Christian rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water
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The Baptism of Jesus speaks to us of his incredible humility. Without being a sinner, Jesus plays the role of one by letting himself be baptized by John the Baptist. Humility unlocks our ability to love God and others. It protects our peace and joy.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260111dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 How’s Your Approval Rating? Whether it’s at work, school, or home, we are constantly graded, compared to others, and rated. The boss gives us our annual review. The teacher hands out report cards. The son informs mom that her Mac & Cheese isn't as good as what Dylan’s mom makes. It is strange how these “ratings” can affect our day. If they’re good, we feel good. If they’re lousy, we feel lousy. If they’re nothing special, then we are tempted to feel that we’re nothing special. How's your approval rating with God? How have you been keeping up with those Ten Commandments? Remember, they’re not God’s suggestions; they are his commands. How’s it going between you and your neighbor, all your neighbors? Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we’re going to talk comparisons, why not go all the way and, as God says, compare ourselves to him. “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Yikes! Will I ever meet with God’s approval? Will God ever say of me, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”? This is what makes the Baptism of Jesus, as well as our own baptisms so special. God, in his grace, has connected me to Jesus. God has given me faith in Jesus as my Savior. Jesus has taken away all my sins. Jesus gives me his perfection and holiness. When God looks at me, he sees Jesus and he says, “This is my son, my daughter, whom I love! With him, with her, I am well pleased.” Approval ratings don’t get any higher than this. God be praised! Prayer: Dear Jesus, when doubts of my worth come, drown them in the waters of Baptism and remind me of your love for me in Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Baptism is important and comes with responsibilities.Morning Offering, January 11, 2026Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________
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Bollhagen has a Top 12 list or two that 'got him thinking', and Vicar tries to match football rule books to theology. The Baptism of Our Lord: Matthew 3:13–17
Homily from the The Baptism of the Lord The traps of believing we are God's advisors...or His performers. Baptism changes us. It begins an entirely new life in each one of us. And yet, when we approach the Lord, we can be tempted to act, not as God's adopted children, but as His counselors or his performers. Mass Readings from January 11, 2026:Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17
Read OnlineJesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. Matthew 3:13–15John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, entrusted with the mission to immediately prepare the way for the Messiah. Today's feast marks a pivotal transition from the Old Law to the New. Prior to Jesus' baptism, John's mission was in full motion. With Jesus' baptism, the mission of the Old Testament prophets is fulfilled, and the New Law of grace begins.Why did Jesus enter the waters of baptism? He was sinless and had no need of repentance. Yet, in His divine wisdom, Jesus chose to be baptized to sanctify the waters, opening the gateway of grace for all who would follow. By entering the waters of baptism, Jesus set a precedent. Every Christian who enters the waters of baptism meets our Lord there, sharing in His life of grace.As we reflect on Christ's baptism today, we are invited to consider our own. Most of us were baptized as infants and have no memory of the event. Others came to baptism later in life, fully aware of the grace they were receiving. Regardless of when it occurred, baptism's effects are profound and enduring. That singular moment of sanctification forever changed us, and its transformative power remains active within us.Through baptism, Jesus meets us under the waters. When baptism is performed by full immersion, it powerfully symbolizes the reality of this encounter. We enter the waters of repentance, as John offered, but we emerge united with Christ. Just as the Father's voice declared at Jesus' baptism, “You are my beloved Son…,” so too does the Father continually speak to us after our baptism, affirming our identity as His beloved children. The Holy Spirit descends upon us, and we are offered every gift of the Spirit, provided our hearts remain open.Baptism occurs only once in our lives and imprints on our souls an “indelible spiritual mark (character)” (see Catechism of the Catholic Church #1272 and 1274). This mark configures us to Christ and signifies our permanent belonging to Him and His Church. It cannot be lost or removed, even by mortal sin. However, while this character endures forever, the state of sanctifying grace within our souls can be lost through mortal sin. In such cases, the grace of baptism is restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in which our souls are once again cleansed and brought back into full communion with God. Marked as members of Christ's Body, we are continually disposed to receive sanctifying grace through the other sacraments, as long as we remain in a state of grace. Baptism accomplishes