Lessons from St. John the Baptist that will change your life

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Lessons from St. John the Baptist that will change your life"

Transcription

1 Lessons from St. John the Baptist that will change your life integratedcatholiclife.org /2014/12/deacon-bickerstaff-what-we-can-learn-from-the-catholic-witnessof-st-john-the-baptist/ Deacon Michael Bickerstaff The Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (Mark 1:2-3). St. John the Baptist is proclaimed by Jesus as the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets sent to prepare Israel for the time when the Messiah would make His appearance. As we see in the above quote, the Prophet Isaiah, centuries before, foretold the coming and mission of John. St. John is also recognized as the first witness to the New Testament. He preached a baptism of repentance by water and told of the imminent coming of the Christ. He was a prophet, sent by God, to herald the coming of the true light and would touch the hearts of men and women who for so long had

2 been living in a world covered by a spiritual darkness. There is little written of him but enough that we know how he was conceived and to what purpose, how he lived, what he preached and how people were drawn to him, and how he died for the faith. Each year, the gospel passage for the Mass of the Second Sunday of Advent is taken from an account of the life of St. John the Baptist. At first glance, we might not readily appreciate how much we can learn from this great and holy man. Now John was clothed with camel s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey (Mark 1:6). Few of us have gone out to live in a literal desert, dress as he did, or eat of wild locusts and honey. However, because the Church points to him each Advent a time of watching and anticipation for the Lord, we should recognize that there must be something about him that is relevant to us in our lives as we live out our Christian faith. What can we learn from the life of St. John the Baptist? Before I attempt to answer this question, let s take a moment to recollect ourselves in the Presence of God to recall and reflect on the truth of Who God is and who we are to realize that we were created for eternity and that this life of pilgrimage on this earth is exceedingly short and the time to come is everlasting. We can become all caught up in the unimportant activities that our culture deems important. We can even become caught up in good things and allow them to impede our true mission and vocation which is to attain the supernatural end for which we were made to know love and serve God in this world and to spend eternity with Him in the life to come. Now, what is it that we can learn from this great prophet and witness? 1. Spreading the Word of God through our Christian Witness and lives of Detachment The first lesson for us from St. John is to live detached lives. Here is what is told us of John the Baptist in the Gospel of St. John the Evangelist: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. John bore witness to him, and cried, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me. And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? And he answered, No. They said to him then, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said (John 1:6-8, 15, 19-23). In a manner similar to how God sent St. John the Baptist, we too are called and sent by God to give witness to the light. No, we are not all called to live in a literal dessert nor are we called to dress and eat exactly as he did. But, we are all called to a life of self-denial, choosing instead the Creator as first in our lives over the created. Doing so might cost us something of the world our place, our job, our friends, our worldly advantages and acclaim, and even the ultimate witness, martyrdom. But what we gain is the approval of God and everlasting reward in Communion with Him.

3 The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) addresses the dignity and obligation of the work to which we submit through Baptism: CCC 1268 The baptized have become living stones to be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood. By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. They are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light. Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers. CCC 1268 Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God through the Church and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God. During this Advent season, we should reflect on this aspect of our baptismal promises. Truthfully, many do not recognize the importance of our call, as individual members of the Body of Christ, to be witnesses to His coming into the world and the work He accomplished. One thing that has become certain to me in my ministry as a deacon, both in my own experience and in the experiences of those I encounter in my work and friendships if we pray each day to be open to and aware of those the Lord places in our daily lives, we cannot fail to see the many opportunities to share the message and work of the Gospel. Pray also for the courage to carry out His will and share the good news in word and deed. There is someone to whom that the Lord wants you to share His message. There is someone for whom the Lord desires you to serve and care meeting their needs, both spiritual and material. 2. Spreading the Word of God through our lives of Virtue and calls to Repentance The second lesson that St. John teaches us is to live a life of virtue. Living a life of virtue is not that difficult if we surrender to Christ and nourish our growing faith in prayer and the sacramental life. We must decide to stop offending God in grave matters. And we must also decide to stop offending Him in small matters. Living lives of heroic virtue is more difficult, but we are called to do so, therefore we must never tire of trying, even when we fail again and again. Calling others to repentance is something that makes many of us uncomfortable and it should. Let s pause a moment here and look at what the gospels tell us about St. John. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father ; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:7-10). These are strong, harsh words and not only are we uncomfortable speaking them, it is usually not our place to speak them in this manner. St. John called Herod to repentance for Herod had unlawfully married his brother s wife. For this, Herod beheaded St. John at the request of Salome (cf. Mark 6:14-29). Is this example of St. John to be followed by us today? The simple answer is, Yes! The spiritual works of mercy, to which all are called, includes admonishing the sinner. But what few of us grasp is that this begins with our admonishing ourselves. What are the works of mercy? To live them all helps us to understand. The Spiritual Works of Mercy The Corporal Works of Mercy 1. To instruct the ignorant 1. To feed the hungry

