Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire-The Baptism of Our Lord-LCMS Readings

Description

Luke 3:15-22 

You cannot talk about baptism without talking about the Holy Spirit. In fact, we baptize “in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.” When Jesus was baptized, John made a vital distinction when he said that he baptized with water but someone far greater, that being Jesus, would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. It is notable that when Jesus was baptized, “the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.” In baptism, we have the power of the Holy Spirit. We also cannot talk about baptism without talking about fire! In fire is judgment and the need for reconciliation and salvation. The good news of Jesus Christ addresses the fire and gives us the greatest hope in the world.

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

Time of Praise and Worship

Holy Spirit

Bryan Torwalt & Katie Torwalt, ©2011 Jesus Culture (Admin. by Jesus Culture Music)

Here Is Our King

David Crowder, ©2005 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sixsteps Music (EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Welcome To Our World

Chris Rice, ©1995 Clumsy Fly Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.)

[Traditional Options]

Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding                           

EH 59; ELW 246; LBW 37; LSB 345; LW 18

Father Welcomes All His Children                  

CH 90; LSB 605

If You Will Trust In God To Guide You

BH 75 203; BH 91 57; CHH 565; EH 635; ELW 769; HWC 600; HFG 605; HLC 420; LBW 453; LSB 750, NCH 410; PH 282; WC 636; UMH 142; WAR 429; WHM 604

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

Pastor              It is with great joy that we begin this worship service in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

ALL                  Amen!

Opening Prayer 

Pastor              Gracious God, We are so thankful that our identity is not based on anything but our identity in Christ-made possible through the waters of baptism. We worship and                               honor you you as the One who defines who we are in Christ Jesus. We have been adopted, reconciled, and restored – all because of Jesus, who John the Baptist said                               would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Your love for us is unconditional and in the waters of baptism, you have claimed us and named us as your children.           

ALL                  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen. 

Time of Greeting 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

Pastor             God of mercy and peace, we need not fear because you have promised to walk with us and even carry us if needed. When we pass through raging waters or walk                                        through fire, you are with us and we do not have to be consumed.  You guide as we travel through this world and show us the way by your shining light.  Even so, we                                often get lost and the enticement of the world lures us in. Lord, we need you as our anchor and our foundation. 

                                                (A time of personal reflection and confession)

ALL                  Father, we know the truth of your word yet we are influenced by people and the things around us.  We confess to you that there are times                                      when we have listened to the voices of the world around us instead of letting your voice take priority. Bring us back to you and renew a right                                spirit within us. Strengthen our understanding or who we are, especially our identity is as your children made possible in the waters of                                          baptism.

Pastor              Be assured that our Lord is faithful and just, and forgives you all your sins. As a called minister and servant of Christ, I proclaim to you that your sins are forgiven and                            washed away. You are accepted, reconciled and renewed as a child of God in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                      Isaiah 43:1-7 

God created Israel as His special people by naming them, protecting them, and redeeming them.

¹On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.³ When the wine was gone, and Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” ⁴ “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. ⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” ¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.