God is most pleased with us when we live like Jesus.
Matthew 3:13-17
“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.””
Big Idea
We can know God is pleased:
- when we forgive others like Christ forgave others.
- when we include others like Christ included others.
- when we love others the way that Christ loved others.
Application:
In many Christian traditions there are statements that clarify what participation in the local church looks like. For the UMC, these statements are the Baptismal Vows. We want to challenge you to consider the different ways you can be involved in the local church by your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Further Resources:
Chariots of Fire clip link
Micah 6:6-8
2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Reaffirmation of Baptism, UMH 50