John the Baptist – Mission of the Church - Part I

I. Set apart

a. Not to drink, nor to cut his hair

b. A world where even the church has embraced

i. Abortion, gay marriage etc.

1. Expect the government to pass laws

a.

ii. We have to find a way to love and confront the sin

1. Also means we have to address all forms of sin

a. Sex outside of marriage, pornography, drunkenness, etc.….

2. Provide for women’s who struggle with an unwanted pregnancy

3. Provide care for those who struggle with same sex attraction

c. Become the church who loves the world and quit abdicating this role to the government

II. Prepared in the wilderness (like Elijah)

a. Elijah Born in Gilead – a wild and rugged land full of lawless people

b. Wore a garment made of hair (John wore Camels Hair)

c. John’s appearance would have had no beauty – perhaps even scared little children

i. Faith is an ugly messy affair. – Quit trying to make it pretty

ii. So what was his attraction?

d. In wilderness from age 12?

e. Is the time we are in – between Jesus ascension and his return – our wilderness?

f. Instead of trying to eradicate it we should embrace it as a training ground for our own sanctification and for doing all that is required to wake up the church and reach a dying world. - David

III. Power of the Holy Spirit (Power of Elijah)

a. Baptized in the Spirit while in his mother’s womb

i.

1. Jesus is the giver of the Holy Spirit – even as an unborn baby

a. ,

i. True love is shown in willful obedience

1. Not our will but God’s

2. Love is never about self

ii. Helper, comforter, cause us to remember

iii. The Holy Spirit will be in you – we carry the presence of God with us at all times

b. Marked by the power of the Holy Spirit

i. Elijah – per F.B. Meyer – “As [Elijah] grew in years he became characterized by and intense religious earnestness. He was very ‘jealous for the Lord God of hosts’” () – I want an intensity for Jesus Christ

c. Not inside the church but for power out in the wilderness

i. … this life of this mighty man [Elijah] was wrought out through the indwelling of that Holy Spirit, which is equally within reach of those who believe and obey. There is nothing the Church of today needs so much as Spiritual power; and there is nothing which we can have so easily, if only we are prepared to pay the price. – F.B. Myer

1. Filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for our benefit – but for the mission (will talk more about that in a bit)

2. Yes God has blessings over flowing for us

a. However if we put ourselves first we chase after the blessings

i. Always looking for that next Word and next “move” of God / Spirit

b. When we show up ready to worship God seeking only to commune with him and to fulfil his mission then the blessings flow – suddenly we are more consistently satisfied.

c. After something deeper – to walk in the presence every day, not moved or driven my emotions or feelings.

i. Something we grow in, powered by the Holy Spirit and given by the grace and mercy

1. Beware focusing too much on works.

d. Gifts given for the body

i. Your spiritual gift is not for you ;

1. Grow into him – knitted together

a. Your gift causes us to be knitted together

b. Make ready for the Lord a prepared people

2. Don’t limit your gifts to the boundary of the service – don’t let your expectation

a. Church starts when the 1st person shows up

IV. Conclusion Part I

a. No we don’t have to go into the wilderness and eat locust and honey

i. But how has your wilderness shaped and molded you

b. As a body we come together to fulfill the mission (different gifts)

c. Create more of an outward focus for all our life

i. Pray for a renewed mind

ii. Pray for the Holy Spirit to:

1. Strengthen you

2. Give you wisdom

3. Prepare the way

4. Anoint you for your mission

5. Help you, comfort you so you can help and comfort others (over)

6. Cause you to remember the word and promises of God and the work he has already done in your life.