Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:9-25 and Luke 3:15-22

This time of the year the preaching and worship jump quickly from the manger to the adult Jesus! The scriptures tell us very little about the childhood and adolescence of our Lord. The emphasis is on his Ministry, Death, and Resurrection and rightly so! His childhood and youth were, what shall we say, pretty normal for a boy in the first century Palestine!

Luke 3 and Acts 8 record the drama surrounding the whole notion of Baptism for Jesus and for His followers. In worship, as we read and listen this Sunday about Baptism, we will be encouraged to “remember and think about our own Baptism.” That and the Lords Supper are the two primary Sacraments we observe as Protestants and United Methodists. Most all Christians observe these two significant “moments” in some form or fashion.

The two scripture passages in our readings today also emphasize how baptisms often led to conflicts! Not surprisingly Herod did not take kindly to all the stir John the Baptizer was creating and in Acts, the Apostles had such power at work in them that a Magician Simon wanted some of that power for his own selfish gain!

This Sunday, we will have a meaningful and personal look at one of the central practices of our life together in the Church! Be prepared….stay alert…..be grateful for the work of the Lord in your life today!

Blessings~~~ †

Pastor Barry