Matthew 3:13–17 (NIV) 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. Son”; the Son was seen in the water; and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove Dig Deeper John When Jesus came to be baptized, John was reluctant to do so. As Jesus expressed to John, he had other reasons for being baptized.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (NIV) 24  Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40  “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41  The Son of Man will send out his angels But before finishing today, take a moment to dwell Jesus' scary words in v40-42. Today: 2 Timothy 1

This is the second of three times John records this in Revelation, and very consistent with the famous phrase with which John opens his gospel; He gives the water of life without cost to those who are That's the challenge John once again finds himself tasked with in conveying the details of the Holy City John does the best he can, comparing it to the most beautiful jewels and gems that were known at the But it's the way the angel with John describes this city that intrigues us today.

4   But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5  I wait for the LORD Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 2: The Believer’s Reaction Flee for refuge to Christ crucified: 4   But with you there is forgiveness... 5   I wait for the LORD my cry for mercy. 5  I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits and by holy exercises of godliness 4  Today: 1 Peter 2

you fill your mind with whatever is noble, right, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4: Jesus has shown you; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - 1 John 3

came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16  Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Article 13 & 14: The Incomprehensible Way of Regeneration and the Way God traditions were suddenly completely changed and upended: no more turkey on Thanksgiving, fireworks on the 4th

Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 1 We all believe in our hearts and As you begin a new year, find peace by keeping these two commands God gives you in Isaiah 46: Remember

Acts 13:42-48 (NIV) CONTEXT: Paul & Barnabas preached the gospel in a synagogue in Antioch, and the people there invited them back to preach the following week. 42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue Summary Verse 44 is every preacher's dream - that the entire city would show up to listen. Romans 1:16 says that the gospel - that is, the message of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ We picked up our reading today at verse 42.

Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 4: The Danger of True Believers Today: John 7

Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 4: The Canonical Books This week In the New Testament, the four gospels— Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the , and to the Hebrews; the seven letters of the other apostles— one of James; two of Peter; three of John ; one of Jude; and the Revelation of the apostle John.