Sermon on 5 December 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
John the Baptist was a forerunner for Jesus Christ, bearing the message of repentance, an important message for us. Believe, repent and be baptized – that was the central message of John the Baptist.
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. – Mark 1:4
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” - Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17
Message
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29
1. Curiosity creates a real conversation
John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” – John 1:26-27
John the Baptist humbly told people he was not even worthy to loosen the sandal strap of Jesus Christ.
But let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. – Colossians 4:6
You are a citizen of the heavenly place. You are His beloved. You are in Christ. When we share the word of truth, let us not water down the gospel of Christ. Salt adds flavour. Do not let the gospel lose its flavour. Be bold and tell people the truth about salvation.
2. Never ever be pushy and focus on the real needs of people
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29
Pray for the person you are speaking to. John the Baptist waited till the next day. He was not pushy. Allow the Holy Spirit to work. Just keep on sowing.
Exodus chapter 12 tells me about how Israelites were freed from slavery, when God told Moses to instruct the people to smear the blood of the sacrificial lamb over their doors. People understood the meaning of the lamb of God. John the Baptist tapped on the needs of the people.
3. Testifying Jesus is the Son of God
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. – John 1:32
The Spirit of Jehovah descended on Jesus Christ. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. – Isaiah 11:12
The word ‘rest’ means to dwell, to reside. How do you know the Spirit of the Lord is in you? Do you have the fear of the Lord? Do you yearn to know more about the bible? When you believe, you repent, and the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Baptism of the Holy Spirit simply means the Holy Spirit lives inside you.
I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:33-34
There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Jesus Christ is the head of the church. Let us fix our eyes upon Him and do everything to glorify Him.
4. Share your experience in Christ
John the Baptist shared his experience. People will never doubt the experience that you share. They can see the change in you. Share your experience about how Jesus has transformed your life.
I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ – John 1:33
5. Encourage them to become followers
And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. – John 1:36-37
Let us remember not only to call Him our Father, but to remember the Great Commission, to make disciples. Let us continue to do the things that Jesus taught.
Closing
Reach out to people one at a time. Today is the best day of your life to introduce people to Jesus Christ, one at a time. This is the day that the Lord has made.
Comments