I Send My Messenger

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2-4 ESV

Prophecies of John's coming: Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1

John the Baptist was the messenger that prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He announced the need for changed hearts and the forgiveness of sins. When Jesus came, people were ready and waiting for him.

Today, we are the messengers that prepare the way for Jesus’ coming: the coming to people’s hearts and the second coming to the earth. We must proclaim the forgiveness of sins for the repentant heart that believes in Jesus and accepts his love. If we do not share the good news, how can the world know the Christ and who will be waiting?

“Jesus, I want my heart to be prepared and I want to tell others of your love.”

Other verses: Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; Romans 10:14-15

Advent 23: The Announcements

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Sincerity

Sincerity is worth more than trying hard.

...a thought from July 3rd.

See post on A Look in the Mirror

Works and Faith

So then they said to him, "What must we do to accomplish the deeds (works) God requires."  Jesus replied. "This is the deed God requires - to believe in the one whom he sent." [NET]

Then they said to him, how may we do the works of God? Jesus answering, said to them. This is to do the work of God, to have faith in him whom God has sent. [BBE]

So, the question here in John 6:28-29 could be:

What works do we have to do?    or

How do we do the works God does?

To either one the answer is the same. Believe [have faith in] in the one he [God] sent, Jesus Christ.