Opening
What does this phrase mean?
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Context
The apostle Paul wrote those words to the church at Philippi. They were true of Paul’s as they have been of so many Christians throughout history. When Christ takes hold of us we realize nothing is more important than Him and His work. Nothing.
John The Baptist was a shining example of that. He lived like no one else and had a mission from God that shined the light of Christ until he gained death.
Scripture
Malachi 4:1-6 – the last words of the OT
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts. “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
John 1:6-9
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Discussion
- John the Baptist was born for this role: The witness of the coming Messiah. What were you born for?
- Are all people created by God with a purpose?
- How do we help our kids to find their God given purpose?
- What is the overall purpose of the creation of mankind?
- How can we pray for you this week?