Changed Lives

2^nd Sunday of Advent

December 4, 2016

Matthew 3:1-12

(Watch here for the full version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a41k-1nRDW8 )

2^nd Sunday of Advent – John the Baptist Sunday

John the Baptist – Elisabeth and Zachariah’s son; lived in wilderness, dressed in camel’s hair, ate locusts & wild honey

His job – prepare people for Jesus – thru baptism and preaching repentance

Repentance = turn back to God

v. 2:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (NRSV)

“Turn away from your sins because the Kingdom of heaven is near!” (GNT)

“Change your hearts and lives!” (CEB)

v. 8

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” (NRSV)

“Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins.” (GNT)

“Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives.” (CEB)

1.     Sometimes our lives are changed for us –

a.     TJ’s life changed after having 2 strokes in late June

b.     My story with rheumatoid arthritis – Everything changed for me: contact case, shoes, clothes, hair, food, car, where I lived, my profession; then as a result of moving: got married, changed my name, permanent address, who I lived with, got a dog

2.     Sometimes we decide to change, which changes our lives – weight loss program; decide to get married, have a baby, move; John’s calling people to make this type of conscious decision to get ready for Jesus

3.     Either way, there’s always evidence (fruit) of the change (people know something’s different) – whether visible changes or simply how you carry yourself, your attitude, how you treat others, how you spend your time & your $