Do you sometimes wonder if God is pleased with you? You turned to this page and so it is safe to assume that you have an interest in what God’s word might have to say to you.
A word of God for this day is found in Mark 1 verse 11: “you are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.”

The word came from heaven right after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. John at first refused to baptize Jesus because John was telling people to repent of their sin and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sin. John knew that Jesus was the Son of God who had no sin and therefore had no need for baptism.

Jesus explained to John He would fulfill all righteousness by being baptized. That is why God the Father said He was pleased in His beloved son. God had commanded all people to be baptized; Jesus obeyed His Father; it was the assurance He would do everything else He needed to do in order to save all people from their sin, including even His bitter suffering and dying on the cross.
That makes it possible for God to speak these words also to each one of us. We are His beloved sons and daughters in whom He is well pleased. In our baptism we are joined with Jesus.

We get the benefit of His paying for our sins. Being joined with Him He has become our brother and we are members of God’s family. Being joined with Jesus we try to please God, we try to do the things He has commanded us to do, not in order to try to become a child of God but because we are a child of God through our baptism.

Some people are not baptized. It was not important to their parents when they were growing up. Now as adults they are embarrassed to talk about it; they are reluctant to inquire about it, not sure what the procedure would include.

If you are one of those people, call me at 573-529-0584.

You do not need to give me your name. I will answer your questions; I will not try to pressure you; what you will do with the information will be entirely up to you.
It is a happy peaceful word “you are my beloved son.” It is the word of the eternal God. It is true for all who hear it and believe it.

Elmer Schiefer
Pastor, Family of Christ Lutheran Church
elmer@myglobalemail.com
573-529-0584