John the Baptist: Lessons for the Pulpit and Pew John the Baptist the forerunner of the Messiah occupied a unique place in God’s redemption plan. Christians as well leaders in the Christendom can learn some things from life and ministry of John Baptist 1. Clearly defined purpose and mission- John 1:23 Christian leaders must understand that our ultimate purpose is to “Make straight the way of the Lord”. Our life, preaching, spendings, activities and everything must be in pursuit of this purpose. Christian do you know that “this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him into heaven”. (Acts 1:11).Like Apostle Paul, how we need to ask “Lord what wilt thou have me to do” (Acts 9:6) and later on he noted that was not disobedient to the Heavenly vision. Are you living daily with this understanding? 2. Constantly referred to the Messiah-John 1:20-37 The pulpit must constantly refer to Christ, Sunday teacher and home cell leader do always conclude with him as the one without which we ‘’can do nothing” (John 15:5).When people gathered to appreciate you and note your accomplishments how well do you point them the Shepherd that laid everything down to save you? You must be a pointer to the Messiah and how the people can identify with the savior. John the Baptist declaration of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God made two of his disciples to follow Jesus. How many of your members are following Jesus by your preaching or you have started building a personal cult. Be careful you don’t hinder genuine seekers Christ. Christian when last did point men to Jesus Christ? 3. Continuously affirm the Preeminence and the Lordship of Christ- John 1:15 ,1:27 ,1:36, 3:31-36 Christ must at all points and in all messages laid out as the Lord. Our messages must not just seek to inform but definite decision to surrender to His Lordship. That is, a complete transformation of life offered by Christ. Our message and life must set forth Christ’s power to save and deliver from the sin and its consequences, Satan and his cohorts, the society and its corruption. Christian, do others see Jesus in you? 4. Courageously confront errors and Permissive lifestyle with God’s Demand Matt. 3:7-10, 14:3-5 Even, when it involved the high John never lowered the standard .The fast changing world, with the attendant lifestyle that consider the word, will and ways of God has been old fashion, must be shown the unchanging standard of God. ‘’ Nevertheless what saith the scriptures” (Gal. 4:30) must fearlessly presented against licentious age that seeks to make light of God’s word. Like Paul ‘’knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Cor. 5:11), preachers and teachers must make the people know God’s judgment and utter displeasure against sin and sinning(regardless of the “sweet” tags the society has given them today) and call them to repentance. Christian do you know that “…our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29) thus “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). 5. Coming Down for Christ John 3:30 Whether the Leader or the lead, Christ must be growing in us. “Till we all come …. unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13) should be the present and constant pursuit in our life. What else do you expect from a life that had the foregoing, “Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Mat. 11:11a) Christ’s commendation of life well spent yet Christ noted “notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Mat. 11:11b). Clearly, we are better placed to do and achieve more.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 22:25:26 +0000
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