4 2. To counsel the doubtful 2. To give drink to the thirsty 3. To admonish the sinner 3. To clothe the naked 4. To bear wrongs patiently 4. To shelter the homeless 5. To forgive offenses willingly 5. To visit the sick 6. To comfort the afflicted 6. To rescue the captive 7. To pray for the living and the dead 7. To bury the dead When appropriate, we are to do these works. In some cases, for example, it might not be our place to admonish a sinner; some other person might be more effective in doing so. In some cases, we might not be equipped to counsel the doubtful; again, this task in a particular instance might be better left to another. It takes prayer and wisdom to know. And that begins with our own conversion and response to the call to holiness. So, the best course is to begin with oneself. There was a reason why so many were drawn to St. John when his words were so difficult to hear. I believe that reason was his own personal holiness. If we are giving a true witness to Christ by the very way in which we live our lives, it is far more likely that people will hear what we have to say. 3. Spreading the Word of God through our lives of Charity and Humility And that brings us to the third lesson we can learn from St. John the Baptist we must be poor in spirit and we must be charitable; and this must be demonstrated by our lives. This is a particular aspect of living the life of virtue. In all that St. John did, he pointed the way to Christ instead of calling attention to himself for his own gain. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie. This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me. I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel. And John bore witness, I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God! The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus (John 1:24-37). You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom s voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full. He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:28-30). This humility of St. John is among the most important of St. John s examples for us to follow. It is the most

5 important virtue (humility) for us to practice if we are to advance in the spiritual life and overcome the deadliest of sins (pride). None of the rest will matter without humility, performed in a spirit of love. * * * * * This is the Catholic witness of St. John the Baptist. This is the witness to the Lord and the faith that each of the baptized are called to live. And this Advent is a perfect time to begin. Let us pray that we will be open to God s will and that when we begin our next Advent season in 2015, we will be able to give thanks for a faith that is deeper and more sure than it is this Advent. Into the deep Into the Deep by Deacon Mike Bickerstaff is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life. You can follow Deacon Mike on Twitter right here: Print this entry

the Lamb of God John 1:19-34

the Lamb of God John 1:19-34 John 1:19-34 John 1:19-22 19 Now this was John s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, I am

More information

Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist

Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist Compiled by Gary T. Panell (Words that are identical are only given usually once, and the repetition is shown by three dots, such as "...".)

More information

Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God

Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God By Wayne Conrad Good Shepherd Community Church Dallas, Texas In our efforts to understand the biblical doctrines of baptism, both water baptism and Spirit baptism,

More information

2. He was sent from God -- he had a mission that was God-planned and God-given! Jn. 1:6

2. He was sent from God -- he had a mission that was God-planned and God-given! Jn. 1:6 GREAT EVENTS OF THE BIBLE -- JESUS BAPTISM. Introduction: A. In This Sermon We Examine The Event That Announced To The World Who Jesus Was And Initiated Or Launched His Earthly Ministry. B. (Slide #2)

More information

Euangelion PART 2: PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

Euangelion PART 2: PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS PART 2: PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS MARK 1:1-11 (NRSV) Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, The one who is more powerful

More information

The Voice of God. John s message was stern and powerful! To the impenitent Jewish leaders, he said,

The Voice of God. John s message was stern and powerful! To the impenitent Jewish leaders, he said, December 4, 2016 Advent 2 Text: Matthew 3:1-10 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken

More information

Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism

Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS TRANSCRIPT Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism Matthew 3:1-17 - In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2

