We are done being average. We are done being "christians" We are going to be love. pray. live. and tell everyone we know about Jesus.

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2nd February 2009

Text

Luke 3

Luke 3 (1-18)

(4-6). as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, (John the Baptist)

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

  • This is talking about John the Baptist.. God called him to spread the Good News of Christ and that’s exactly what he did. Without complaint or questioning Him.

(7-9). John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

  • Basically John is telling all the self-righteous and “comfortable” ones whose fathers were the chosen people that they are Not saved. This reminds me of people today who think that going to church or “being good” is enough to go to heaven. John is condemning those watching him Baptize that they too are fallen and need to be saved by the coming Messiah.

(15-18). The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.

  • Wow wow wow. Reading this passage really challenges me to see what God can do. He used John in such an amazing way and all he had to do was obey. The people were so amazed at the words John was saying that they thought he might be the messiah himself. He was so filled with Christ that some thought he was Christ.
  • John knew the peoples thoughts and was quick to take no credit and give all the glory to God. Its easy to be a good Christian and then take the credit for it. To feel good about it.. But John didn’t waste time with this. He was quick to tell them of the coming Messiah and “with many other words John EXORTED the people” Exhorted means encouraged.
  • In just a matter of maybe hours he condemned the people and told them they were sinners. He then showed them the way to Christ and gave God all the glory. After many had accepted Christ he was quick to encourage them. I think to truly witness to others around us we should focus on all three points.
  1. Condemn them. 

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath” (7).

 

  1. Show them Christ.

“I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (16).

  1. Constantly Encourage them.

“And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.” (18)