Worshipping at Home 15th January 2023

Home Worshipping 

15th January 2023

Welcome to Home Worshipping 15th January 2023!

Bible Reading

Gospel reading this week is John Ch.1 vs. 29-42


Jesus ‘Lamb of God’ calls first disciples


The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.’ Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.”


I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.’ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying? Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see. ’So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him.


It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).



Thought for the Day

I wonder how we would react if someone who had baptised us turned round the next day and said “Look ‘The Lamb of God’! Yes I was baptising him like you with water and I saw the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and alight on him. This is The Son of God and he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit!” Pretty amazing and maybe disconcerting too! Even more so when the following day we see this man for real and start to follow him even though not knowing where he is going and what this might lead to.

That is the history of Jesus revelation to his first disciples but it is relevant and true this day too. Becoming a Christian is certainly not boring and brings us many revelations and truths about the true nature of God as revealed by Jesus. There is so much to learn by reading and hearing the Gospels and sometimes almost every word has to be read over and over again in context to be sure we are taking it the way that Jesus intended.

Sometimes his words are reassuring, sometimes commanding, sometimes challenging and yet often inspiring too. Words that make us think about our lives and how we can give them in service of our Lord; words calling us to follow him with implicit trust; words that explain the true way forward.

Many of us have heard these words time and time again and there is a temptation to assume that we have explored them so thoroughly that there is nothing new to learn afresh. But maybe we could put ourselves in the shoes of those new disciples with much to learn and completely open minds and find within us an eager appetite to hear Jesus again, just like it was the very first time. So much to learn, discern and treasure but most of all an inspiration to follow him at all costs just like those first disciples!

Let us Pray

Dear Lord, 

Heavenly Father we pray for all who seek to become disciples of Jesus Christ. 

This week especially we pray for our fellow disciples around the world, many of whom live and work in communities that suffer racial injustice, that they may find comfort, fellowship and support through our prayers for their safety and freedom of worship. 

We pray too Lord that you will inspire us with courage and determination to assist them in whatever practical ways we can. Amen
The Blessing

Christ the Son of God gladden your hearts with the good news of his kingdom; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among us and remain with us always.


Amen

 The Collect Prayer

Eternal Lord, our beginning and our end: bring us with the whole creation to your glory, hidden through past ages and made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.


Amen

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent/priest in charge John Ganjavi
telephone 01564 792570 or email Incumbent / Priest in charge

For a full list of church contact details please click here
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I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.
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