Half-Duplexing. Have you heard that term? Chances are good that even if you’ve never heard of it, you have first hand knowledge of what it’s all about. Something similar to this was taking place back in Samuel’s day in the Old Testament. And, for good or for bad, it's a term that can easily be used to describe our own communication with God. What is absolutely amazing is that we have a loving God who wants to speak to us in mercy and love.

Does it ever feel as if God is a million miles away from the events that fill your days and the circumstances in your life? After all, Moses talked with God on the mountain. Our days seem to be filled with the more humdrum activities of life in the valley. It was a real wake-up call for Nathanael when He realized that was our Savior was much closer that he realized. And it's a useful reminder for you and me as well.

How does it make you feel when someone you have just met says, “I know you!” Does it bring you comfort or concern? Now, imagine how Nathanael must have felt as he walked up to meet Jesus and discovered his Savior already knew him.

Nathanael's response to Philip's invitation to meet Jesus sounds so easy to imagine that it almost makes you cringe. He almost blows off the invitation completely. It sounds familiar to what we might expect from a friend or family member with whom we want to introduce to our Savior. In fact, it may make us hesitate when sharing our faith. However, instead of debating with Nathanael, Andrew does something even more effective. He simply says, "Come and see."

“Follow me.” My father would use those words when we would go out to the tool shed in our backyard on a snowy, winter morning. And, if you were a small child who grew up in snow country, you know exactly what those words mean. Jesus used the phrase, “Follow Me,” repeatedly in the Gospels as He called His disciples. It's also a gracious innovation from our Savior for you and me.

One thing that has come out of the current pandemic is that we’ve all become proficient experts at washing our hands. Signs are up everywhere to remind us of this important part of our regular hygiene and many of them even include instructions and diagrams on how to do it. It’s also great way to remember, and make daily use, of your Baptism.

Do you know who baptized you? However, in reality, there’s real a distinction when it comes to who applied the water that day and who did the baptizing.

In 2 Corinthians the apostle has announced, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” God's gift to you in Your baptism assures you that this is more than a hyperbole.

If you’ve ever watched a baptism in church on a Sunday morning, it may not look like a big deal. Family and friends gather with together with the pastor at the font. Words are spoken. Water is poured on the individual. And then everyone sticks around for coffee, cake and family pictures. But a baptism so much more than a photo opp. And our good friend Paul wants us to know it.

How many t-shirts would you say that you own? Five, ten, twenty? Have you ever thought about layering them and wearing them all at the same time? Did you know that a gentleman set the record two years ago for the most t-shirts worn at one time? Now, you may be asking, "Why would anyone do that?" Then again, why did Jesus come to the Jordan to be baptized by John?