Sermon Cloud

SERMON: Prepare the Way of the Lord! Mark 1:1-15

Introduction: Advent today looks back, very briefly, to Jesus' first coming, then fixes its strong worship gaze on his second coming. Anticipating the coming of a babe in humility is a different proposition than anticipating the return of a King in triumph, for there's a striking difference between humility and glory. Such is our privilege this Advent season.

Two callings and a greater mission (v. 1-8)
A. his identity and calling, prophetically defined (Isa 40:3-4, Matt 1:14)
B. our calling, biblically assigned

Two baptisms and a greater blessing (v. 9-12)
A. John's baptism: repentance
B. Jesus' baptism: sonship approval
C. Our baptism: resting in our identity as sons

Two sermons and a greater message (v. 13-15)
A. John: repentance in longing and hope
B. Jesus: proclamation of the Kingdom
C. Our message: a fuller salvation has been realized!
D. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!