this disposition, enabling us to participate fully in the life of grace that flows from Christ.As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, reflect today on your own baptism. You are forever marked as a child of God. You encountered our Lord under the waters of baptism, were cleansed of all sin, and were filled with sanctifying grace. Though sin diminishes or even extinguishes that grace when it is mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation restores it, and the Eucharist and other sacraments increase it. Always return to your baptismal grace, seeking to live out your identity as God's son or daughter, as this sacred mark intends. My sanctifying Lord, through the waters of baptism, I encountered You and received the abundant grace You bestowed upon me. Please help me to keep my soul free from sin and to live with the true dignity of a child of God. Thank You for meeting me under those waters. May I remain with You, growing ever closer to You by the ongoing gift of all the Sacraments. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com Welcome to Through the Psalms, a weekend ministry of The Truth Pulpit. Over time, we will study all 150 psalms with Pastor Don Green from Truth Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. We're glad you're with us. Let's open to the Psalms now as we join our teacher in The Truth Pulpit.Click the icon below to listen. Related PodcastsThe Universal Appeal #1Jesus, Baptism, and You #2Jesus, Baptism, and You #1
Patrick responds to listeners wrestling with parish turmoil, scandal, and the tensions between Catholicism and Protestant churches, grounding his advice in Scripture and personal anecdotes. Communion debates, worries about Church "rules," and calls for prayer get honest airtime—he draws from stories of saints, practical analogies, and candid self-reflection. The hour moves quickly, shifting from heartfelt concern to moments of gentle humor, offering reassurance and clarity without shying away from uncomfortable truths. Cynthia - How do I know if and when I should leave my parish because my priest is not living right? (00:40) Joe - I want to thank you for explaining hermeneutics the other day. Can you defend Protestantism? (15:10) Jim - You were discussing Baptism. Pope JPII said that 'you are Christ'. Can you help me understand this? (23:43) Jennifer - We need to be united as Catholics, and we need to be patient and persevere. (27:55) Vanessa - Why is it acceptable to not go to daily Mass because it is not Latin? (33:21) Mary Ann - My husband is a great Protestant man but doesn't go to Church. Also, my friends are Protestant but don't want to be Catholic because it is too hard. (38:20) Joseph - How old do you think the world is? I think it is only 6,000-7,000 years. (48:29)
Romans 6:3-4 - Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Pope Leo XIV warned that human rights and freedoms are under threat. Millions in the Philippines joined the Black Nazarene procession in a powerful display of faith. And, more than 3,000 pilgrims gathered at the banks of the Jordan River to mark the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Friends of the Rosary,The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of January 2026 highlight a way of praying with the Word of God:"Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church."In January, the month dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, the first eleven days fall during the liturgical season of Christmas — until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this Sunday on the 11th, when we read that after Jesus was baptized, He saw the Spirit of God coming upon him.The remaining days of January are the beginning of the liturgical season of Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Epiphany), which is represented by the liturgical color green.The remaining Feasts for January 2026 are:St. Anthony, Abbot (January 17),Sts. Fabian and Sebastian (January 20),St. Agnes (January 21),St. Francis de Sales (January 24),Sts. Timothy and Titus (January 26),St. Angela Merici (January 27),St. Thomas Aquinas (January 28)St. John Bosco (January 31)The Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4) and the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25) are superseded by the Sunday liturgy.Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 9, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2647 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.comClick the icon below to listen. Related PodcastsJesus, Baptism, and You #2Jesus, Baptism, and You #1God's Resurrected King #2
Pray the Holy Rosary today with the Luminous Mysteries (traditionally prayed on Thursdays). Join us for a beautiful rosary featuring a calm spoken female voice and soft ambient relaxing music to deepen your meditation. This guided Luminous Mysteries Rosary focuses on key moments from Jesus' public ministry: The Baptism in the Jordan The Wedding at Cana The Proclamation of the Kingdom The Transfiguration The Institution of the Eucharist Experience the fruits of these mysteries, including openness to the Holy Spirit, gratitude for Mary's intercession, and deeper adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. United in prayer with the Communion of Saints, let the Blessed Virgin Mary carry your intentions to her Son. Perfect for daily Catholic prayer, relaxation, stress relief, or extended meditation with peaceful background music. May this Rosary prayer become a