Prepare the way Matthew 3:1-6 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea. And saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

Prepare the way “A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”

Prepare the way John’s clothes were made of camel’ hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River

Prepare the way Isaiah 40:3-11 To the Jews’ restoration from exile To the coming of the Messiah and his salvation To the perfection and redemption of the church at Christ second coming

Prepare the way The New Testament sees the fulfillment of Isaiah in Matthew 3:3 refering to John the Baptist – the forerunner of the Messiah.   John - The original name is Yehochanan, the grace or mercy of Jehovah: a most proper and significant name for the forerunner of the God of All Grace.

Prepare the way Prepare the way for Jesus first coming Jews were spiritually in a desert He is the Lamb of God that will take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)  From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. (John 1:16)

Prepare the way Prepare the way for His second coming i. Prepare your heart Ten virgins – 5 wise 5 foolish (Mat 25:13) “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Prepare the way This parable of Jesus is for the church to keep watch, to evaluate spiritual condition, relationship with God.    Seven assemblies in Asia: their good deeds BUT Things God has against them

Prepare the way Revelation 2-3: God has against the churches in Asia: Has forsaken their first love for Him Taking part in heathen religious feasts Sexual immorality and adultery Being dead – their deeds were dead They are not cold or warm but lukewarm

Prepare the way Our task is to prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness for Christ second coming.   The church can’t be spiritually dead, we have a task to accomplish.

Prepare the way 1 Peter 2:10 At one time you were not God’s people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God’s mercy, but now you have received his mercy. 11 I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. 12 Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

Prepare the way Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   He instructed us to prepare the way for His second coming.

Prepare the way Let us pray that God’s zeal will burn in our hearts so that we will do anything to take this Good News to our Jerusalem (Midrand) and spread it to Judea and Samaria (Gauteng and South Africa) to the ends of the earth

Prepare the way The church in waiting for His second coming. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hear says “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; Whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”