Sermon Central
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Coming Soon Series
Contributed by Carl Willis on Feb 12, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: John the Baptist had been set apart by God for a unique role. He would herald the coming of the Messiah by preaching a message of repentance and baptism.
Coming Soon!
February 17, 2008
Mark 1:1-3 (HCSB)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!””
God’s Point Man
- A messenger
- Of God’s choosing
-According to His plan and purpose
- Heralding the coming of the Messiah
- The task
- Preparing the hearts of the people for the coming
of God’s chosen one
- For a new way
- To forgiveness
- To a right relationship with God
Mark 1: 4 (HCSB)
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Message and Method
- John’s Message
- Repentance
- Forgiveness of sins
- Right relationship with God
- Proper bearing for Jesus arrival
- John’s Method
- Baptism
- Testimony of faith
- Testimony of obedience
- Testimony of cleansing
Mark 1:5 (HCSB)
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
The Response
- Crowds came to see him
- Some were curious
- A wild man in the desert
- Some were searching
- They weren’t finding God in “religion”
- The people responded
- Confessing their sins
- Being baptized
- Normally only done by non-Jews converting to the
Jewish faith.
Mark 1:6 (HCSB)
John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
Set Apart
- Appearance
- John did not resemble the religious leaders of the
day
- Location
- John was not in the temple, but in the wilderness
- Solitude
- Quiet
- Removed from distraction
- Power
- John’s words carried the power of God
- Engaging mind, heart and soul
Mark 1:7-8 (HCSB)
He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Main Event
- Jesus was coming soon
- He would be the focus
- He would be the fulfillment of prophecy
- John knew his role
- Pave the way
- Prepare the people
- An even greater baptism
- John’s baptism
- Water
- On the outside
- Jesus’ baptism
- The Holy Spirit
- A baptism of the soul
Jesus is coming again!!!
Are you preparing the way???
**Powerpoint available on request