by David Scott Robertson
Mark 1:4,6,7,8 (NKJV)
(4)John came baptizing in the wilderness [INCONVENIENT LOCATION] and preaching a baptism of repentance [UNPOPULAR MESSAGE] for the remission of sins [IN YOUR FACE PREACHING].
(6)Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist [ECCENTRIC DRESSER], and he ate locusts and wild honey [CAN YOU SAY “WEIRD?”].
(7)And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I [“I’M NOT EVEN THE MAIN EVENT”], whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose [LOW SELF ESTEEM PROBLEM?].
(8)I indeed baptized you with water [A WATERLOGGED WALK HOME], but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [AN ENTIRELY NEW CONCEPT]."
John the Baptist.
An unusual character,
With an unprecedented message about the coming Messiah
Delivered with convicting boldness,
Preached in an unlikely location,
To a diverse people group –
All without the benefits of modern church communication and conveniences.
No sound system.
No multimedia.
No musicians.
No praise team.
No banners and flags.
No bulletins.
No email.
No phones.
No product table.
No marketing or advertising.
No ushers.
No warm baptismal tank.
No padded pews or metal chairs.
No air conditioning or heat.
No bathrooms.
No new convert literature.
No Bibles.
The results?
Mark 1:5 - "Then all [HOW MANY?] the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all [HOW MANY?] baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
Now tell me why is it that you feel you can’t win souls and make disciples like Jesus told you to (Matthew 28:18-20)?
"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 (NKJV)
DSR
10/28/02