Baptism of the Lord
SUMMARY
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Katie explores how baptism initiates believers into Christ's holy church and incorporates them into God's family. While many people desire authentic Christian community, they often don't want to do the hard work of being active participants or 'villagers' in that community. The sermon addresses the growing desire among younger Christians for deep personal connections, highlighting the need for genuine, authentic relationships both within and outside of the church.
INTRO PRAYER
Gracious God, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through this time of study. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit moving among us and help us grow closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
KEY VERSES
Matthew 3:13-17
Isaiah 42
1 Timothy 3
Psalm 90
QUESTIONS
How does understanding baptism as incorporation into Christ's holy church change your perspective on what it means to be a Christian?
Pastor Katie mentioned that 57% of young believers value deep connections over thought-provoking sermons. What do you think this says about what people are looking for in church today?
The sermon talks about the difference between wanting a 'village' and being willing to be a 'villager.' What do you think makes being a villager difficult?
Of the four factors for a healthy community (gratitude, promise-keeping, truthfulness, and hospitality), which one do you find most challenging personally and why?
How can complaining kill the spirit of joy and hope in a community? Can you think of a time when you've seen this happen?
What does it mean to 'bring your full self' to church? Why might people compartmentalize their church life from other areas of their lives?
The sermon mentions that belonging is a basic human desire. How does the church fulfill this need differently from other communities or organizations? How does Galloway specifically allow everyone to belong? How could we grow?
How can we practice hospitality in ways that make people feel truly welcome and valued for who God created them to be?
LIFE APPLICATION
Choose one of the four factors for building authentic community (attitude of gratitude, being a promise maker and keeper, living a life of truth, or practicing hospitality) and commit to growing in that area this YEAR. Find one specific way to practice this factor in your daily life, whether at church, work, home, or in your neighborhood.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Baptism incorporates us into Christ's holy church and makes us part of God's family, with responsibilities to the community
Many people want an authentic Christian community, but aren't willing to do the hard work of being active participants
Four key factors for a healthy community are: having an attitude of gratitude, being promise makers and keepers, living truthfully, and practicing hospitality
Younger Christians increasingly value deep personal connections over just intellectual content in their church experience
Being part of a Christian community requires bringing your full, authentic self and actively contributing to the body of Christ
ENDING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of baptism and for making us part of Your family. Help us to be faithful villagers in the community You have placed us in. Give us the courage to choose one area where we can grow this year - whether in gratitude, promise-keeping, truthfulness, or hospitality. May we be people who build authentic, deep connections with others and create a space where all people can belong and experience Your love. Help us to bring our full selves to You and to this community, and to be active participants in Your kingdom work. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
