Reading for sermon – Luke 3:1-18

Sermon – Our task after Christmas

Sometimes Christmas leaves us with a “so what?”

What are we to do now?

Three things are required

Telling the good news – be like the shepherds

• They spread the word. We are challenged to be evangelists

Telling the bad news

There is good news because there is bad news

There is a coming judgement.

Living the Good News

What John the Baptist said to those who came to him:

• He called people to repentance – vs 8.
• Culture and genealogy does not save vs. 8b
  Cultural Christianity will not save you.
• There is an impending judgement
• It is necessary to bring forth good fruit
  Generosity – vs 11
  It is necessary to stop bearing bad fruit – 13, 14 speaks of the ills of his day – oppression, extortion, greed.
• Repentance is not enough, transformation is required. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” See Ezekiel 36:26

John the Baptist speaks a message of a coming judgement. Jesus confirms this.

See the parable of the wheat and tares – Matthew 13:24-30

What does John’s message mean for us today?

Bear good fruit – See John 15, Galatians 5:22-23

Be continually transformed into Christ’s image – Romans 8:29

God’s plan is to make believers become like Jesus Christ, sharing His likeness, character, and glory, making Him the “firstborn among many brothers” in a divine family.

Stay in the word, stay in prayer, be connected to the Vine.

John warns us too – you cannot celebrate Christ and not live like Christ.

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