Point of Grace Online Worship 1.10.21

Sermon Notes – “What line are you in?” – Jesus’ Baptism and 2021

When revealing “who” Jesus is the Gospel writers fast-forward to His baptism. Why?

Matthew 3 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

What does it mean that He came “to be baptized by John”?

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

4 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. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Who was lining up to be baptized? Sinners…… repenting (have a change of thinking) they confessed their sins.

So when Jesus came He got in line with “sinners”. The angel did say to name Him Jesus because “he would save His people from their sins”.

What line am I in? Am I in the sinner’s line? If you are in the sinner’s line who is in line with you?

2 Corinthians 5 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God

Jesus took on my identity as a sinner to give me His identity as Son … child of God!

John 1 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

The Father saw His Son get covered “baptized” with the ugly sinfulness of humanity and said,

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

How could a group of people living like this change the world?

Afterthoughts for 2021 - Thursday @ 7

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Luke 3:1-14 Tue – Luke 3:15-23 Wed – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 Thu – John 1:19-34 Fri – 1 John 1:5-2:2 Sat - Psalm 51

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Helps: “Sermon Resources” for this week from pog.church

New Book Recommendation from Pastor Weiser, “Union with Christ” by Rankin Wilbourne

The “One Minute Pause” App from your app store

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

“Restoration Year – A 365 Day Devotional” by John Eldredge