What actions can we take to prepare for Christ, as John prepared the way? John’s prophetic mantle Matthew 11:14: “And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” John fulfilled Isaiah 40:3, removing obstacles so hearts could meet their King. Following his pattern shapes our own readiness for Christ’s return. Begin with wholehearted repentance • Matthew 3:2: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” • Confess every known sin (1 John 1:9). • Turn from it decisively, then replace it with active obedience. • Keep short accounts; repentance is an ongoing rhythm, not a one-time event. Produce visible fruit • Luke 3:8: “Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.” • Share possessions with those in need. • Practice honesty in work and speech. • Cultivate contentment, resisting greed and envy. Consistent, tangible fruit silences hypocrisy and validates the gospel (Matthew 7:16-20). Exalt Christ, shrink self • John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.” • Redirect praise toward Jesus whenever success comes. • Serve without chasing recognition. • Use every platform—home, job, online—to spotlight His greatness. Point unmistakably to the Lamb • John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Present Jesus as the exclusive Savior, not one option among many. • Offer clear, compassionate explanations of the cross and resurrection. • Invite hearers to behold and trust Him personally. Live and encourage baptismal obedience • Mark 1:8; Romans 6:4 link water baptism with new life. • Urge new believers to proclaim faith publicly. • Daily walk in “newness of life”—dead to sin, alive to God’s purposes. Stand for truth at any cost • John confronted Herod’s immorality (Mark 6:18). • Address cultural sin with Scripture’s clarity and love. • Accept that loyalty to Christ may bring rejection or loss. Choose wilderness simplicity • John’s camel-hair cloak and locust diet (Matthew 3:4) signaled freedom from worldly pull. • Trim excess possessions. • Fast periodically to sharpen hunger for God. • Prioritize time with the Lord over entertainment and noise. Depend on the Spirit’s power • Mark 1:7-8: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” • Seek continual filling (Ephesians 5:18). • Rely on Him for boldness, holiness, and effective witness. Maintain eager watchfulness • 2 Peter 3:14: “Make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.” • Revelation 19:7: “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” • Live each day as though Christ could appear before nightfall. • Resolve conflicts quickly; stay reconciled. • Persevere in good works, storing treasure in heaven. Practical checklist • Continual repentance • Observable, generous fruit • Christ-centered humility • Clear gospel proclamation • Baptism and ongoing holy living • Courageous truth-telling • Simplicity that frees the heart • Spirit-led dependence • Daily readiness for the King Prepare the way. The King is at the door. |
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