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Welcome to New Covenant Church!

Happy New Year! We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "Filled with Expectation." 

Here are the scriptures for this week:

Isaiah 43: 1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8: 14-17
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

We look forward to seeing you online with us! Feel free to chat with us in the chat box.

Hear the sermon now, "Filled with Expectation" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Embracing Expectations: A Reflection on Fr. Christopher's Sermon

In a world where managing expectations often means lowering them to avoid disappointment, Fr. Christopher's sermon offers a refreshing perspective. He encourages us to embrace expectations, especially in our faith, and to trust in Jesus, the Messiah, who fulfills God's promises.

The Importance of Expectations

Fr. Christopher begins by discussing the concept of expectation. He acknowledges that having expectations can lead to disappointment, but he challenges us to take the risk of being filled with expectations, particularly regarding our faith. He draws a parallel between the people of Israel, who were filled with expectation as they listened to John the Baptist, and us today. The people were not merely curious about John; they eagerly anticipated the Messiah and his work.

John the Baptist's Message

John the Baptist's message was clear: the Messiah was coming, and his work was at the door. This message raised the expectations of the people, who had held on to God's promises through difficult times. Fr. Christopher invites us to stand with those on the riverbank and allow ourselves to be filled with expectation, just as they were.

The Role of the Messiah

The Messiah, as described in Isaiah, is the one through whom God will fulfill his promises. He will bring comfort, end exile, and return his people to himself. The Messiah's work is about overcoming past sorrows and present difficulties and leading us into a new day we could never have anticipated. Fr. Christopher emphasizes that the Messiah will accomplish this through the ministry of a chosen servant, who will have all the resources of heaven to help.

Jesus' Baptism and the Holy Spirit

Jesus' baptism signifies his immersion in the work of the Holy Spirit and his role in gathering and purifying his people. The Holy Spirit distinguishes between lasting and ephemeral, immersing the world in God's redeeming work. Fr. Christopher explains that the Holy Spirit blows across the world, separating what is precious from what is passing.

God's Promise of Protection

God promises that his people will not be overwhelmed or consumed by trials because he will be with them. Fr. Christopher uses the imagery of baptism to illustrate this promise. He explains that the water in the font represents the waters of judgment and death, but it also signifies the presence of a Savior who has preceded us into these waters. Jesus does not promise smooth waters but promises to be with us through the trials.

Jesus' Sacrifice and Invitation to Trust

Jesus' presence in the water with sinners demonstrates his commitment to fulfilling God's will and his role as the perfect Son of God. Fr. Christopher invites us to trust Jesus, who offers new beginnings and fulfills God's promises through his sacrifice and presence. He encourages us to renew our baptismal vows and take a step of faith, trusting that Jesus' promises will not lead to disappointment.

Conclusion

Fr. Christopher's sermon powerfully reminds us of the importance of having expectations and trusting in Jesus, the Messiah. By embracing expectations and placing our trust in Jesus, we can experience the fulfillment of God's promises and the comfort of knowing that we are not alone in our trials. As we renew our baptismal vows and take steps of faith, we can be assured that Jesus will be with us, guiding us through the waters and leading us to new beginnings.