Sermon Central
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Different...yet The Same
Contributed by Carl Willis on May 2, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus and John the Baptist used different methods and styles of proclaiming their message. Even though the methods were different, the message was the same. This message examines how methodology and style are guided by the timeless mission of reconci
Different…Yet the Same
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
May 6, 2007
Matthew 3:1-6 (NLT)
In those days John the Baptist began preaching in the Judean wilderness. His message was, [2] "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near." [3] Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,
"He is a voice shouting in the wilderness:
’Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming!
Make a straight road for him!’ "
John’s clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey. [5] People from Jerusalem and from every section of Judea and from all over the Jordan Valley went out to the wilderness to hear him preach. [6] And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Matthew 4:12-17 (NLT)
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. [13] But instead of going to Nazareth, he went to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. [14] This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy:
[15] "In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River—in Galilee where so many Gentiles live— [16] the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined."
[17] From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near."
Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT)
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease. [24] News about him spread far beyond the borders of Galilee so that the sick were soon coming to be healed from as far away as Syria. And whatever their illness and pain, or if they were possessed by demons, or were epileptics, or were paralyzed—he healed them all. [25] Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.
Different…Yet the Same
The Ford Model T compared to the Porsche Carrera GT
Cost: $550 v. $484,000
HP: 20 v. 605
Torque: 83/lb-ft v. 437/lb-ft
0-60: n/a v. 3.9s
Top Speed: 45mph v. 205mph
Different…
John the Baptist compared to Jesus
Wilderness v. Synagogue
People went to him v. He went to the people
Ate locusts & wild honey v. dining in homes of others
Different…Yet the Same
John the Baptist compared to Jesus
Drew large crowds
Fulfilled prophecy
Preached a message of repentance
Expressions of Style
Clothing – Casual or Formal
Décor – Dark or Illuminated
Music – Traditional, Contemporary or Modern
So What Determines Style???
The Missionary Mindset
Who is listening?
Who needs to be listening?
Where has God placed us?
– Geography & culture
Who are the people around us?
– Demographics & psychographics
How will we reach those people?
– By any and all means at our disposal
Some Things Never Change
The Message Remains the Same
Sin
Repentance
Grace
Mercy
Forgiveness
Abundant Life
Styles Change
Methods Change
The Message Remains the Same