cherished part of your spiritual life. For more prayer resources, visit www.rosarywristband.com #HolyRosary #LuminousMysteries #ThursdayRosary #Rosary2026 #CatholicPrayer #GuidedRosary #FemaleVoiceRosary #RelaxingRosary #PrayTheRosary !!! SUPPORT OUR SAINTLY SOUNDS GREGORIAN CHANT CHANNEL !!! Catholic Prayers sung in Latin using actual prayer lyrics https://youtube.com/@sonisancti?si=k-ybNdVGdo_dFTEt Link to Gregorian Chant Prayer playlist: https://youtu.be/OVQfBVpJxVg?si=dZw92ColnO9Wv5As !!! SUPPORT OUR COMMUNION OF SAINTS CHANNEL !!! Spoken Rosary & music featuring a MALE VOICE https://youtube.com/@rosarycompanion?si=J4-MKOKo3mnxwpIS Have you joined our Membership? Starting at only $1.99 a month, you can directly help this channel grow: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXCEpdy0etQAdEHB1z-oTg/join Or consider a donation through PayPal to help us continue creating quality content: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?business=CHerrera720037%40gmail.com&cmd=_donations¤cy_code=USD&item_name=Donation+to+The+Communion+of+Saints&return=https%3A%2F%2Frosarywristband.com%2Fhome All music in this video is licensed thru Epidemic Sound Publishing. Blessings, Chris - The Communion of Saints Email: chris@rosarywristband.com Simply, easy and quick rosary prayers for everyday recitation and reflection. This collection of Catholic rosary videos in english serve as a daily devotion and feature calm background music and nature soundscapes. Choose from audio only or follow along video with all mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous. Listen before sleep or any time for renewed focus and peace. "United in Prayer" Visit rosarywristband.com for comfortable one decade rosaries. #Rosary #JoyfulMysteries #CatholicMeditation #MondayRosary #todayrosary #todayrosaryinenglish #dailyrosaryinenglish
Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com 2646 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.comClick the icon below to listen. Related PodcastsJesus, Baptism, and You #1God's Resurrected King #2God's Resurrected King #1
Today is day 8 and we are continuing the section on Salvation with question 8. 8. Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world. Fully divine, he took on our human nature, died on the Cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now rules as Lord and King over all creation. (Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 110; John 3:13–15; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–20) Our prayer today is the Collect from the Baptism of Our Lord on the First Sunday of Epiphany found on page 601 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss their personal experiences and reflections on faith, particularly focusing on the significance of the baptism of Jesus and the concept of righteousness. They explore the role of humility in faith, the importance of John the Baptist, and the connection between the Old and New Testament. The conversation also touches on the daily practice of faith, the influence of bishops, and the idea of taking time off for priests.TakeawaysAim for 0.1% improvement each day.Jesus' baptism fulfills righteousness.Peace of Christ surpasses worldly peace.Baptism sanctifies and transforms lives.John the Baptist connects the old and new covenants.Humility is essential in our faith journey.Understanding our struggles can lead to growth.Bishops serve as living apostles in the Church.Regular prayer and sacramental life are vital.The journey of faith is ongoing and requires commitment.Chapters04:27 Exploring the Baptism of the Lord07:57 Understanding Righteousness and Jesus' Baptism11:48 The Role of Humility in Faith19:27 Living Out Righteousness in Daily Life22:41 Engaging with Church Leadership and Community
Romans 6:1-11 - What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him ... so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Baptism of the Lord— including the first of the servant songs in Isaiah, a turning point in the New Testament, and Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:10Reading 1 - Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10Reading 2 - Acts 10:34-38Gospel - Matthew 3: 13-17 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe
A Bible study on Matthew 3:13-17, the Gospel reading for the Baptism of the Lord - Cycle A.
Join us for episode 4216 where we welcome back for a second week, Rev. Dr. Damon P. Williams, Senior Pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta and a leader in theological education and engineering. In his sermon, “Why was Jesus Baptized Only Once?”, based on Matthew 3:13–17, Dr. Williams explores baptism as a once-for-all declaration of identity rather than a ritual needing repetition. Preached for the Baptism of the Lord and the First Sunday after Epiphany, this message invites reflection on belovedness, calling, and renewal at the start of a new year.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Kimberly Hahn's Bible Study continues to reflect on the Luminous Mysteries—the time covering Jesus's Baptism, Public Ministry, and the Last Supper. Kimberly guides us through many other key moments in the Gospel, revealing how Scripture foreshadows and connects to the entirety of Christ's ministry. Whether you're watching on your own, with daughters and friends, or leading a parish study, this series is an invitation to grow as a woman of faith and grace, reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries of Jesus.
