January 18th Worship Service

Each of the Gospels has slightly different approach to Jesus’ Baptism. In Luke we have a long explanation to the people on what their baptism means and how they are to react, with Chapter 3:11 they are told to share what they have with those in need. In John we have an explanation by John the Baptist, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit,” and for John, Jesus the one whom the Spirit entered during the baptism. In Mark Chapter 1 we have Jesus coming up from the water, the sky opening, the Spirit in a dove descending, and the voice of God, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” but who heard the voice of God, everyone, Jesus, Jesus and John, we do not know.

Possibly the most interesting comes from Matthew. Jesus approaches John the Baptist to baptize him, yet John says no, he should be baptized by Jesus. But Jesus says that John needs to baptize him to, “Fulfill all righteousness.” Scholars feel this could be interpreted in two different ways. One could be that since Jesus is going be the sacrifice which forgives the worlds sins. By being baptized Jesus would be identified with that sacrifice and foreshadow the way sin can be forgiven. Or it could simply be that God wanted John to baptize Jesus.

The common thread of the four Gospels is that during the baptism Jesus is recognized as God in human form. By going through with the baptism Jesus confirms that while he is actually God, at this moment at Al-Maghtas, 10 km southeast of Jericho along the banks of the Jordan River, Jesus is also recognized as a human being prepared to deliver all humanity to the Father in Heaven.

What a Revelation! Join us for our January 18th Worship Service.

Pictures: Baptism of Christ Pero della Francesca 1451 (National_Gallery,_London) / Bpatism of Jesus Santuário São Bento da Porta Aberta in Rio Caldo, Portugal

Musicians: Dean and James.

Praise Team: Lea, Bob Lucinda, Nancy, Rod, Brandon and Aleeya

Gathering Music:                                      Congregation

“Change My Heart O God”

Announcements:                                          Chris Buchanan             

Call To Worship:                                                             Pastor Bob Ramos

Songs of Praise:                                                              Praise Team

 "Send Me"

"Oceans"

Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons: Pastor Ron / Pastor Bob

Congregational Prayer:                                   Pastor Bob

Scripture:                                      Pastor Ron Urzua

Various

Message:                                                                          Pastor Ron

"The Power of God’s Call”

Dedication of Offerings:                                                Veronica Rios

Doxology:                                                                   Praise Team

Closing Song: Praise Team

“Friend of God”

Blessing:                                                              Pastor Ron

Ron Urzua, Pastor

Bob Ramos and Rob Schleef, Commissioned Lay Pastors

Music Director: Aleeya Flores

Accompanist: Lea Blair / James Gomez / Lucinda Anderson / Dean