Prepare for Christ
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
John came preaching a message necessary for the coming of Christ.
This message is one that’s often overlooked during the Christmas season.
In fact, as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of things, it’s often the last thing on our minds.
The message was one of preparation, and key to that preparation is repentance.
This message of urgent repentance should be our message today. . . Especially as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
In fact, the message of repentance wasn't just John's message, it was Jesus' message, also.
Repentance was the message of Christ
Repentance was the message of Christ
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 1:15
Mark 1:15
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Luke 13:3
Luke 13:3
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
We view the message as harsh and divisive, yet John saw it as necessary preparation, and Jesus viewed it as a necessary requirement to follow Him.
But instead of Jesus' message, the message of mainstream Christianity is compromise, which is manifest in a quest for relevance and unrestrained inclusion.
Unfortunately, the doctrine of repentance is all but lost in mainstream christianity.
Sadly, if you turn your TV or radio to a "christian" station, and you'll not often hear a call for repentance.
The truth is, the American church is in dire need of repentance. Maybe that's why its leaders are so reluctant to preach the message?
There is not one among us who isn't in need of repentance.
We are taught that if we mention sin we might drive people away, so Instead we ignore it.
We coddle people and tell them everything will be alright if they just believe.
The sad truth is that we are doing people and God an injustice by having that attitude.
The only way to ignore repentance, is to ignore sin.
Ignoring sin doesn't make it any more palatable.
Ignoring sin doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Ignoring sin doesn't make it go away.
Ignoring sin won't lead to repentance, and People can never have a fulfilling relationship with God without repentance.
Many claim to preach a message of love, but there is no love in a message that leaves a person to die in their sins!
If we refuse to repent, we cannot be close to God
If we refuse to repent, we cannot be close to God
James 4:8-10
James 4:8-10
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Repentance first requires genuine sorrow, but sorrow in and of itself is not enough.
Repentance requires sorrow
Repentance requires sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
A Godly sorrow (conviction by the Holy Spirit) will lead to repentance, but sorrow by itself is not repentance.
We, as Christians should never fear making someone feel sorry for their sins.
If that sorrow leads to conviction by the Holy Spirit, which leads to repentance, thats a good thing.
Repentance means that you actually do something.
Repentance means that you put a stop to your sinful behavior, but that's not all.
Repentance means that you begin to live an obedient life, focused on Christ.
Repentance means that you turn from your sin and turn to Christ.
The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it.
Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and “self” control and turning our life over to Christ’s direction and control.
What better way to begin this Christmas season, than by repentance?
If we are to truly prepare to celebrate to birth of our Savior, then we should do things that John preached from the very beginning.
Preparation for Christ starts with repentance
Preparation for Christ starts with repentance
" 'Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
In order to prepare, we must repent!
Once we have developed a repentant lifestyle, praise, worship and adoration will come naturally.