Jesus is Baptized to Fulfill All Righteousness

To allow Pastor Jenson time for grieving, Deacon Poe gives today’s sermon which Pastor wrote a few weeks ago but couldn’t deliver due to bad weather.

Baptism is a mystery. It may seem rather straightforward. Sprinkle a little water, say a few words, and the act is over before you blink. But there’s much more to it.

A baptism is an act; not just a symbol. We die with Jesus by the act of baptism. The purpose of dying with Him is so that we too may walk in the newness of life. It is Jesus joining his life to ours.

Baptism is yet another act of God’s love, mercy, and righteousness granted to us all. Thanks be to God!

Today’s sermon is based on Luke 3:

¹⁵ The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. ¹⁶ John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” ¹⁸ And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. ¹⁹ But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, ²⁰ Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

²¹ When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

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Announcements

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lee Jenson, wife of Pastor Jenson. Her funeral will be held at St. James on Wednesday, February 16th at 1 pm. While we know Lee is at peace in her Savior’s arms, the earthly pain still exists. We offer our prayers of comfort to the Jenson family.

Bible Study: Bible study is suspended this week. Our midweek Bible study will resume on Tuesday, March 1st. Please note it will continue on Tuesday nights due to Lenten services on Wednesdays.

Voter’s Meeting: The next one is slated for February 20th at 3:30 pm via Zoom.

Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses still go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.

LWML: The next Zone Prayer Service is scheduled for February 26 at Lamb of God in Seattle. Please contact Margaret Ebert for more details. Also, activities are ongoing so any financial support is appreciated!

Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday. Remember to obtain permission if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person.

Prayer during a pandemic:

Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.