Preparing the Way: Our Call as Forerunners
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound role of being a forerunner for Christ, much like John the Baptist. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, and now, 2000 years later, we are called to do the same. We live in a world that is increasingly divided and in desperate need of hope, a hope that only Jesus can provide. The statistics on youth suicide are alarming, underscoring the urgency of our mission. We must introduce people to Jesus, as He is the only one who can bring true hope and healing.
John the Baptist’s ministry was pivotal in introducing Jesus to the world. He was the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Today, we are that voice. Our lives, our actions, and our words should all point people to Jesus. This is not about grand gestures but about simple, everyday acts of kindness and integrity. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or offering a word of encouragement, these small acts can prepare someone to encounter Jesus.
We must be available and intentional in our interactions. God uses our everyday moments to touch lives. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, we are preparing the way for His return. This requires us to be spiritually ready, to be in constant communion with God through prayer and the Word. Our preparation will lead to a visitation from God, a move of the Holy Spirit that will precede the return of Christ.
In essence, our calling is to make Jesus known, to be His voice in a world that desperately needs Him. We must live lives that reflect His love and truth, making ourselves available for God to use us in whatever way He sees fit. As we prepare, we can expect God to move powerfully in and through us, bringing hope and transformation to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of a Forerunner: Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare the way for His return. This involves living lives that reflect Christ’s love and truth, making ourselves available for God to use us in everyday interactions. Our actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact in introducing others to Jesus. [42:30]
2. The Power of Simple Acts: Simple acts of kindness and integrity can prepare someone to encounter Jesus. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or offering a word of encouragement, these small gestures can make a big difference. We don’t need to be theologians; we just need to be available and willing to be used by God. [55:02]
3. The Importance of Availability: To be effective in our calling, we must be available. This means being open to God’s leading in our day-to-day interactions. Even in our busy schedules, we must allow God to invade our calendars and use us to touch lives. Jesus was always available, and we should strive to be the same. [59:27]
4. Preparation Precedes Visitation: Preparation is key to experiencing a move of God. Just as John the Baptist’s message prepared people to embrace God’s way, our preparation will lead to a visitation from God. This involves being intentional about our spiritual walk, spending time in prayer and the Word, and being ready for whatever God wants to do in and through us. [01:04:04]
5. Living a Life of Influence: Our lives should exemplify Christ to the best of our abilities. As we spend time in the Word and in prayer, we will be transformed, and this transformation will be evident to those around us. We can mentor and influence others simply by living lives that reflect Jesus. This is our calling as forerunners, to prepare the way for others to meet the Lord. [01:15:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:04] - Personal Celebrations
[35:49] - Picnic Announcement
[36:23] - Building Relationships
[37:40] - A World in Despair
[38:37] - The Need for Hope
[39:29] - Alarming Statistics
[40:00] - Personal Testimony
[40:47] - Introduction to Mark’s Gospel
[41:28] - John the Baptist’s Role
[42:30] - Our Calling as Forerunners
[44:07] - The Presence of God
[46:01] - Anticipating Jesus’ Return
[47:06] - The Importance of Introduction
[49:13] - Everyday Introductions
[55:02] - Simple Acts of Kindness
[59:27] - Being Available
[01:04:04] - Preparation Precedes Visitation
[01:15:29] - Living a Life of Influence
[01:18:45] - A Move of God is Coming
[01:20:19] - Altar Call and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 1:2-3 (NIV): "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way'—'a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist’s primary mission according to Mark 1:2-3?