More information

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings. December 7, 2008 2 nd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B) Gospel reading Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger

More information

Photo by Chris Riley/Times-Herald. Irma Widjojo

Photo by Chris Riley/Times-Herald. Irma Widjojo Heb. 11:4 Photo by Chris Riley/Times-Herald Irma Widjojo Donations may be sent to: (Information via Jeff Coburn) The James Capoot Memorial Fund Bank of the West 330 Davis St. Vacaville, CA. 95688 Account

More information

His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12

His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12 His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah

More information

Advent. Wreath. Prayers and Readings. for Lighting your. with children

Advent. Wreath. Prayers and Readings. for Lighting your. with children Advent Prayers and Readings Wreath for Lighting your with children The Story of the Advent Wreath Advent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions of Northern Europe. Wreaths of evergreens were decorated

More information

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent Diocese of Madison Advent 2017 Note The Rite of Penance is available separately or as part II of The Rites of the Catholic Church.

More information

God s Hand in our Lives Teacher s Notes NT John the Baptist

God s Hand in our Lives Teacher s Notes NT John the Baptist STORY 7/23/2003 The Ministry of John and Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:1-17 (Note: the focus is on the baptism of Jesus and less so on the work of John the Baptist) (Also see for John's ministry: Mark 1:1-8,

More information

About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast

About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast John The Baptist About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast when we are told that John the Baptist has started his ministry.

More information

In ancient days, before there was facebook, , or text messaging, there were heralds.

In ancient days, before there was facebook,  , or text messaging, there were heralds. 1 Look, The Lamb Of God! John 1:19-34 Bryn MacPhail / Jan. 16, 2011 In ancient days, before there was facebook, email, or text messaging, there were heralds. Traveling dignitaries sent heralds ahead of

More information

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

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 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 and said to him,

More information

2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation

2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation 2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 The Visitation Rejoicing

More information

Second Sunday of Epiphany January 13, 2019 Sunday Worship at 10:30am NO SWIMMING.

Second Sunday of Epiphany January 13, 2019 Sunday Worship at 10:30am NO SWIMMING. Bummer seat Bulletin and/or Music-Reader Bulletin: This seat is NOT reserved. Go ahead sit here! You may have a partially blocked seat, so use this bulletin if you can t see the screen. You re welcome.

More information

SESSION 1. The Way Prepared. Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11

SESSION 1. The Way Prepared. Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11 SESSION 1 The Way Prepared Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11 HE DECIDED THAT HE WOULD SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO PROVIDE

More information

What is the Christian Gospel Date: Reading: John 1 to 3

What is the Christian Gospel Date:   Reading: John 1 to 3 John 1 (ESV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing

More information

Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two

Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two Sunday, December 8, 2013 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 Let us confess our sins against God

More information

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA 510-522-5220 Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise. Mission: To be a caring and diverse community of people who know and share

More information

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give it s all about the relationships Warm Christian greetings to all who chose to worship together today. May the Lord accept our worship. May each of us find our burdens

More information

John the Baptist John 1:19-34, Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-11

John the Baptist John 1:19-34, Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-11 John the Baptist John 1:19-34, Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-11 2 Before John was born God told his parents, John would do great things. But that didn t mean he was going to be rich. John didn

More information

2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE

2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE 2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE 1 INTRODUCTORY RITES HYMN O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice!

More information

for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Year A 2017 Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S. Kathleen Harmon, S.N.D. de N. Rev. John W. Tonkin LITURGICAL PRESS Collegeville, Minnesota www.litpress.org Design

More information

Read: Matt. 3: 1-7; Luke 3: 1-14; John 1: 19-23

Read: Matt. 3: 1-7; Luke 3: 1-14; John 1: 19-23 Read: Matt. 3: 1-7; Luke 3: 1-14; John 1: 19-23 The beginning of John the Baptist's ministry: Luke 3: 1-2 1. Why do you think Luke mentions the civil and religious authorities at the time of John's ministry?

