January 25, 2023 "Opening Up To Welcome Everyone In"

ReNew Ames Messages

The baptism of Jesus. Why is this story in the Bible? He didn't have followers yet - none of his disciples were there. So how did they know this story? Well, probably because this story was important to Jesus. He had a profound experience told the story to his followers over and over again. The story is in there because Jesus was fully gripped by the power of God's love. And because he was gripped by God's love, he figured out who he was and what he would do. "You are my Son, my beloved." It can be that for us, too. Baptism is a sign of God's unearned love and acceptance. But it's also more than that - it's also a sign that we've pledged ourselves to a new kingdom - the kingdom of God. That means we work toward the things of the kingdom. Things like justice, and peace, and healing, etc. What we do NOW matters. Every morning we wake up it's like coming up out of the waters again - new breath, new life, new opportunities to work toward the things of the kingdom of God. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Mark 1:9-13 http://bible.com/events/49015936