Be a Sermon....

You’ve heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”. Here in Luke chapter three, John the Baptist spells out what your actions prove; your faith being real or not. We live in a world where pretending is seen as real. But when push comes to shove, those underlying convictions of the pretender are simply like wet toilet paper (good for nothing). When we think more highly of ourselves, and not admitting our daily need of God’s indwelling Spirit, we allow ourselves to buy into Satan’s lie of self-reliance. Self-reliance is what God opposes. It tricks us into believing we don’t need God’s guidance. Since we already received Salvation, some think, “now we just need to get through life as best we can”, or so they say. This isn’t how it should be. Our money gives us the notion to say , “NO” to God. Our good health tricks us not to rely on the Great Physician. Our knowledge and access to the internet tells us that we have the world right at our finger tips. All of this leads us away from God. John the Baptist tells us to live out our faith; show the world what God has done for you. Help other people in need, be content with your pay, don’t grumble, and do the right thing. This not only shows God how much you love Him, but it also doesn’t give the world an excuse not to follow God because of your contradictory lifestyle. People listen to consistency. When people day-in and day-out live a blameless life, people take notice. Christians do it because they don’t want God to look bad to others. And that starts with me.

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day, I’d rather you walk with me, then merely lead the way, The eye is the more ready pupil (student), than ever was the ear, Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be His slave and untie the straps of His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with His winnowing fork. Then He will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into His barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. Luke 3:8-18