Encounters with Jesus -
A Sacred Symbol.

This Sunday Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Reading
Matthew 3:13-17 New Living Translation
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.[a]” So John agreed to baptize him.
After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
 
Prayer
Holy Spirit we pray for a fresh anointing today. We ask that you give us the gifts we need, and a powerful awareness of those gifts and your holy presence within us. As we offer our submission to you, loving God, please empower us with all we need to be about your mission within ourselves, within this, your church, and in all of our encounters and relationships with others. God, you did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.  Fire us up this day to live out all that you desire for us as your sons and daughters, your Ambassadors, and your friends. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
Questions to Consider

1. Some people think of Baptism as a human symbol and celebration of faith, others as a moment of God moving in power – even as a sacred moment or “means of grace” through which God brings someone to salvation. What do you think?
2. Keeping this in mind, ponder the reading above. Does it seem to you that God is doing something significant as Jesus is baptised? See also the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch, here.
3. The baptism of Jesus seems to mark the beginning of His public ministry. Why might the alighting of the Holy Spirit be significant in this?
4. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit can still give spiritual gifts today?
5. What are some of the spiritual gifts, and have you seen them in action?
6. What spiritual gifts do you have and to what extent do you use them?
7. Have you been Baptised? Do you think you have been using the gifts you have, or have you to some extent been sitting on them?
8. If you have not been Baptised, why not?
9. If you have been Baptised, would you like a fresh anointing, perhaps a blessing to affirm your gifts and/or prayer to help you put them into action more powerfully?