More information

Andrew Ferch 12/11/2011. John 1: John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus

Andrew Ferch 12/11/2011. John 1: John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus John 1: 19-34 John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus 1998 1 Exegesis (What does the text say to its original readership?) Who was John the Baptist? Caravaggio c1604 Luke 1:20 And the child grew and

More information

The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry

The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry In these accounts Jesus was baptized in water, baptized in the Holy Spirit and led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus was baptized in water and

More information

Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8

Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8 Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8 By now, you pretty much know that I like to preach verse by verse through entire books of the Bible. I believe this expository style is the absolute best way for

More information

John s Baptism. Written by Fred Morris

John s Baptism. Written by Fred Morris John s baptism was a very good thing, as far as it went. It was ordained by God, but it pointed to the One, Jesus Christ, who would follow John and baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 15:26-27). Some hardened

More information

JOHN PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS

JOHN PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS Our Lord Jesus Christ had a cousin named John. When John grew up, he learned that his job was to prepare people to listen to the Savior of the world. John stayed near the Jordan River. People who were

More information

The Relevance of Repentance

The Relevance of Repentance May 10, 2009 College Park Church The Relevance of Repentance Matthew 3:1-12 Mark Vroegop 3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

More information

Introduction. Greatest Prophet of the OT

Introduction. Greatest Prophet of the OT Matt. 3:112 True Repentance Sunday, 04 January 2009 18:45 Introduction Greatest Prophet of the OT Who was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament? God said Moses was greater than other prophets because

More information

Now let me ask you a question should that be our attitude? Is baptism really that important? Should we say, Oh well to each his on

Now let me ask you a question should that be our attitude? Is baptism really that important? Should we say, Oh well to each his on Baptism Mat. 3:13-17 JOKE - Son of a Baptist Pastor was watching his dad baptize some people and he decided he wanted to be a preacher also. So he went home and decided to practice. He found an old tom

More information

Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church COMMUNION SONG All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly ELW #461 Trinity Lutheran Church *COMMUNION BLESSING* P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God s grace. C: January

More information

OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary

OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November 2018 The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary I don t know about you, but sometimes it can feel like life is pretty ordinary. A typical, ordinary day for

More information

Lesson 51-John the Baptist What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s)

Lesson 51-John the Baptist What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s) Lesson 51-John the Baptist ALMOST A THOUSAND YEARS BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN, THE PROPHET ISAIAH PREDICTED that a man would come and preach to the people of Israel and tell them that Jesus was coming, and

More information

John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus

John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus FOCAL TEXT Mark 1:1 11 BACKGROUND Mark 1:1 15; 6:14 29; 11:27 33 MAIN IDEA John the Baptist proclaimed the message of preparing for Jesus coming by repenting of sin, seeking God s forgiveness. LESSON ONE

More information

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. (Isaiah 11:6) Second Sunday

More information

Sermon 981 Mark 1:4-11 Proclaim The Baptizer s Message To All 1) Calling people to repentance (vv.4-6) 2) Pointing people to Christ (vv.

Sermon 981 Mark 1:4-11 Proclaim The Baptizer s Message To All 1) Calling people to repentance (vv.4-6) 2) Pointing people to Christ (vv. Sermon 981 Mark 1:4-11 Proclaim The Baptizer s Message To All 1) Calling people to repentance (vv.4-6) 2) Pointing people to Christ (vv.7-11) Epiphany 1 The Baptism of our Lord - January 11, 2015 94, 89,

More information

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give it s all about the relationships Warm Christian greetings to all who chose to worship together today. May the Lord accept our worship. May each of us find our burdens

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary John 1:29-34 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, March 1, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary John 1:29-34 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, March 1, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary John 1:29-34 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, March 1, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

Confession and Absolution Invocation P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

Confession and Absolution Invocation P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen. Preservice Music 2 nd Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014 Welcome Opening Hymn: On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry LSB 344 Stand Confession and Absolution Invocation P In the name of the Father and of the

More information

COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW

COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW COMMENTARY Fr Lk 2:52. MATTHEW 3:1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, Mt 3:2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom

More information

John 1:19-34: Now this was John s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20

John 1:19-34: Now this was John s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 ECF 20 th January 2019 John 1:19-34 Trust In Jesus Nearly 13 years ago, an unemployed computer technician called Guy Goma, turned up at the BBC headquarters in London for a job interview. This is what

More information

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN OVERVIEW

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN OVERVIEW THE GOSPEL OF JOHN OVERVIEW To convince people to believe in Jesus John 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have

More information

Jesus Increases As We Decrease; John ; 02830; Page 1 of 9

Jesus Increases As We Decrease; John ; 02830; Page 1 of 9 Prelude: Jesus Increases As We Decrease; John 3.22 36; 02830; Page 1 of 9 Jesus Increases As We Decrease Jesus Is Above All John 3.22 36 Don Ruhl Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon September 16, In the

More information

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION!

