The sermon discusses the prophesied arrival of Jesus, the announcement of the Kingdom of Heaven by John the Baptist, and the continued relevance of his message urging repentance and belief.
Begin the message by having a bullhorn and making some kind of announcement to the group. Consider announcing that underneath one chair/pew there is taped a piece of paper for a reward of some kind. Pay close attention to the urgency the group feels to respond to your announcement. Increase the urgency by your tone of voice and cadence. Other options for announcements are money hidden in the room, first person to bring you a specified item or other good news like ice cream for everyone after the service. Key in on the idea that when an announcement is made that is important we must respond.
Today we continue our series Matthew: Discover the Kingdom. Last week we looked at the unlikely and humble beginnings of Jesus. We learned that he is both the eternal King of the universe and Immanuel, God with us.
As rightful King and saviour of mankind it would only make sense that his Kingdom would be introduced with extravagant parties, ornate feasts, and public spectacles of His wealth and opulence for everyone to admire.
It should come as no surprise that the Kingdom of Heaven didn’t have an extravagant party, ornate feast, or parade of wealth and opulence. Instead, God used Jesus’ own relative; a camel hair wearing, locust and honey eating wilderness man with a simple message...Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near!
Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near!
John the Baptist was an extraordinary character with an extraordinary announcement. His announcement was consistent with Old Testament prophecy that one day the Messiah would come and establish a new Kingdom on earth.
The good news was that with the arrival of Jesus, this Kingdom was near. The bad news was that this Kingdom was not what people expected.
Most Jewish people expected the Messiah’s Kingdom to overthrow the corrupt kingdom of Rome. Jesus’ plans were about overthrowing the corrupt kingdom of sin in our lives. The message from John the Baptist was consistent for everyone; Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near!
This is the same message that we proclaim today to all with ears to hear. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand and it’s time to turn from a life of sin to the abundant life available in and through Christ. (cf. John 10:10)
This is news worth getting excited about!
In order to get people to listen to your message, sometimes you have to make a scene ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium
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