Sunday, December 18, 2016

Happy 4th Advent!

Dave Ens www.EasTview.org 
Think ahead 3 weeks. Christmas is done. Your wallet is empty and you are searching for weight loss plans. 
Was it worth it? Think about it now. How will you make it worthwhile? 
John the cousin of Jesus was also born.
Matthew 3
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, "Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!" He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, " Prepare the way for the Lord;  make his paths straight. "  Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I'm not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3:1‭-‬3‭, ‬8‭, ‬11 CEB

John's story is short. Was he successful? Is his life what a God honoring life looks like? The next time we encounter him he is questioning Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
Matthew 11:3 CEB
Are you real? John got beheaded shortly after. 
Jesus answer: Those who were blind are able to see . Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them .  Happy are those who don't stumble and fall because of me."
Matthew 11:5‭-‬6 CEB

The LORD 's ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads. Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10 CEB
Out of lifeless will come life. Handel's Messiah includes this chapter. 
What will your salvation look like? 
Yes. This is what God's salvation looks like!
All are one in Jesus. 
Was it all worth it? Who is your neighbor that needs to hear?

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