Reading January 13, 2019
Timothy 2:11-14,3:4-7
Beloved:The grace of God has appeared, saving alland training us to reject godless ways and worldly desiresand to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,as we await the blessed hope,the appearance of the glory of our great Godand savior Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessnessand to cleanse for himself a people as his own,eager to do what is good.When the kindness and generous loveof God our savior appeared,not because of any righteous deeds we had donebut because of his mercy,He saved us through the bath of rebirthand renewal by the Holy Spirit,whom he richly poured out on usthrough Jesus Christ our savior,so that we might be justified by his graceand become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Mark 9:7The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
Luke 3:15-16,21-22
The people were filled with expectation,and all were asking in their heartswhether John might be the Christ.John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water,but one mightier than I is coming.I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon himin bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son;with you I am well pleased."