Friday, December 3, 2010

Bible Study Summary - Upcoming Sunday's Scriptures


Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.

2nd Sunday of Advent
Matthew 3:1-12
• Road, water, fire, axe are the 4 symbols in this reading.
• Context of verse 3
A rumor that a king is on his way, but there’s a problem. There’s no road for him to get here!
A messenger begins shouting to begin building a road, right away!
This message was first mentioned in OT – Isaiah 40. The king will bring comfort, hope, and healing after their exile. This raises the question of when the exile ended. Exile was still happening in the 1st century A.D. even though they were living in the Promised Land. Rome was in charge!
• Big problem – The people weren’t ready! But John the Baptist did his job and the people came from every direction to get ready.
• John helped them get ready by being baptized. This wasn’t about them personally, but about getting ready for the coming of the King. Instead of crossing the river for the first time, they would cross it again (through baptism in the Jordan) to prepare to enter into the Promised Land and this time knowing that the King was coming.
• Getting ready isn’t easy. Need to rid ourselves of pride and be humble and seek God with all our hearts. This is how you build a highway.
• How do you know that you’re ready? Are you bearing good fruit? Alternative is a bonfire!
• Looking ahead to Jesus’ arrival. The coming of the King didn’t look like what they were preparing for. Jesus would offer his very life on the cross.
• In what ways can we build a highway during this Advent Season so we’re ready for Christmas?
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