2. How did the sermon describe the current state of the world and its need for hope? [37:40]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of simple acts of kindness that can prepare someone to encounter Jesus? [55:02]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being available for God’s use in our daily lives? [59:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does John the Baptist’s role as a forerunner for Jesus relate to our calling as Christians today? [42:30]
2. Why do you think simple acts of kindness and integrity are emphasized as powerful tools for introducing others to Jesus? [55:02]
3. What does it mean to be spiritually prepared for a visitation from God, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:04:04]
4. How can living a life that reflects Christ’s love and truth influence those around us? [01:15:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional about introducing others to Jesus through simple acts of kindness? [55:02]
2. Think about your current schedule. Are there ways you can make yourself more available for God to use you? How can you allow God to "invade your calendar"? [59:27]
3. What steps can you take to be spiritually prepared for a move of God in your life? Consider your prayer life and time spent in the Word. [01:04:04]
4. Identify one person in your life who needs hope. What specific action can you take this week to introduce them to Jesus? [40:00]
5. How can you live a life that exemplifies Christ’s love and truth in your workplace or community? Share a specific example of how you can do this. [01:15:29]
6. Reflect on a time when someone’s simple act of kindness impacted you. How did it prepare you to encounter Jesus or grow in your faith?
7. What are some practical ways you can mentor and influence others in your faith community? How can you be a forerunner for Christ in their lives? [01:15:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Preparing the Way for Christ’s Return
Our role as forerunners is to prepare the way for Christ’s return by living lives that reflect His love and truth. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to do the same in our time. This involves making ourselves available for God to use us in everyday interactions. Our actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact in introducing others to Jesus. We must be intentional in our interactions, allowing God to use our everyday moments to touch lives. This is not about grand gestures but about simple, everyday acts of kindness and integrity. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or offering a word of encouragement, these small acts can prepare someone to encounter Jesus. [42:30]
Isaiah 40:3-5 (ESV): "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"
Reflection: Think of one small act of kindness you can do today to reflect Christ’s love. How can you be intentional in your interactions to prepare the way for someone to encounter Jesus?
Day 2: The Power of Simple Acts
Simple acts of kindness and integrity can prepare someone to encounter Jesus. We don’t need to be theologians; we just need to be available and willing to be used by God. These small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, these acts can open the door for someone to experience the love of Christ. Our everyday actions can have a profound impact on those around us, pointing them to Jesus and the hope He offers. [55:02]
Matthew 10:42 (ESV): "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use a simple act of kindness today. What specific action can you take to show them the love of Christ?
Day 3: The Importance of Availability
To be effective in our calling, we must be available. This means being open to God’s leading in our day-to-day interactions. Even in our busy schedules, we must allow God to invade our calendars and use us to touch lives. Jesus was always available, and we should strive to be the same. Being available means being present and attentive to the needs of those around us, ready to respond to God’s prompting. It’s about making space in our lives for God to work through us, even in the midst of our daily routines. [59:27]
Proverbs 3:27-28 (ESV): "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it'—when you have it with you."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily schedule. How can you make yourself more available to God’s leading? What adjustments can you make to be more present and attentive to the needs of those around you?
Day 4: Preparation Precedes Visitation
Preparation is key to experiencing a move of God. Just as John the Baptist’s message prepared people to embrace God’s way, our preparation will lead to a visitation from God. This involves being intentional about our spiritual walk, spending time in prayer and the Word, and being ready for whatever God wants to do in and through us. Our spiritual readiness will pave the way for God to move powerfully in our lives and the lives of those around us. As we prepare, we can expect God to bring hope and transformation to those we encounter. [01:04:04]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your spiritual walk? How can you be more intentional in your time with God to prepare for His move in your life?
Day 5: Living a Life of Influence
Our lives should exemplify Christ to the best of our abilities. As we spend time in the Word and in prayer, we will be transformed, and this transformation will be evident to those around us. We can mentor and influence others simply by living lives that reflect Jesus. This is our calling as forerunners, to prepare the way for others to meet the Lord. Our influence is not about having a platform but about living a life that points others to Jesus through our actions, words, and character. [01:15:29]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Think about your daily interactions. How can you live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth? What specific changes can you make to be a positive influence on those around you?
