Description
Mark 1:4-11
John’s baptism was one of repentance and forgiveness. But when John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, the heavens tore open and he saw the Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. He heard the voice of God confirming the Sonship of Jesus. In that holy moment, John witnessed all three persons of the Godhead. When we are baptized, we experience the Godhead- we are received into God’s family through Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit who empowers us to complete God’s will.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Our God Saves
Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche, ©2007 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)
Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood © 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Great Things
Jonas Myrin, Phil Wickham, © Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Son of the Lion (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])
[Traditional Options]
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
EH 65; ELW 249; LBW 36; LSB 344; LW 14; NCH 115; PH 10; RS 490; WC 136; WAR 156
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle
EH 165; ELW 356; LBW 118; LSB 454; LW 117; NCH 220; RS 573; UMH 296; WC 228
Arise, O Christian People
LSB 354
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
A waiting occurred over thousands of years for a Savior to come. The prophets waited, Mary waited, and John the Baptist searched the crowds for the Messiah whose sandals he would be unworthy to untie.
Worshipers
We wait for the Lord and long for Him.
Pastor / Worship Leader
As Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John, the earth paused and watched. The heavens tore open and the voice spoke clearly, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
Worshipers
We wait for God’s timing as He prepares the way.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Loving Father, you anointed Your Son, Jesus, at His baptism with the Holy Spirit. Thank You for making us Your children by water and the Spirit. Help us to remain faithful to You in all we say and do.
Worshipers
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
O God of infinite mercy, pour out your love on us today. We confess of our sins, both small and big, and ask that You’d be glorified in our lives. We are broken, wretched sinners and it was Your Son, Jesus, who died to save us, to rose to forgive us, and who moves in us to do Your will.
Worshipers
We ask for Your forgiveness and anointing that Your will may done and Your name be glorified. Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, hear our cry.
Pastor / Worship Leader
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit we pray.
Worshipers
Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Genesis 1:1-5
From the beginning, Creator God and the Holy Spirit were together as one giving form to a formless earth and speaking light to the darkness.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