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION! SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION! Peace Lutheran Church Saginaw, Michigan December 4, 2016 9:00 am Scripture of the Week Then Jesus asked, What is the kingdom of God like? What shall

More information

John 1:14-28 Like Father, Like Son Review Read V:1-14 John s nativity story Divinity of Christ JESUS is THE CHRIST THE SON OF GOD

John 1:14-28 Like Father, Like Son Review Read V:1-14 John s nativity story Divinity of Christ JESUS is THE CHRIST THE SON OF GOD John 1:14-28 Like Father, Like Son Review: We covered up to V:14 (Read V:1-14) John s nativity story John is writing, as an old man now covering things the other Gospel writers did not cover By now the

More information

The Season of Advent

The Season of Advent The Season of Advent Scripture Selections from the Evangelical Heritage Version following the Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal 3-Year Lectionary, Year B Revised September 6, 2017 The First Sunday in

More information

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father

More information

Mark 1: December 2005 Page #1

Mark 1: December 2005 Page #1 1 Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE

More information

JOHN PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS

JOHN PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS Our Lord Jesus Christ had a cousin named John. When John grew up, he learned that his job was to prepare people to listen to the Savior of the world. John stayed near the Jordan River. People who were

More information

LOOKING TO JESUS John 1:19-34

LOOKING TO JESUS John 1:19-34 LOOKING TO JESUS John 1:19-34 Turning Point Church 2019 01 06 Turning Point Church 3/3/2019 INTRO: FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us

More information

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year B RCL A READING FROM ISAIAH. Isaiah 61:1-4, The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year B RCL A READING FROM ISAIAH. Isaiah 61:1-4, The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Year B RCL A READING FROM ISAIAH Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

More information

Year B Advent, 2 nd Sunday 2014

Year B Advent, 2 nd Sunday 2014 In our Gospel today from the beginning of Mark, the message of John the Baptist is: Repentance! the same message Jesus and the apostles would also give. John s clothing made of camel s hair and the leather

More information

The Gospel According to. John

The Gospel According to. John The Gospel According to John What will you learn about in this book? Like Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this gospel contains many stories about what Jesus said and did. It was written to tell Greek-speaking

More information

Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12

Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12 Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12 Friends, our final Scripture reading this evening comes from Matthew 3:1-12. I invite you

More information

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (36) Stanza 1 and 7 Only. Lest We Forget: 30 th Anniversary of the Deaths of Martyrs (left to right)

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (36) Stanza 1 and 7 Only. Lest We Forget: 30 th Anniversary of the Deaths of Martyrs (left to right) Second Sunday of Advent December 4/5, 2010 (A) Tony and Veronica Nitko Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your

More information

John s Message of Judgment and Grace

John s Message of Judgment and Grace 1 Sermon for the 2 nd of Advent Sunday Text: Matthew 3:1-12 John s clothes were made of camel s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to

More information

A voice of one calling in the wilderness. Luke 3:1-22

A voice of one calling in the wilderness. Luke 3:1-22 A voice of one calling in the wilderness Luke 3:1-22 A voice of one calling in the wilderness Luke 3:1-2 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,

More information

GROW STUDY Life of Jesus. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

GROW STUDY Life of Jesus. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus GROW STUDY Life of Jesus The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus Pictures and maps are by Dr. Terry Hulbert and used with permission. Scriptures are from the New International Version and the New American

More information

Catholic Prayers & Precepts

Catholic Prayers & Precepts Click on the name of the prayer: Catholic Prayers & Precepts Sign of the Cross Our Father/Lord s Prayer Hail Mary Glory Be Act of Contrition Act of Contrition (traditional) Apostles Creed Angelus Nicene

More information

JOHN: SINGLE-MINDED FOCUS

JOHN: SINGLE-MINDED FOCUS 5 JOHN: SINGLE-MINDED FOCUS If you could be a spokesperson for any product, what would it be? QUESTION #1 #BSFLsecondnature BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 99 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses to exalt Christ,

More information

Intergenerational Worship

Intergenerational Worship Intergenerational Worship Bible Reading - Matthew 3:1-12 Year A Advent 2 Dec 4 2016 Matthew 3:1-12 What is this: Intergenerational Bible Reading, Skit and Art Observation Where it s used: In any intergenerational

More information

What is going on here? Who is speaking, and to whom are they speaking? What are the people and places involved? What are the details?

