Dearly Beloved (William Lyon & Mike Shuter)

At His baptism the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22) — a reminder that we don’t earn God’s approval, we live from it, just as Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9). From that secure identity, we learn from Christ who is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), showing us that true strength flows through humility and rest. We are also encouraged to listen for God’s voice, like Elijah who heard the Lord not in the wind or fire but in a gentle whisper. This message calls us to receive God’s love, lay down striving, and listen again for His voice — reminding us that we are dearly beloved.