Open For Business

Intro: Business have business hours.

Due to the pandemic we are seeing a lot of business close because the the lack ability to gain income to keep the business open. We have see stores limit their hours and time of employees due to protocols, government shutdowns and because of infections from COVID. The inability to maintain these businesses are hurting everyone.

I want to give us hope to know that one business has yet to close their doors. Jesus is open for business. The saving business of the Son of God is still in operation. The hours are 24/7 365 and yes open on Christmas and Easter. God is always open for business.

Will you be open to let the LORD IN YOUR HEART and work in your and change you to see that this world will pass away but the Word of the Lord will remain.

Matthew 16:26 NLT

26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Aim: Open up your heart and change for Jesus.

DT: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus the Messiah who calls us to a life of repentance and submission to his will.

Mark 1:1–8 NLT

1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ” 4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

What is this Gospel

Mark 1:1 NLT

1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began

The Gospel is the story of Jesus. The gospel is of the identity of Jesus. Jesus’ identity is one of human nature and divinity. Jesus is the Messiah, the one anointed one, the hope for the children of Israel as promised by Moses to deliver them as told by God.

Jesus is the Messiah the one chosen by God . The one who is chose by God. Jesus is also divine in that he is the Son of God.

The coming of the Messiah is foretold in prophecy...

Mark 1:2–3 NLT

2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ”

The messenger is preparing the hearts for the coming of the Lord!

This also points out that Jesus is Lord, the Messiah and the Son of God! The awesomeness of Jesus is further expressed in this prophetic word. The plan of God’s salvation for us in the planning of sending his Son for our redemption.

The messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, The Son of God. This messenger is John the Baptist.

Mark 1:4–6 NLT

4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John the Baptist message preaches baptism and repentance.

Prophet in the wilderness who preached baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John’s preaching teaches that repentance leads to change of behavior.

John wants hearts to be open for the movement off God.

John teaches that a life of repentance is a life turned to God.

God forgives those who have placed their life in Jesus Christ.

John was a humble servant of God.

Clothes were not refined, but woven from coarse camel har.

Simple leather belt for his garments.

His food was locus and wild honey as a life lived in the wilderness.

John points to Christ

Mark 1:7–8 NLT

7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

Jesus is greater!

How great is our God!

John knows his place in the presence of Jesus.

Jesus is worthy of all praise.

Our response is to bow in his presence.

John baptizes with water and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit!

Jesus coming ushers in the power of the Kingdom

John prepares the hearts to receive the gift of the salvation.

Jesus comes to usher us into this salvation.

Will you let the Word of God create a pathway into your heart?

God leads his people by constant preparation.

God knows when we are ready to move and when we need time to wait before we enter into the promises of theLord.

The Lord made ways out of now ways for the children of Israel in the wilderness.

How much more the Lord made a pathway of Salvation for us.

John 14:1–6 NLT

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.