Let's explore the themes we find in the Mass readings for the Baptism of the Lord. (Lectionary #21, A) January 5, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory -Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The crew is back for the first episode of the year! In this episode of the POUR, the group is a "threesome" today as they navigate a hilarious range of topics. From reminiscing about the wild days of Backpage to dodging literal gunfire during Houston's New Year's Eve celebrations, nothing is off-limits. Shy Thugg opens up about her dating life, leading to a heated debate on whether women need to "compete" for men in 2026. Plus, Phil reveals his plans to get baptized, the group discusses fears of a military draft, and everyone shares their celebrity lookalikes (including a questionable Queen Latifah comparison). Follow the crew: @ThePourHorsemen @ShyThugg | @HardbodyKiotti | @Phi1TheDon | @LebronaldPalmer I @yo.dj.silk I @armourie.official Production Crew @TheJohnSims | @1Kharyy Shot at @TheHiveHouston Hurt At Work? Contact our partners at https://crockett.law for all of your legal needs. @bankonbriantx is ready to help. Join our Patreon for more exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/thepourhorsemen By supporting us, you're not just a listener but a valued part of our community. Use our Code POUR at Bluechew.com for your discount. Follow The Pour Horsemen on Instagram @thepourhorsemen and email at thepourhorsemen@gmail.com. Chapters: [00:00] Intro: The "Slimmed Down" Crew & The Old Days of Backpage [09:44] Surviving New Year's Eve in Houston (Gunshots vs. Fireworks) [16:31] The "12 Grapes Under the Table" Theory for Finding Love [25:58] The Dating Debate: Do Women Need to "Compete" for Men? [37:40] Where is Podcasting Going in 2026? [41:34] Are We Ready for War? (Venezuela & The Draft) [49:07] Politics Unfiltered: Trump, Epstein, and "Thuggery" [53:47] Celebrity Lookalikes: Sam Richardson, Queen Latifah, and Nas? [01:00:50] Manifesting Dream Guests [01:05:40] The 288 Bus Accident [01:08:07] Outro
Greatest Hits Replay: Episode 46 is the introductory episode in a six-part series on the doctrine of baptism. In this series, Dr. James Renihan argues that it is only those who make a credible profession of faith who should receive the sacrament (ordinance) of baptism.
This week we'll be studying Mark 1:1-8 under the theme “Good News in the Wilderness.” Mark's Gospel opens with urgent good news: in the wilderness, God sends a messenger to prepare the way for the true King. We'll learn that meeting our humble, powerful Savior typically occurs in the wilderness of life.Series Summary: Fast-paced, urgent, and relentlessly focused on Jesus, the Gospel of Mark shows us not just what Jesus said, but what he did. Written for a Roman world hungry for power, Mark introduces a surprising King - one who comes to serve, to suffer, and to give his life for many. Over the coming weeks, we'll walk this road with Jesus, from the wilderness to the cross, discovering how the Servant-King's actions reveal the true good news - and what it means to follow him as disciples who take up our own cross and trust him with our lives.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" Dive into the powerful moment when the heavens opened, and God declared His love and approval for Jesus.In this episode, we witness the monumental moment of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. As the heavens open and the Spirit descends like a dove, God declares His approval of His Son, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 3:17, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson make that abundantly clear in this week's conversation. But that leads to the question, why did Jesus come to John to get baptized? In baptism, Jesus begins to take our sins from us. Jesus has to make you think you're right in killing him. To receive mercy, you need to sin against Jesus. Plus, we welcome two surprise first time guests on the podcast!CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionCONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel.
