{"id":1093,"date":"2019-01-13T15:02:48","date_gmt":"2019-01-13T23:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1093"},"modified":"2019-01-13T15:25:51","modified_gmt":"2019-01-13T23:25:51","slug":"the-philanthropy-of-our-savior-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/13\/the-philanthropy-of-our-savior-god\/","title":{"rendered":"The Philanthropy of Our Savior God!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>  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\tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1093-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Epiphany-1-01-13-19.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Epiphany-1-01-13-19.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Epiphany-1-01-13-19.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">The First Sunday after Epiphany<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">The Baptism of Our Lord<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">January 13, 2019<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Titus 3:4-7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">The Philanthropy of Our Savior God!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">As you and I watch the evening news or read the news on the Internet it is very easy for us to see that there are many horrible negative things taking place both in our society as well as in our world.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>Reports about things such as young children getting shot, police officers getting ambushed, young girls getting kidnapped and elderly women being assaulted are certainly not in short supply.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If that were all we heard, my friends, if that were all we read about we might think that there is nothing good happening in this world, nothing positive taking place.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Thankfully, that is not true.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Thankfully, there are also any number of people and any number of organizations which are doing any number of very good and very positive things to help others and not hurt others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is called:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>philanthropy.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">In preparation for this sermon I did a little Google research on foundations that are heavily involved in philanthropy.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It probably won\u2019t surprise you to hear that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (which I read is the world\u2019s largest philanthropy) donates billions of dollars to help many organizations all across the world.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>According to their website, \u201cThe Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In developing countries it focuses on improving people\u2019s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people\u2014 especially those with the fewest resources\u2014 have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>A little closer to home Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have set up the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative which again gives billions of dollars to help other people.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This foundation has the goal of \u201chelping to eradicate disease, improve education and reform the criminal justice system.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even closer to home there is the Community Foundation Sonoma County.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On their website they say, \u201cWe are the hub of philanthropy for the county, connecting people, ideas and resources to benefit all who live here.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We work with philanthropists to create plans that will make an impact in our community and become part of their family\u2019s legacy.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And so yes, my friends, even with all the negative things we see and hear about on the news we are to be extremely grateful for the philanthropists in this world!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">I couldn\u2019t help but think of the kindness and generosity of individuals and foundations such as this as I was studying our sermon text for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The reason for that is because the English word \u201cphilanthropy\u201d comes from the Greek word \u201cphilanthropia\u201d which when used in Scripture refers to \u201cGod\u2019s love of mankind.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now consider the fact that the opening words of our text for today very literally read, <i>\u201cBut when the mercy and<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"> philanthropy<\/b> of our Savior God appeared\u2026\u201d<\/i> and you will understand our sermon theme for this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Today, my friends, as we look at <b><i>The Philanthropy of Our Savior God<\/i><\/b> let\u2019s first of all look at the why, the <i>cause<\/i> of God\u2019s philanthropy.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s look at the how, the <i>means<\/i> by which our Savior God\u2019s love for mankind\u2014 that is, His love for you and for me\u2014 becomes our personal possession.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Look at the opening sentence of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul writes, <i>\u201cBut when the kindness\/mercy and love <\/i><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">philanthropia<\/i> <i>of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What do you think Paul is referring to when he says, <i>\u201cWhen the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared\u2026\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>These words automatically make me think of Christmas!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The birth of the long-awaited Promised Messiah, the <i>\u201cappearance\u201d<\/i> of this world\u2019s only Savior from sin is the epitome of God\u2019s \u201cphilanthropy\u201d!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And what does Paul say is the goal, the reason, the purpose of the appearance of our Savior God\u2019s <i>\u201ckindness and love\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul summarizes the purpose of God\u2019s philanthropy quite succinctly when he writes, <i>\u201cHe <\/i>(God)<i> saved us.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Greek word that is translated here as <i>\u201csaved\u201d<\/i> could just as legitimately be translated as <i>\u201crescued\u201d<\/i> or <i>\u201cdelivered.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Think about that truth:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b>God<\/b> <i>saved<\/i> <b>us<\/b>!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b>God<\/b> <i>rescued<\/i> <b>us<\/b>!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b>God<\/b> <i>delivered<\/i> <b>us<\/b>!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>From what?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>From what did <b>God<\/b> <i>save<\/i> <b>you<\/b>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>From what did <b>God<\/b> <i>deliver<\/i> <b>you<\/b>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>From what did <b>God<\/b> <i>rescue <\/i><b>you<\/b>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our Savior God rescued us from our three most deadly and most powerful enemies\u2014 sin, death and the power of the devil.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>While we could easily talk about all the different facets of this glorious truth, today let\u2019s focus in on the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">cause <\/i>of God\u2019s philanthropy, that is, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">why<\/i> God saved us.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Why did God rescue us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Was it because we are such \u201cgood\u201d people?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Was it because we have such great \u201cpotential\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not in the least!