A Three Hundred Word Sermon Starter From Mark 1:1-13 Series

A Three Hundred Word Sermon Starter from Mark 1:1-13

John the Baptist possessed the quality of character that sets apart preachers approved by God. So much so, that multitudes of people came to him convinced of their need to change their ways in preparation for the coming Messiah. In our time, fewer people participate in church. Yet, I believe that people will still respond to the preacher who has the character that brings conviction.

John had the character to call people to repent. The authentic preacher will call his own congregation to repent of their own sins. The authentic preacher will tell people what they need to hear rather than what they want to believe.

John had the character to be poor. He ate what was available to him in nature. Locusts (grasshoppers) and wild honey could be found in nature and did not cost money. Camel hair clothing was meant for laboring outdoors and identified him with the prophet Elijah. John was not taking offerings and was not dependent on his followers for earning money. He was financially free from compromise.

John had the character to recognize the limits of his purpose. He admitted that he was not the Christ. When the Christ came, he called him out as the one “who is to come, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” Once the Christ came, John the baptist’s understood that his mission would soon come to an end.

John the Baptist would not be composed by money and fame. In our day, successful ministry is often measured by the size of the congregation and the achievements that its money can buy. Compromise of the mission of the church may be why people don’t attend like they used to. But, an authentic call for repentance from an authentic preacher might cause people to come for salvation.