We want to encourage you to not just sit back and watch, but to really engage along with your church family today. So, gather up the family and grab your Bible, share this and invite your friends, turn your volume up, and let's worship Jesus TOGETHER today!Ready to take a next step? (Baptism, serving, etc) https://harvesttime.churchcenter.com/people/forms/125818Need prayer? Text HTPRAYER to 97000 and someone from our team will connect with you.Give online here: https://harvesttime.net/give
We live in a world that prioritizes the tangible and practical, but what if there were practices that opened us to another way of seeing the world? What if God is inviting us to kingdom lives, encountering and walking in God's loving and active presence in all things? The sacraments are an invitation to do just that. In these holy practices, the kingdom of heaven breaks into our world in a tangible way. God is profoundly present in the most ordinary elements of water, bread, and juice. Baptism and communion are more than mere symbols. They are a visible sign of God's active presence in all things. They are a mysterious place where we encounter God's grace. And they invite us into an intimate relationship as they embody God's sacred, loyal love to creation and our commitment to find ourselves in God's salvation story. In this series, we will explore a sacramental way of life and walk intentionally through the waters of baptism and sit at the banquet feast of God's holy communion table. This week, we considered the tremendous love of God incarnate in Jesus. If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the Core Team. If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at https://thepracticechurch.com/give/
Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17; John 3:22-30; 4:1-3 John the Baptist was called by God to initiate a renewal movement within Israel, featuring repentance through baptism in water. Even though he had no sin, Jesus came to John to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus also baptized many, acting through his disciples. Luke 3:15-17; John 15:26; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 32-33 John's prophecy about Jesus was that he would baptize people with the holy spirit. Jesus reiterated this promise at the last supper and shortly before his ascension. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out the spirit on those who believed. Acts 2:37-41; 8:12-13, 36-38; 9:18 (22:16); 10:44-48; 16:14-15, 33; 18:8; 19:1-7; 1 Cor 1:13-17 Baptizing new converts in water was standard operating procedure in the early church. Baptism in water went hand in hand with receiving the holy spirit as demonstrated by Peter's instruction on the day of Pentecost to (1) repent, (2) be baptized, and they would (3) receive the spirit. Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12 Baptism is a symbolic ceremony that affords people a physical experience to identify with Christ's death and resurrection. They symbolically experience burial and resurrection. Although baptism is not necessary for salvation, it is a helpful opportunity for the repentant to make a public profession of faith and commitment. Sean Finnegan uses the Bible version NRSVUEThe post Baptism of Repentance first appeared on Living Hope.
Brian explores the rich history and profound significance of baptism, from Old Testament rituals to its unique expression in Jesus' name today. Brian highlights how baptism symbolizes being plunged into grace and raised to a new life in Christ, reflecting humility, obedience, and a public confession of faith. This message invites us to understand baptism as a powerful, transformative step in our journey towards God.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260105dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 Gift Wrapped for God What do you think of your new clothes? We’re not talking about the new clothes you might have gotten for Christmas, but the new clothes that the Lord has gifted to you. Our eyes can’t perceive these new clothes we’re wearing, but God notices them on us. He sees us wrapped in “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” We didn’t pick these clothes out or buy them for ourselves. These clothes were a gift from Jesus. And he paid a steep cost to give them to us. He paid with his life for us to wear these clothes. More than that, he took our grimy, dirty, sin-covered clothes away from us when he gave us his garment of salvation. Martin Luther famously captured this exchange that happened at the cross when he said, “Lord Jesus, I am your sin; you are my righteousness. I have made you what you were not; you have made me what I was not.” Jesus has made us what we were not. Jesus wraps us up as gifts for his heavenly Father. He presents us to the Father, wrapped in his perfection. He says, “These people are my joy. And I know you'll love them too, Father.” Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for gift wrapping me in your garment of salvation and robe of righteousness. My soul rejoices in you because you covered my shame and sin with your forgiveness and glory. I am precious in God the Father's sight. Let that truth give me peace every single day. In your name, O Lord. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Why do so many believers desire the Baptism in the Holy Spirit yet struggle to receive it? One of the biggest roadblocks is the belief that speaking in tongues is not of God.In this message, we turn to Scripture to confront that misconception head-on. From the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, the Bible clearly reveals God's purpose for speaking in tongues and its role in the life of the believer.If you've ever been confused, hesitant, or taught that tongues are not for today, this message is for you. Let the Word of God bring clarity, faith, and freedom.