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul <b>very<\/b> clearly emphasizes here in our text that <b>God<\/b> saved <b>us<\/b> <i>\u201cnot because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i>\u201cMercy,\u201d \u201ccompassion,\u201d philanthropia\u201d<\/i>\u2014 that is why God saved us, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You and I confess this truth on a regular basis when we stand up here in this church and publicly confess before everyone\u2014 including God:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cI am by nature sinful and I have disobeyed God in my thoughts, words and actions.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For this I deserve God\u2019s punishment both now and in eternity.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We couldn\u2019t even begin to do enough <i>\u201crighteous things\u201d<\/i> to earn or deserve our salvation.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our salvation is 100% due to the <i>\u201cmercy\u201d<\/i> and the <i>\u201ccompassion\u201d<\/i> of our God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If it were not for the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cphilanthropy\u201d <\/i>of our Savior God we would be lost forever\u2014 condemned to an eternity of suffering in the fires of hell.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Once we have a proper Scriptural understanding of the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">cause <\/i>of God\u2019s philanthropy, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">why <\/i>God saved us then we are able to turn to the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">means<\/i> of our salvation, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">how <\/i>God\u2019s love for us becomes our own personal possession.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at what Paul writes in our text, <i>\u201cHe saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Through the cross of Jesus Christ (Pointing to the cross) we have been \u201cjustified.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the cross of Jesus Christ we have been declared \u201cNot Guilty!\u201d by the God of heaven\u2014 <b>not<\/b> because of anything we have done or could do, but <b>only<\/b> because of everything that Jesus has done <b>for<\/b> us!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The glorious truth, the \u201cGood News\u201d proclaimed by the cross of Jesus Christ is an <i>objective<\/i> reality that nothing will ever be able to alter or change.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No matter what anyone says this cross (Pointing to the cross) is God\u2019s personal guarantee that all the sins of the entire human race\u2014 and that includes all of your sins, my friends\u2014 all the sins of the entire human race are paid for <b>in full!<\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The <i>means<\/i> by which that glorious unchangeable objective truth becomes your personal prized possession is by faith\u2014 the gift of faith which God Himself created and now strengthens in your heart through His holy Word and His holy Sacraments.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since our text for today focuses our attention on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism that is where we will concentrate this morning.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Paul describes the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for us by using two very beautiful and very simple pictures.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul first of all describes baptism as the <i>\u201cwashing of rebirth.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Anyone who has seen a child being born into this world knows how much that child needs to be \u201cwashed\u201d or \u201ccleansed.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On a far more serious level the Scriptures reveal that we are all born \u201cstained\u201d by sin.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In God\u2019s sight we are born spiritually \u201cfilthy\u201d<i> <\/i>(see Isaiah 64:6).<i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/i>Through the power of the Holy Spirit the water of baptism <i>\u201cwashes\u201d<\/i> away our sin and <i>\u201ccleanses\u201d<\/i> us in the eyes of our holy, just and perfect God!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul used this very same picture in his letter to the Ephesians.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He writes, <i>\u201c\u2026Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless\u201d<\/i> (Ephesians 5:26-27).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">This glorious <i>\u201ccleansing\u201d<\/i> is why we want to have our children baptized as soon as possible after they are born.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the irreplaceable Sacrament of Baptism we have God\u2019s own guarantee that even the youngest child is <i>\u201cborn again\u201d<\/i>\u2014 this time <i>\u201cwithout stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless\u201d<\/i> before God Himself!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">The second way in which Paul pictures Baptism is found in the words: <i>\u201crenewal by the Holy Spirit.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This is again a frequent and favorite picture that Paul uses to comfort and to strengthen those who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Romans chapter six Paul writes, <i>\u201cOr don\u2019t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life\u201d<\/i> (Romans 6:3-4).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes, <i>\u201cTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the Sacrament of Baptism we have been \u201c<i>renewed\u201d<\/i> my friends!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts we are a <i>\u201cnew creation\u201d<\/i> in God\u2019s eyes.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts we are now able to live a <i>\u201cnew life\u201d<\/i>\u2014 a life that is holy, pleasing and acceptable to our Savior God!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When we understand the power of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, when we understand what <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">God<\/b> does <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">for<\/b> everyone who is baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost not only will we want to make sure that our children are baptized, but we will also want to remember our own baptism and what it means for our daily life!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-top:12.0pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">I am not sure what our world would be like without the philanthropy of individuals such as Bill and Melinda Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan or organizations such as the Community Foundation Sonoma County.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I am sure that the lives of countless people would be a little less bright and a lot more difficult.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the same time, I am absolutely sure what our world would be like without the philanthropy of our Savior God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So praise God, my friends!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Praise God that His \u201cresources\u201d far surpass the \u201cneeds\u201d of this world!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Praise God that we have been given the simple yet irreplaceable Sacrament of Baptism so that whether we are looking in the mirror or whether we are looking at the face of our child or our grandchild we always have the comfort contained here in our text, <i>\u201cBut when the kindness\/mercy and love\/philanthropy of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, <\/i><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:italic\">(Why?)<i> not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He saved us <\/i>(How?)<i> through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">With the light of that glorious truth shining on us we always have a reason to lift up our eyes to heaven and say:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Epiphany-1-01-13-19.mp3\">Epiphany-1-01-13-19.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The First Sunday after Epiphany The Baptism of Our Lord January 13, 2019 Titus 3:4-7 The Philanthropy of Our Savior God! &nbsp; But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.&nbsp; He saved us through the washing of rebirth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1093","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1093","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1093"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1093\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}