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Message Notes:

Advent:

Preparing our hearts for Jesus

- Celebrating Advent = A time of preparation leading up to the birth of Christ

Today - Part 2:
Getting ourselves ready for Advent

MAIN IDEA:

Getting ourselves ready for advent means we sincerely look within ourselves and ask God to show us what we need to change in our life to be ready to receive the Messiah.

John the Baptist preaches to prepare for the Way

Luke 3:1-20 - 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea… [Traceable. Historical] 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’” 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[b] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [John’s baptism was understanding our need for repentance and a Savior. Jesus’ baptism brings the answer and power to live new lives]…19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison. NIV

1. Getting ourselves ready for Advent means experiencing true and genuine repentance.

Luke 3: 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance… NIV

Matthew 3:13-17 - 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”…NIV

TODAY BECAUSE OF JESUS – We experience salvation when we repent through confession.

Romans 6:3-4 - 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. NIV

MAKE IT PERSONAL:
What areas of your life do you need to prepare for Advent with true and sincere repentance?

Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. NIV

Repentance = Changing the mindsets and behaviors that are leading you away from God.

THINK ABOUT IT:
If you haven’t experienced true repentance…
you should ask yourself if you have even truly experienced salvation?

2. Getting ourselves ready for Advent means seeing what needs to be changed within us and doing it.

Different types of people came to John asking what repentance looks like for them:

*1. The person with resources
a. The person who had 2 shirts - Share
b. The person who has food – Give

1. The person who has power or influence over others
   a. Tax Collector - Don’t collect more than required
   b. Roman Soldier - Don’t extort, Don’t falsely accuse, be content with your pay

2. The person who is in an unrighteous relationship (Herod)
   a. Make it right…honor God and start doing things His way.*

We sometimes think God requires us to do great or impossible things to demonstrate repentance. Often, He instead looks for integrity in the ordinary things.

• Sharing
• Giving
• Honesty
• Fair treatment of others
• Righteousness in our relationships

Integrity and change in the everyday and ordinary things is a mark of true repentance.

Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? NKJV

IN CLOSING:

MAIN IDEA:

Getting ourselves ready for advent means we sincerely look within ourselves and ask God to show us what we need to change in our life to be ready to receive the Messiah.

Isaiah 66:1-2 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?…2b “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. NIV

MAIN IDEA:

Getting ourselves ready for advent means we sincerely look within ourselves and ask God to show us what we need to change in our life to be ready to receive the Messiah.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:

What does Jesus want to do in my life and heart?

Am I ready to receive that?

What needs to change in my heart and life to be ready to receive that?

If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.

My Notes:

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