Sunday Sermon Summary – Dec 08 2024

Forerunner of Christ – The Church 

Luke 3: 1-6

John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ for his first Advent. He prepared the way for Jesus to begin his ministry.  The Church is appointed to be the forerunner of Christ for his second Advent. 

1. The person  – Filled with the Holy Spirit  

Luke 1: 15, 44

The Bible says that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even at his birth. That is why he leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when he heard the voice of Mary who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Church was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost when the Church was just born. We have a mandate to be filled by the Holy Spirit from the day we became a follower of Jesus. The Church must always be filled with God’s Holy Spirit. 

2. The Personality – Humble 

Luke 3: 15, 16

John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ was humble.  He declared that Jesus, who was coming after him was actually before him and that he was not worthy to even untie the straps of his sandals.  When John’s disciples left him and followed Jesus, John said that Jesus must increase and he must decrease.  The Church which is the forerunner of Christ’s second coming, must be humble.  We speak the truth with love. We have nothing to boast except in the cross of Christ.  We glory only in the Lord.  We always hide behind the old rugged cross.  Jesus takes precedence in everything we say or do. We are always willing to show the other cheek. We refuse to be revengeful. 

3. The preaching  – No Compromise 

Luke 3: 7-9

John the Baptist was careful to speak God’s Word without compromise.  He spoke directly to people about their sins. He didn’t hesitate to call them a brood of vipers. He warned the tetrach that it was not right for him to keep the wife of his brother. 

The Church carries the same message. We are called to speak God’s Word without diluting the truth.  The Church has the glorious Gospel to the world. The Gospel of God’s love that transforms us into the image of God.  The power of the Gospel has influenced thousands of Christians to leave the comfort of their lives and have travelled to remote places to share the good news of Jesus.  

Jesus Christ has promised that he will come back. He has commanded all his followers to proclaim this news to the whole world. Amen.