Week One: The Story of the Baptism

I find myself entering into Lent with an eager anticipation this year, as so much is happening within our church, our community, our nation and the world around us. Often, I talk with people who find themselves living at some level of stress over the situation of our changing world. There is an old quote that I heard years ago that can be taken as either a blessing or as a curse, “May you live in interesting times.” I have come to believe that for the Christian this should be our desire––to live in interesting times. Jesus lived in one of the most interesting times in all of history. Literally, a cosmic shift was taking place through his life and ministry that would change the very foundations of the universe. Over these next six weeks of Lent I hope that we can explore his life, see Him as both our Lord and Savior, but also see Him as the preeminent example of how to live in interesting times.  

As we prepare for this weekend, I invite you to watch the video, read our scripture for Sunday and spend some time in reflection on the questions below. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 3:13-17

“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So, John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.””

Questions for Reflection:

Why do you think Jesus insisted on being baptized by John?

Baptism is one of the two sacraments observed by the United Methodist Church. Why do you think baptism is important today?

FAITHFUL: Plugged In

I write this EBlast today from Jerusalem. We have had one of the most amazing weeks of my life. Today we spent most of the day in and around Old Jerusalem; following the Via Dolorosa, Touring the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and ending the day taking communion at the Garden Tomb.  That was just today!  We can’t wait to share about our trip next Wednesday at our Grow Night Dinner, but this weekend you will already get a taste of our trip as we continue to look at what it means to be FAITHFUL in our call to community.  Please take time to watch the video read the scripture and reflect on the questions below as we prepare for worship this Sunday.

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47

And everyone was filled with awe; the apostles worked many signs and miracles. And all who shared the faith owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and distributed the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed.

Each day, with one heart, they regularly went to the Temple but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.

Reflection Questions:

What sticks out to you within the passage as it relates to the beginning of the Church?

What would this kind of community look like today?

How could we produce this kind of community today?

An extra video from Israel...