{"id":31673,"date":"2022-09-10T15:39:38","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/mondays-of-advent-preparation\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:39:38","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:39:38","slug":"mondays-of-advent-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/mondays-of-advent-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Mondays of Advent: Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Matt Henslee<\/em><\/p>\n

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we continue through this season of Advent, we know it\u2019s not only a season of anticipation but also of preparation. When we reflect on the work of John the Baptist, we see a work of preparation.<\/p>\n

Preparing the way by preparing hearts for Christ\u2019s coming.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As John was unworthy, we\u2019re unworthy, but we learn Christ didn\u2019t come to provide a better way to live. No, He provided the<\/em> way of salvation.<\/p>\n

The way of salvation isn\u2019t about a list of dos and don\u2019ts we keep to earn a right standing with God. In fact, there\u2019s nothing you can do to be made right with God.<\/p>\n

Instead, it\u2019s what Christ did on our behalf. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He lived a perfect life only to die a sacrificial death and rise again.<\/p>\n

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In exchange for our sinfulness, Jesus gives us His righteousness when we believe on Him for salvation. This is what Martin Luther called the \u201cGreat Exchange.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, if you\u2019re anything like our family, you\u2019re beginning to wrap gifts. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this trying time.<\/p>\n

But do you know what? Our children, as awesome as they are, don\u2019t deserve<\/em> these gifts. We give them, however, because we love<\/em> them.<\/p>\n

Likewise, God loved us so much, as John says:<\/p>\n

He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).<\/p>\n

So, during this time of Advent, prepare.<\/p>\n