Sermon Central
-
Prepare The Way Series
Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Dec 11, 2000 (message contributor)
Summary: We need to make our hearts ready for Christmas.
Introduction
A. All over the world people are getting ready for Christmas.
1. Shopping
2. Decorating
3. Christmas Cards
B. If we take such great care to prepare for Christmas physically, then why don’t we take as much care to prepare for Christmas spiritually?
I. WE NEED TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS (2-3)
A. The Perfect Gift
1. Illustration: We all love to give others the perfect Christmas gift.
2. What better gift can you give someone than to tell them about Jesus.
3. Rom. 6:23
4. It’s Free!
B. Fulfilling The Great Commission
1. We are all called to be "preachers" and "witnesses."
2. Rom. 10:14
3. Evangelism: One friend telling another friend about The Friend.
Transition:
What better gift can you give than to introduce someone to Jesus?
II. WE NEED TO CHECK OUR HEARTS (4-6).
A. John The Baptist’s Mission
1. Prepare the way for Jesus.
a. Didn’t draw attention to himself.
b. Pointed to Jesus.
2. Call to Repentance
a. Mt. 3:1
b. Mt. 3:8
B. Prepare By Searching Your Own Heart
1. Illustration: Before you came to chruch you prepared by looking in the mirror.
2. Ps. 139:23-24
3. The Lord is coming for a spotless bride.
4. 1 Pt. 1:16
Transition:
If we are going to prepare the way for the Lord, we must do so by making sure that we stand clean before Him.
III. WE NEED TO PREPARE BY SEEKING THE HOLY SPIRIT (7-8).
A. Jesus is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit.
1. It is not out of line to speak of the baptism in the Holy Spirit at Christmas.
2. Starts with Jesus.
3. Lk. 24:28
4. Acts 1:8
B. Keep Seeking
1. Continue being filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Once is never enough.
3. Illustration: Lays Commercial - "Nobody can eat just one!"
4. Do not put limitations on the Holy Spirit.
Transition:
Let God’s gift to you this Christmas be to fill you a fresh with the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
A. Restatement
1. We need to tell others about Jesus.
2. We need to chech our own hearts.
3. We need to seek the Holy Spirit.
B. What are you going to do to prepare spiritually for Christmas?
