Pastor Kyle's Text Devotions

August 22, 2025 [9] In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9 (ESV) If John’s baptism was one for repentance and the forgiveness of sins, then why did Jesus get baptized? Jesus was the sinless, holy, and perfect God-Man. He had no need for repentance or the forgiveness of sin. Why be Baptized? He does it to connect to us, his people. He is going to take on our sin. He is going to pay the price for it. He has become one of us. He is baptized to have solidarity with His people, setting an example and leading us in the way we should go. It is just one of the many things that Jesus did for us. He leads us in the way we should go and makes that way possible by all His work for us.  Do you see all that Jesus has done for you? If the Son of God loves you enough to come and save you, are you responding to that love in all of life? He was baptized for you, He took the wrath of God for you, He died for you, and He arose for you! All ma...

[8] I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8 (ESV) Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s grace to His people. Baptism is connected to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Here in our verse today. At Jesus' Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus. Baptism is not something we do. John the Baptist says it clearly here- I baptize with water, but Christ will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. A washing with water does nothing for our spiritual condition. It is by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that we are saved (Titus 3:5-6). Pouring or immersion in water can only be a sign and a seal of something greater. The sacraments (Baptism and Lord’s Supper) are visible signs of the Gospel that is preached. They are a blessing that helps our faith through more than hearing. If you have been baptized, then know it was more than just a simple ceremony. It has deep theological meaning. The more important question is do you have the Holy Spirit? Has C...

August 20, 2025 [6] Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. [7] And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. Mark 1:6–7 (ESV) John stood out from the world. His preaching was not for self-gain. He wore simple clothes and ate basic food. His mission and purpose were to proclaim the message of the coming messiah. He is clear in his message that he is just the forerunner of one who was much greater to come. This is an excellent reminder of how we all should do ministry in the church. Too many people want to make the ministry about themselves. They want to build their little kingdoms. But our work in the church, really in all areas of life, should be about pointing people to Jesus. Westminster Shorter Catechism #1 teaches us that “the Chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” John stands as an example of this to ...

  August 19, 2025  [4] John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. [5] And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:4–5 (ESV) John the Baptist gets his name from his preaching a baptism of repentance. John the Baptist’s message was being received, and people were coming to him from all over the region. He was a known individual in Jerusalem and Judea. He was introducing the ideas of repentance and a baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance is a key concept in the Christian Faith; without it, you cannot be a believer in Jesus. At the core of what we believe is that Jesus came to save us from our sins. You can talk about the love of Jesus in many ways, but it is best seen in his dying for our sins. If you have never repented of your sins, then you have never fully understood all that Jesus has done fo...

  [1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [2] As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, [3] the voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” Mark 1:1–3 (ESV) John the Baptist plays an important role in the account of Jesus. Mark opens his gospel with a quote from the prophet Isaiah that foretold his coming before Jesus. Many in the world think that Jesus is just another man who claims to be special. They want to compare him to Muhammad, Buddha, John Smith, etc.  But Jesus is not just a man, He is the God man. His coming was foretold in the OT. John the Baptist is one of the many markers that prove Jesus is the messiah. Examine your thinking about Jesus. Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? If so, does your life reflect this belief?