, verses 1-4, are considered to be the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah. Christians often interpret these songs as pointing to Jesus Christ. The purpose of the servant, as identified here, is to bring justice to all people. The second section, verses 5-9 are about God’s work in past (creation, redemption, saving the people) and the new things that God declares.

Psalm 29 – The Voice of God, who is to be worshiped!

Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s sermon (extremely short) to the family and friends of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. Synopsis: God shows no partiality, the message began with John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus, Jesus performed good works with healing, Jesus died on the cross, God raise Jesus from the dead, and we are commanded to preach the Good News.

Matthew 3:13-17 – Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John says “No.” Jesus says, “We must.” When Jesus come up out of the water the Holy Spirit comes upon him and a voice from heaven says “My Son, I am pleased.” Did you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit at your baptism? Have you ever felt the presence of the Spirit?

May the Lord bless you this week in all that you do. Love God! Love neighbors!

No comments:

Post a Comment