Quotes
1. "How many of you believe there's a shifting taking place? Not only in our nation, but around the world. Something's going on. In fact, I have never seen this world, not just our nation, but this world more divided. An obvious line has been drawn. In the sand. Between right and wrong. Good and evil. There's no more ambiguity as there was in years past. A distinction is being made. We are witnessing, I believe, a spiritual collapse. Which is affecting the moral compass of not only our society, but societies around the world." [37:40] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This world needs hope. And we know that hope only comes through Jesus. Amen? Here's something I found concerning when I read this. In doing research for this message. On the topic I'll be speaking about, the Jason Foundation states the following. Listen to this. More teenagers and young adults. That's your children and mine. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide. Than from cancer. Heart disease. AIDS. Birth defects. Stroke. Pneumonia. Influenza. COVID. And chronic lung disease. All combined." [38:37] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you meet Jesus. Everything changes. But for 30 years after the birth of Christ. Nothing much was written about him. Historically. Or ministry. Until. John the Baptist. Began to fulfill the role. That God had called him. To fulfill. Introducing. Jesus. To the world. To society. To the people. And now here we are. 2000 years later. And you know what? It's our turn to do the same. We are called. Like John the Baptist. To prepare the way. For people. To meet. The Lord." [42:03] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you read scriptures. Doesn't your heart just. Yearn. For the power of God of yesterday. When you watch this. Best. Best viewed. Series called the chosen. On television. And you see the reenactment. The recreation of the historical miracles. That Jesus performed. Doesn't it cost something. Within you. To say Lord I want that. How many of you when you read the Bible. You begin to weep. I know I do. And you say Lord do it again. Do it again. I believe with all of my heart. By the Holy Spirit. That we are at the threshold. Of that do it again." [45:30] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The greatest introduction you can share. Is when we introduce. When you introduce someone. To Jesus Christ. This is what John the Baptist did. And it's what God has called us to do. As well. Look at Mark's gospel. Chapter 1. Verse 2 and 3. Our text again. Scripture says. Behold I send my messenger. Before your face. Who was the messenger? John at this point. For who? Jesus. Behold I send my messenger. Before your face. Jesus. Who will prepare your way. The way for Jesus. Before you. The voice of one crying. In the wilderness. John was God's messenger. Because he had been given. A divine message." [50:13] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we come to know Jesus. You know. We have a message. We have something to share. And so. John the Baptist. His message was. Prepare the way. For the Lord. He was the voice of one. Crying in the wilderness. Which in essence. He was the voice. Of the Holy Spirit. And. To broken. And hurting people. Do you know why Jesus came? Because people can't save themselves. Whatever that thing is. You wrestle with. You can't fix it. You're not enough. Whatever that circumstance. Maybe it's a health issue. A financial issue. A family matters. Whatever it is. You can't fix it. Jesus can." [52:10] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we do. What's right. Even when we're not. Witnessing. We are a witness. Is that making sense? That is our calling. A simple act of kindness. A word of encouragement. A prayer. Or even an invitation. To church. Can prepare someone. To encounter Jesus Christ. Have you ever. Well now. It's a little bit more difficult. To do. But paying the toll. For the person behind you. Or if you're in the Starbucks line. Or the Dunkin Donuts drive through. As I would be in. Pay for the person behind you. If there's someone there. And tell the cashier. When they come to pay. Just tell them. Jesus paid. For their coffee." [57:40] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How can any of us say no to God when he has said yes to us. Think of the most desperate time in your life. And cried out to the Lord for help. And he was there. He was faithful. We all have those moments. Can you imagine. Lord. I need your help. What would it be like if his response had been no. He says yes to us. How can we say no to him. Just like John the Baptist. We're not only the voice of God into the lives of others. But our voice is the preparation. I have found preparation always precedes visitation." [01:03:25] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We want people to encounter Jesus. We want people to find the Lord like we found him. And if you haven't experienced him like this then God's waiting for you. Jesus is waiting for you and he wants to become your friend. He wants to start planning life with you. You know the Bible says the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord. He has a plan for your life my life he will show you if you allow him and as you get ready as you make that preparation just like we did with our kids God will direct your steps." [01:11:30] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We need to live a life that is not just for us. We need to live a life that exemplifies the Lord to the best of our abilities with God's help. So that as we continue spending time in the word and prayer, you do that. Trust me, you'll change. When you read the Bible, it's not just reading a historical account. The book of Hebrews says the Bible is the living word of God. There's life in it. And as I spoke on a few weeks back about good ground, about the Lord changing us, when we are consistent with putting the word of God into our minds, to our hearts." [01:15:29] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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