Sermons About John-the-baptist
Success vs. Significance (Mark 6:14-29)
Beheadings and crucifixions happen. Are you going to let that stop you?
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The Kingdom of God is At Hand, Repent and Believe in the Gospel
The Kingdom of God is At Hand, Repent and Believe in the Gospel
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An Acceptable Sacrifice, Pt. 2 (Matthew 3:16-17)
(1) Your view of Jesus Christ is the most important thing about you. It defines who you are: 2 Cor. 5:16 “from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh … if anyone is in Christ he is a new creature: the old things have passed away; behold new things have come” - (2) That Jesus is who He said He is, is the most important reality in life. That He is the Son of God, God in human flesh, is essential. John 8:24 “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” That He rose from the dead, is crucial to believe. 1 Cor. 15:17 “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still dead in your sins.” That you are a sinner; Jesus Christ alone is the acceptable sacrifice that can reconcile you to God, that you need to repent and believe is non-negotiable: Heb. 10:26-31 “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Any who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the SOn of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (3) There are a host of religious options in the world. Each traveling on a broad path to destruction. Only one lead to life and that is Jesus Christ and God has borne overwhelming testimony to Him. In Jewish culture it took 2-3 witnesses to confirm a matter; here God provides more than necessary and ones with infinitely greater reliability! 4 Testimonies to Christ as the acceptable sacrifice so that all would believe in Him. (Really five, could have added Scripture). (1) John testifies to Jesus’ sinless humanity (2) Baptism testifies to Jesus’ absolute submission (3) Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus’ supernatural power (4) Father testifies to Jesus’ divine perfection
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An Acceptable Sacrifice, Pt. 1 (Matthew 3:13-15)
Salvation would be impossible if God did not provide a sacrifice that would appease His wrath and fulfill the demands of righteousness He requires to be in His presence. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is that acceptable sacrifice. God has gone through great lengths to confirm Jesus Christ as the King of the Jews and to prove that He is the One who will "save his people from their sins." John the Baptist was the final stage in introducing Him to the nation and to the world. The goal of John's ministry is now coming to completion, the hearts of the people have been prepared, and the fame of John is now vindicated. The Lamb of God is here.
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The Superior Greatness of Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:11-12)
We have created a Jesus that is far to tame, a far cry from the Lord who is Creator and Judge of all men presented to us on the pages of Scripture. No wonder we and the world have so little fear of Him that we make Him into Someone far less glorious, frightening, and holy than He truly is. Jesus Christ is Lord of all and the Head of the church; He is her source and life; her hope; her single testimony. And when the fear and worship of Jesus Christ, as He is revealed in His word, is lost the church longer the “salt and light” of the world and the influence she was meant to be Matthew is now finishing his summary account of the preaching ministry of John the Baptist. And beginning in verse 11 Matthew is making the transition from John the Baptist to the Person and ministry of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. John is making the transition from his ministry to the Messiah by showing that in every way Jesus in His Person and ministry is far superior in greatness to him. This is the heart of a true servant. And the point is to make clear that Jesus Christ alone is to be the center piece of our worship.
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Developing a Christ-Centered Life
John the Baptist examplifies what it means to live a Christ-centered life.
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Consequences of Rejection (Matthew 3:10)
As we come into this final portion of John’s ministry we cannot help but notice that he speaks much about judgment, hypocrisy, and eternal damnation. And there could be the subtle temptation to want to pass quickly over it because it. However, no apology is needed for this b/c it is the Word of God and hell is as much a reality as heaven and sadly, according to Scripture, more people will be there. No one likes to think about the judgment of the wicked. *The thought of eternal judgment is grievous and sad and makes me tremble inside, and yetI find fear and grief at the thought of eternal punishment. God Himself said through the prophet Ezekiel, Ezek. 33:11, “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn form his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?” God finds no secret pleasure in the torment of His rebellious creatures. Yet it is true and He has decreed it to be so and He does so in a way that does not affect His joy at seeing His glory on display - this is a paradox which shows the depth of God’s character (Matt. 23:37-38). So, we must deal with the issue of God’s judgment because it is true, it is clearly revealed by God, and it comprised the weight of the message of John the Baptist in preparing the hearts of the people for the Messiah. So, it is the message of judgment that is the chosen backdrop of God the Holy Spirit by which the Savior and Lord is introduced
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