What is going on here? Who is speaking, and to whom are they speaking? What are the people and places involved? What are the details? What does this teach me about God? What are His characteristics? What does He love/hate? How does He relate to people? How does this lead me to worship Him? What has happened previous that might help my

More information

John The Baptist. By Mark Mayberry 6/17/2012

John The Baptist. By Mark Mayberry 6/17/2012 His Fulfillment of Prophecy John The Baptist By Mark Mayberry 6/17/2012 The Old Testament repeatedly foreshadowed the work of John the Baptist (Isa. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1; 4:2-6). He prepared the way for the

More information

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 10, 2017 (Proper 27) 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Divine Service, Setting Four - Lutheran Service Book, pages 203-212 Intentional Interim Rev. Dr. Mark Koch Organist: Ron Crider

More information

John 1 Jesus the Son of God: His Names

John 1 Jesus the Son of God: His Names John 1 Jesus the Son of God: His Names Introduction The theme of the Gospel of John is that Jesus is the Son of God. Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which

More information

INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E

INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E LESSON SEQUENCE SUMMER QUARTER The Lesson Sequence gives the teacher an overview

More information

Saved by faith alone Mark 1:4-11

Saved by faith alone Mark 1:4-11 Saved by faith alone Mark 1:4-11 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going

More information

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 Jan 28 Feb 3

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 Jan 28 Feb 3 Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 Jan 28 Feb 3 Invite Sharing To give children a chance to share what they have already learned, show a picture of Jesus being baptized, and ask them to tell you what is happening

More information

Memory Verse: Jesus said, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned.

Memory Verse: Jesus said, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned. Dec. 30: 1 st Sunday in Christmas, New Year's Message: John the Baptist: Declare! #5: Be Baptized Scripture: Matt. 3:1-11 Text: Mark 1:4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be

More information

Prelude GATHERING. Gathering Hymn Prepare the Royal Highway Hymn No. 264

Prelude GATHERING. Gathering Hymn Prepare the Royal Highway Hymn No. 264 Prelude GATHERING Candlelighting Hymn Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn Page 242 vs. 1 1) Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning. Sing out your joy, for soon he is born,

More information

Prayers to Know 4 th Grade

Prayers to Know 4 th Grade SIGN OF THE CROSS In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. EVENING PRAYER God, our Father, this day is done. We ask you and Jesus Christ, your Son, that with the Spirit, our welcome

More information

Opening Sentence Versicle and Response Invitatory Psalms Psalm 4

Opening Sentence Versicle and Response Invitatory Psalms Psalm 4 Monday of Epiphany 1 Evening Prayer Opening Sentence Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 Versicle and Response O God, make

More information

The Season of Advent

The Season of Advent The Season of Advent Scripture Selections from the Evangelical Heritage Version following the Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal 3-Year Lectionary, Year A Revised January 23, 201 The First Sunday in

More information

The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13

The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13 The Title (1:1) The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Verse 1 is a verbless sentence a statement of title. Matthew and Luke begin with the

More information

He stands among us John 1:6-8,19-28

He stands among us John 1:6-8,19-28 He stands among us John 1:6-8,19-28 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light,

More information

December 10, :15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. First Lutheran Church + St. Peter, Minnesota Interim Pastor Ted Kunze Cantor Emily Bruflat

December 10, :15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. First Lutheran Church + St. Peter, Minnesota Interim Pastor Ted Kunze Cantor Emily Bruflat Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017 + 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. First Lutheran Church + St. Peter, Minnesota Interim Pastor Ted Kunze Cantor Emily Bruflat Renewed by Christ in Word, water, bread &

