Peace with the God we shall see

Luke 1:68-79 / Luke 3:1-6

Preparation for Peace

Luke 3:3–6 “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ””

Romans 5:6 “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

The world was not ready for Jesus until He came. God’s timing is PERFECT.

The history of Israel

Successive reigns / empires

John, the last OT Prophet

The voice as one crying in the wilderness - outside the power structure

A Baptism for the forgiveness for sins

Preparation for the appearance of Christ: the only way to peace with God

Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

Apart from Christ Jesus, there is no peace with God

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

John was the last piece in place. preparing people for the fulfillment of generations of prophecy; to see the Messiah, to see the Savior, to see the only one who could, and did make peace with God for repentant sinners.

John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

We await our turn to see Him

Possession of Peace

Philippians 1:5–7 “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

Christ began the work He will finish

They were fellow partakers of grace

They are partners in the gospel

If these do not describe or mark your life, you need to be seeking and questioning about finding a lasting peace with God; about soul salvation through trusting in Jesus.

You need the proclaimed peace with God that is a part of your justification, that comes at your conversion. For all who are saved, you ARE born again, no longer an enemy of God, but rather as a Child of God, a friend of God, through the ministry of your life, a partner in the gospel with Paul and big brother Jesus.

Some say they sense no peace with God; my first question is ARE they at peace with God by His Divine proclamation? or are they still enemies of God, pretending to be righteous, but having no real knowledge of or loving relationship with the God of this universe.

Do you possess peace in your soul this morning?

If so treasure it and thank your God for it.

If not, you need to consider Jesus. Go and ask what He accomplished in His ministry, His cross, His resurrection. Inquire of The Lord if His sacrifice was for you. You might be peacefully and joyfully surprised!

Prophets of Peace

Luke 1:76–79 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.””

You are NOT John the Baptizer, and neither am I

We do not go before the Lord’s coming to make preparations. They are already made.

Yet, we are, in expectation of His return, to go forth in a prophetic mindset, a prophetic ministry

Ours is more forthtelling, rather than foretelling

You ARE called to be prophetic in these ways:

In giving knowledge of salvation; the forgiveness of sins

In telling of the tender mercies of Christ Jesus; not merely His judgment

In following the light of God along the way of peace

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.”

Make no mistake; we shall all see God. May it be that everyone who hears my voice will see Him in peace, and not rebellion.

Pastor: “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Congregation: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”