January 12th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Baptized for Belonging: The Savior, the Spirit, and the Sonship" Text: Luke 3:15-17; 21-22

Lectionary Readings — Baptism of the Lord — January 12, 2025

Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17; 21-22

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 3:15-17; 21-22)

Leader: Come, all who are waiting expectantly, searching for hope and truth. Like those in John’s day, we may wonder where salvation will come from.

People: We rejoice that our Savior has come, One more powerful than we can imagine, who meets our deepest needs.

Leader: John baptized with water, calling people to repentance, but Jesus comes to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.

People: We open our hearts to be purified, renewed, and empowered by His Spirit today.

Leader: As Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove.

People: In our own lives, we long for the presence of the Spirit to guide us, comfort us, and remind us of God's love.

Leader: And the voice of the Father declared, “You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.”

People: We stand in awe, knowing that through Christ, we too are called beloved children of God.

All: Let us worship with joy and gratitude, for Jesus brings salvation, the Holy Spirit empowers us, and the Father calls us His own!

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Opening Prayer (based on Isaiah 43:1-7)

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and awe. You, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, have called us by name, and we are Yours. How humbling it is to know that we are not forgotten or forsaken but loved deeply and redeemed by Your mighty hand.

As we reflect on Your words from Isaiah, we thank You for the assurance that we need not fear, for You have redeemed us. You have walked with us through the waters of trial and the fires of difficulty, and Your presence has been our strength and shield. You are faithful to Your promises, and Your love never fails.

Lord, we are reminded today that You created us for Your glory. May our worship reflect the honor and praise due Your holy name. May we, as Your people, walk in the confidence that You are with us, guiding us, sustaining us, and carrying us through every circumstance.

We lift our lives to You, O Lord, and ask that You would move among us this morning. Draw near to those who feel distant, comfort those who are hurting, and strengthen those who are weary. May Your Spirit rest upon us, bringing peace, renewal, and a sense of belonging as Your chosen ones.

We thank You, Lord, that no river is too wide, no fire is too intense, and no obstacle is too great for Your power to overcome. You are our Redeemer, our Protector, and our Savior. To You alone be the glory, now and forevermore.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray,
Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "Baptized for Belonging: The Savior, the Spirit, and the Sonship" (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)

Introduction:

Begin by discussing the human longing for belonging, purpose, and renewal. Highlight the context of the people’s expectation of the Messiah and John’s role in preparing the way. Emphasize how this passage reveals the Savior, the Spirit, and the Sonship of Jesus Christ and what it means for our lives today.

I. The Promise of the Savior (Luke 3:15-17)

A. Expectant Hearts:

B. A Superior Savior:

C. A Purifying Work:

II. The Power of the Spirit (Luke 3:21)

A. A Community of Believers:

B. An Open Heaven:

C. The Descent of the Spirit:

III. The Proclamation of Sonship (Luke 3:22)

A. A Divine Declaration:

B. A Message of Love:

C. A Mission Confirmed:

Conclusion:

Invite the congregation to respond:

1. Trust in the Savior for purification and renewal.

2. Welcome the Spirit’s presence to empower their lives.

3. Embrace their identity as God’s beloved children.

Close with a challenge to live as Spirit-filled followers of Christ, walking confidently in their identity and calling. End with a prayer of commitment and surrender.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers