1. There Came A Man Whose Name Was John Lessons from the Life of John the Baptist

2. Who Was John? Prophesied that he would come (Isa. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6; Mt. 11:14) Prophesied that he would come (Isa. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6; Mt. 11:14) Born into a godly family (Lk. 1:5ff) Born into a godly family (Lk. 1:5ff) Worked no miracles (Jn. 10:41) Worked no miracles (Jn. 10:41) Lived a pure and plain life (Lk. 1:15,80) Lived a pure and plain life (Lk. 1:15,80) A great man (Lk. 1:15; Mt. 11:11) A great man (Lk. 1:15; Mt. 11:11) What made him great?

3. Lessons Learned John Made Preparation John Made Preparation - His mission was to make people ready and prepared to meet Jesus; he pointed others to the Christ (Mk. 1:2-3; Lk. 1:16-17,77-79; Jn. 1:29-34) - Is your heart prepared for the Lord? Are you looking for the Lord?

4. Lessons Learned John Knew His Place John Knew His Place - He felt unworthy; his place was behind Jesus; he would decrease while Jesus increased (Mt. 3:13-14; Mk. 1:7-8; Jn. 3:26-30) - He would not be provoked to envy or jealousy - Are you humble (Lk. 17:10; 1 Pet. 5:5-6)? Do others see Jesus or you (Mt. 5:16)? - Are you humble (Lk. 17:10; 1 Pet. 5:5-6)? Do others see Jesus or you (Mt. 5:16)?

5. Lessons Learned John Was a Courageous Preacher John Was a Courageous Preacher - He preached repentance and baptism (Mt. 3:2,8; Mk. 1:4-6) - He preached the coming kingdom (Mt. 3:1-2) - He preached coming judgment (Mt. 3:10-12) - He preached with urgency (Mt. 3:2) - He preached with application (Mt. 3:7; 14:4) - He preached with boldness (Mt. 11:8) - He preached the light of truth (Jn. 5:33-35)

6. Lessons Learned John Was a Courageous Preacher John Was a Courageous Preacher - He preached against all evil (Lk. 3:19) - He preached to all classes (Lk. 3:2-20) - He was rejected and ridiculed (Mt. 11:12-19; 17:11-13; 21:32; Lk. 7:29-30) - He was firm; not shaken or softened (Mt. 11:7-10) - He was put to death (Mt. 14:1-12; Mk. 6:14-29; Lk. 3:19-20; 9:7-9) - Are you courageous (Mt. 10:28; Gal. 1:10)?

7. Greatness in the Kingdom John Was Great John Was Great Preparation Preparation Humility Humility Courage Courage We Can Be Great Too We Can Be Great Too Follow John’s example Follow John’s example Enter the Lord’s church today (Mt. 11:11)! Enter the Lord’s church today (Mt. 11:11)!