The Service in PDF format is at: January 10, 2021 Service
Video of service is at: Facebook Video
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
January 10, 2021 (Online Service only)
THEME: Today is a day to remember and celebrate baptism. In baptism you received all of the promises of God. Someone once spent a year and a half counting all of the promises of the Scriptures. They came up with 7,487 promises! All of God’s promises are binding, for not only is God a promise maker; God is a promise keeper. What promise of God are you holding onto heading into 2021?
L: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
CONFESSION/FORGIVENESS
L: Almighty God, who revealed Your glory when the Son became man,
C: Turned away from You by my sinful nature, I try to do Your job—I play God. I think I know what is best for me and for other people. I try to control things over which I have no power, and I too quickly give up on things I need to change. I’ve hurt You, myself, and the people around me. I need help. Only You can hear me, forgive me, and return me to peace with Yourself, with myself, and with the people around me.
Time of Silence
L: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all.
C: Amen.
OPENING SONG: “Blessed Assurance”
(Congregational Singing on April 8, 2018)
L: Let us pray. Lord, you are the maker and keeper of promises. Your Word does not return void. When you say you will do something, you do it. You are able to do whatever you promise. So many years ago you made a covenant with your people, and you have been faithful to that covenant.
C: Sometimes it is easier to put my faith in my circumstances rather than in your promises. I want to rely on myself, my earthly possessions, and the people in my life, but these so often fail me. But your promises will never fail me!
L: As I read through your promises, give me a new passion for them. Show me what promises I have forgotten over the years and need to cling to again. Reveal your true character to me. Remind me of the power of your love and your grace. Strengthen my faith, and teach me to lean on your Word rather than on myself.
ALL: Thank you for keeping your promises. I’m grateful for the ultimate
promise I have in your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Jesus is baptized by John.
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of Jesus
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
SERMON “God Has Made a Covenant with You!”
L: Sovereign God, when people anywhere are in conflict, are driven by hate, or are living in countries with cruel taskmasters or brutal regimes, surround them with Your love. Use us to bring word of Your compassionate embrace so that they may endure until relief is realized. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
L: Lord Jesus, we pray for all who face this day in sadness or grief, are facing sudden crisis or long-term ill, or are mourning the loss of a loved one. {We remember especially……..} Restore joy to them through those who care about them—professionals, family, and friends—all who know the joy of Your gracious presence. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
L: O Holy Spirit, open doors of opportunity for people of peace so that nations will not raise up sword against one another, societies may be ordered for the good of all, and Your kingdom of grace may be extended without persecution. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
L: Loving Lord, help us to act in gentleness toward the forgotten in society, the invisible poor, the forgotten in prison, those about to be born, and those nearing their end of days. Open our eyes to opportunities to serve their needs in Your name. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
L: These and any other things You would have us ask of You, heavenly Father, grant to us for the sake of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord.
Dave Jackson
Executive Director of Friends of the Family
L: Go in peace! Serve the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God!