Messenger Of Peace Series

APPLY

This John was not a typical man, neither was his practice of baptizing those who were forgiven of sin typical. But John the Baptist had an important message for sinners: Christ is coming – Peace at last for the broken hearted!

III. The Message of Peace (v. 7-8)

Mark 1:7-8

7And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

EXPLAIN

The message of John the Baptist was that he was not the end. In fact, one was coming that would be much more powerful than him. The shoes of this one coming John says he would not even be worthy to untie.

John tells that he baptizes in water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

These verses truly are the heart of what John the Baptist is trying to convey to his audience. He is not the message – but he is the messenger. And the message is that Christ is coming. Christ who will ultimately bring peace to all mankind. Not in this life but in the time to come.

ILLUS.

About four months ago, professors at the seminary handed me a Syllabus. Each class has a unique one. As I looked at each one I recorded the dates of exams, papers due, etc in my academic calendar. So for four months I have known that exams would be coming up on December 10th, 2002.

And now the time has come for me the prophecy of their messages to come true. In fact I will be taking finals this week. But you see I have 2 choices when I receive something like that. I can ignore it and say, “Ah well we’ll probably never really take the exam.” Or I can secondly realize the exam is coming, it will be difficult, and I only stand a chance with ample preparation.

APPLY

Maybe you’re in the same situation, but with our Saviour. John’s obvious call was for the people to repent and be baptized to PREPARE THE WAY for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Christ did come as the Savior who baptized in the Holy Spirit. Christ died, was resurrected, and today I preach much like John the Baptist. I preach a message of repentance, baptism acknowledging the forgiveness of sins, and that we should prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ – the second coming.

And when I preach this message you have 2 choices. You can say, “Ah well he’ll probably not come.” – As does most of the world. You won’t be ready when he comes, you won’t be able to make a last minute decision, and it will be too late then. Your own sin will keep you nailed to the floor as others around you go to meet Christ.

INVITATION

But today you have the choice to prepare the way for the coming of Christ in your heart. Come today and repent of your sinful life. Acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour and be baptized to show your new life in Christ. All of this to prepare the way for Christ. And in His second coming you will be ready, and though not perfect you will be received by Christ’s perfection.