Pastor David is kicking off our Christmas Series titled Coming Soon! Join us in-person or online for this special series!
Service Video
Sermon Audio
Notes
1. In order to get ready there must be _____________________
preparation. (Mark 1:2-4a)
Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. (Isaiah 40:3,4)
And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. (Luke 1:76,77)
He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)
2. In order to get ready there must be _____________________ proclamation. (Mark 1:1,4)
- Point #1- Get ________________ for God (v.3)
- Point #2- Get ________________ with God (v.4,5)
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30,31)
3. In order to get ready there must be ___________________ participation. (Mark 1:5)
God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. (Psalm 139:1-4) (The Message)
Three Verbs:
1. They ______________out
2. They _____________________their sins
3. They were __________________
Digging Deeper
Q1: What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in order to prepare for Christmas? What preparations drive you crazy?
Q2: What do the following passages teach you about the importance and power of humility? II Chron. 7:14, Micah 6:8, Colossians 3:12, James 4:6-10, I Peter 5:6-7
Q3: Read Acts 16:22-34. What did Paul and Silas do that paved the way for this hardened Philippian jailer to open his heart to Jesus?
Q4: What kinds of things do you think you can do to prepare the way for others to experience and discover Jesus this Christmas?
Q5: Read Isaiah 43:16-19. Why do you think the Lord delights in doing something new? Do you anticipate God doing something in your life this Christmas? If so, what are you hoping or longing for? (Take a moment right now and commit this to the Lord)
Q6: What electronic gadgets do you own that require ongoing recharging? What areas of your life need recharging by the Holy Spirit right now?
Q7: What is one specific thing that you know God is calling you to do this Christmas? What is hindering you from obeying Him? Pray and ask God to give to strength to do what He is telling you to do.