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Jim Laws
In this Episode:The Importance of Stewardship and the Annual AppealThe First Reading and Gospel for the Baptism of the LordRestructuring for Evangelization in 2026As the Church celebrates the Baptism of the Lord, Bishop David Konderla and Fr. Gary Kastl reflect on what it means to be claimed by God and sent on mission. The episode also explores the launch of Faith & Works 2026 and how our baptism calls us to live faith in action across Eastern Oklahoma.Watch Tulsa Time on YouTubeStream, Download, and Listen on Your Favorite PlatformFollow @dioceseoftulsa The Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Podcast is brought to you by The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
Notes Matthew 3:13-17 Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 10:34-43 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the significance of the Baptism of Christ as described in Matthew 3:13-17, alongside readings from Isaiah 42 and Acts 10. They discuss the implications of baptism, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusivity of God's message. The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding baptism as a rite of initiation into the community of faith, emphasizing justice and the call to action for all believers. Takeaways Baptism is a rite of initiation into the community of faith. The significance of Jesus' baptism lies in its connection to humanity. Understanding baptism requires exploring its theological implications. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of believers. Baptism is not just a personal act but a communal responsibility. God's message is inclusive and reaches all people. The act of baptism symbolizes a commitment to justice and service. Baptism connects believers to the mission of Christ. The voice from heaven during Jesus' baptism emphasizes His belovedness. The church's role is to educate and inspire about the meaning of baptism. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Baptism of Christ 06:06 Reflections on Christmas Services 12:44 Understanding Baptism: A Deeper Dive 19:34 The Significance of Jesus' Baptism 26:37 Belovedness and Community in Baptism 28:05 Understanding Our Belovedness 29:28 The Journey of Epiphany 36:20 The Servant's Role in Justice 41:22 Baptism: A Call to Action 49:34 Community and Diversity in Justice 51:43 The Power of Witnessing God's Work
Can You Die in Peace? | Christ For YouText: Luke 2:22–40 | Christmas 1 & The Baptism of Luke PirinoSimeon holds a forty-day-old baby and says something outrageous: “Now I can die in peace.” Why? Because salvation isn't an idea or a feeling. Salvation has a face. Salvation is a Person. And Simeon is holding Him.On Christmas 1, we see what Christmas really means: God puts salvation into a baby, small enough to be held and strong enough to hold you forever. And in Holy Baptism, that same Savior comes to you personally, by name, with forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and a future that ends in life.If you fear death, if your conscience accuses you, if you find yourself doing spiritual math, this sermon is for you. You don't depart in peace because you got your life together. You depart in peace because Christ got you.Subscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Christ For YouPortuguês: Cristo Para VocêWebsite: ZionWG.org
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260104dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 You Are What You Wear Some have said, “You are what you wear.” If you are in a clown suit, you probably are a clown. If you’re wearing a baseball hat, team jersey, baseball pants, and cleats, you probably are a baseball player. If you are wearing a beautiful white wedding dress, you probably are a bride. You are what you wear. By birth, we needed new spiritual clothes to wear. Why? Because, by nature, we are sinful people who are wearing sinful, dirty, greedy clothes. Thankfully, through Jesus, God has given us new spiritual clothes. The prophet Isaiah wrote that, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” The LORD himself has given us his garments of salvation; he has dressed us in his robe of righteousness. “Righteousness” is a word that means “perfection.” How did he do this? First, Jesus lived a perfect life; he was robed in righteousness. Then Jesus lovingly made a trade. He dressed us in his perfection and clothed himself with our sinfulness. Taking our sins on himself, he suffered the punishment we deserved. By his death, he paid for our sins so that we will never have to. As a result, we can delight greatly in the Lord! Martin Luther put it this way: “In his righteousness I live, not in mine.” In the end, who are we? Check out Isaiah’s description of our clothes once again. We are saved. We are perfect in God’s eyes. We are what we are wearing—beautifully perfect in the pure clothing given to us by God himself. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for becoming what you were not, so that I might become what I was not. Give me great joy as I remember who I am through you—one who is clothed in a garment of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness for all time. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Jim Laws
Baptism matters most because spiritually and symbolically it accomplishes as well as illustrates the Gospel and is commanded by Christ. Think about it: If the Bible makes clear that water doesn’t save you, why do you think so many want to believe it does?
Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Jim Laws
Go to sermon webpage: LIGHT OF THE WORLD