More information

Christ Church C of E. Sunday 4 th December 2016

Christ Church C of E. Sunday 4 th December 2016 Christ Church C of E Ireton Road Colchester 01206 542307 christ-church-vestry@btconnect.com www.colchesterchristchurch.org.uk Sunday 4 th December 2016 Welcome to Christ Church We extend a very warm welcome

More information

The Supremacy of Jesus The Supreme Purifier of Sin

The Supremacy of Jesus The Supreme Purifier of Sin 1 Passages: Isaiah 53:1-7 John 1:29-36 The Supremacy of Jesus The Supreme Purifier of Sin This is the third sermon in a series entitled, The Supremacy of Jesus. As I ve been saying each week, these 5 sermons

More information

The Beginning of the Gospel

The Beginning of the Gospel The Beginning of the Gospel Mark 1:1-8 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare

More information

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL 5110 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois (847)

BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL 5110 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois (847) Today s worship includes a narrator to help us pause at certain points and reflect on how God is at work in the liturgy Baptism of Our Lord Sunday January 14 2018 BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL 5110

More information

John 1: 1-51 (King James Version)

John 1: 1-51 (King James Version) John 1: 1-51 (King James Version) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without

More information

Luke 2:25 32 (ESV) 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of

Luke 2:25 32 (ESV) 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Luke 2:25 32 (ESV) 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it

More information

Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus is the Fulfillment of Prophecy John 1:19-28 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed, and did not deny,

More information

GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS. Message 4 Baptized and Tempted. The Baptism of Jesus. Introduction

GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS. Message 4 Baptized and Tempted. The Baptism of Jesus. Introduction Introduction GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS Message 4 Baptized and Tempted The public ministry of Jesus was preceded by the ministry of John the Baptist, who was called by God to prepare the way for the Messiah.

More information

Introduction to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

Introduction to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy Introduction to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy LESSON OVERVIEW Learning Goals Works of Mercy are concrete ways in which we can live out our Faith. There are seven Corporal and seven Spiritual

More information

Be Prepared! Matthew June 24, 2012

Be Prepared! Matthew June 24, 2012 Be Prepared! Matthew 3.1-12 June 24, 2012 Introduction: Way back in the day I was a Boy Scout. I can remember donning my dapper brown Scout uniform and working very hard at earning merit badges. To do

More information

Week 10 - John the Baptist

Week 10 - John the Baptist Monday Scripture Reading: Exo. 17:1-7; Num. 20:8, 11; 1 Cor. 10:4; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet 3:18 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we

More information

Luke 3A. And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy

Luke 3A. And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy Luke 3A And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy o And especially how he came to live as both a man, in submission to earthly parents o And yet also as the

More information

Let us turn to the Gospel according to Matthew. Listen now for the word of the Lord to you in these words from Matthew 3, verses 1 through 12:

Let us turn to the Gospel according to Matthew. Listen now for the word of the Lord to you in these words from Matthew 3, verses 1 through 12: Sermon To Raise Up From These Stones Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-28, Matthew 3:1-12 Sunday, June 12, 2016 Rev. Trajan McGill Westminster Presbyterian Church Springfield, Illinois Our first reading visits

More information

John s Testimony About a Lamb

John s Testimony About a Lamb John s Testimony About a Lamb John 1:19-34 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed,

More information

BQF Question set The Gospel of John

BQF Question set The Gospel of John BQF Question set 2018-2019 The Gospel of John 1:1 When was the Word [OR In what was the Word]? In the beginning 1:1 Who was in the beginning [OR Who was with God OR Who was God]? The Word 1:1 With whom

More information

Poetic Imagery to Provide Peace

Poetic Imagery to Provide Peace Poetic Imagery to Provide Peace December 10, 2017 Second Sunday in Advent OPENING HYMN Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord 91 The Lutheran Hymnal 2 APOSTOLIC GREETING M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

More information

Until John. the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,

Until John. the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation

More information

Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017

Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017 Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017 BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:19-34 MAIN POINT: Jesus obeyed God by being baptized. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is the trustworthy saying

More information

Prophetic Ministry Old and New

Prophetic Ministry Old and New Equipping Session 2 April 8, 2015 He Still Speaks Prophetic Ministry Old and New Deuteronomy 18:15 22 (ESV) The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers

More information