Welcome to Worship
October 22, 2023
8:30am
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. —(Psalm 18:2)
Welcome to Worship: Rev. Bill Archer
Worship Song: Life of Praise
Prayer: Rev. Kevin Freeman
Redland Happenings and Welcome: Rev. Kevin Freeman
Congregational Greeting
Worship Song: Hymn of Heaven
Ministry and Mission Moment: Rob Burba
Musical Meditation: Holy, Holy, Holy
David Wang, violin
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
God’s Word for us Today: Jesus’ Baptism and Ours
Dr. Ron Blankenship, Director of Missions, Montgomery Baptist Association
Sermon Notes:
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by Him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness?’ Then he allowed Him. When he had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:17-20 NKJV
Imagine the large crowds on the banks of the Jordan River. Excitement filled the air. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, was preaching as he baptized new converts. Then Jesus Christ Himself walked into the scene. Jesus modeled the deep, spiritual meaning of baptism.
1.)
in Obedience (3:13-15)
Jesus insisted John baptize Him.
Jesus chose to go through the waters of baptism.
Jesus declared baptism as a witness of the believer’s salvation experience.
2.)
of the Holy Spirit (3:16)
Symbol of the dove
Symbol of light
Symbol of water
3.)
with Jesus (3:17)
We can identify with Jesus’ innocence.
We can identify with Jesus’ forgiveness of our sin.
We can identify with Jesus’ family of God.
We can identify with Jesus’ mission.
My baptism was a day I will never forget. Have you had a special day like that?
Time of Decision and Commitment: I Bow Down
Benediction: Rev. Kevin Freeman