New Community Church

Yemi Kolajo - Hope In Waiting by New Community Church

Last Sunday at our 10:30 Sidcup service, Reuben interviewed our Guest Anita from IJM. It was so encouraging hearing Anita and about her role within IJM.

Luke has moved John off the stage and now turns his attention to Jesus. Jesus’ public ministry commences with his baptism, where he is anointed by the Spirit for ministry. The divine voice identifies Jesus as God’s beloved Son and as the servant of the Lord. Luke then turns to Jesus’ genealogy, tracing Jesus back to David through Nathan instead of Solomon. This is almost certainly his biological genealogy. Matthew traces Jesus back to Abraham, but Luke goes back to Adam. Indeed, he goes one step further, tracing Jesus all the way back to God himself. Thus in both baptism and genealogy Luke identifies Jesus as God’s Son.

A standalone preach. Dave focuses on what it means for our story as Christians when we follow Jesus.

John’s ministry raises questions about whether he is the Messiah, but John has not claimed such an honor for himself, insisting he is unworthy to untie the sandals of the one to come, the one who will immerse people with the Spirit and fire. The day of judgment is compared to threshing done outside; the wheat (those who are good) will be gathered into the barn, while the chaff will be burned in a fire that will never end. Luke goes on to tell us how John preaches and proclaims the good news to Israel. Still, the ministry of the Baptist comes to an end after he rebukes Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, the wife of Philip. Herod proceeds to put John in prison for criticizing his behavior. With the Baptist off the scene, the ministry of Jesus is ready to commence.