A Worthwhile Goal in Life
God wants us to have the goal of preparing the way for Jesus, and this can be achieved through repentance, humility, and serving Him.
In this sermon by Basil E. Shlink, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a meaningful goal in life. He uses the example of John the Baptist, who dedicated his life to preparing the way for Jesus. John cleared away the obstacles of sin in his own life and in the lives of others, leading them to repentance. The speaker encourages listeners to follow John's example and prepare the way for Jesus in their own lives, so that he can rule in their hearts and bring joy and peace. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance and humility in order to fulfill this calling.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. Are you unhappy because you sense that your life doesn't have the right goal? In His great love for you, God wants to show you a goal today that will give your life a deep and wonderful meaning. Listen to the following message by Basilia Schlink.
Let me prepare for you the way. Let me remove each stone, I pray, that when you come the way is straight. The Bible paints a picture before our eyes of a man to whom God in His love had given an important and tremendous goal.
It was John the Baptist. He was a person who only lived for one thing, to prepare the way for Jesus, the coming King, so that Christ would be accepted by His people. He saw this to be his vocation in life.
And so with a holy fervor, John the Baptist cleared away all the stones that were blocking the way, that is, the stones of sin in his own life and in the lives of others. He really died to self, leading his own disciples to Jesus. He always turned the people and his followers away from himself, directing them to Jesus alone.
Yes, John the Baptist's greatness lay in his humility, and the authority with which he called others to repentance came from his own life of repentance. To prepare the way for Jesus, the mighty King who is coming again, is the highest calling, the greatest commission for us all. Today, in our times, more than ever before, Jesus is waiting for us to prepare the way for Him, as did John the Baptist, clearing the way in this last hour so that He can still come to hearts, also among His own people.
Every time we turn in contrition, making a break with a particular sin, our repentance will encourage others to repent. And when we're not concerned about receiving attention, honor, and love in our service and life for Jesus, but are willing to step back and die to self, Jesus' glory will shine forth. Then we'll be clear in the way for Jesus, so that He can rule in other hearts.
A bit of the kingdom of heaven will dawn there, for His redemption brings joy and peace. Can there be a greater goal, a deeper purpose for our lives? Therefore, let us pray. Let me prepare the way you go That soon you come to us below Filling our hearts with joy and peace First let me in repentance weep Bring many to contrition deep Comfort to bring to our dear Lord I'll go before you on your way Treading it smoother day by day That soon you come in glory great If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address.
God bless you.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Having a Goal in Life
- God's love and desire to give us a meaningful goal
- The example of John the Baptist and his goal to prepare the way for Jesus
Key Quotes
“To prepare the way for Jesus, the mighty King who is coming again, is the highest calling, the greatest commission for us all.” — Basilea Schlink
“Every time we turn in contrition, making a break with a particular sin, our repentance will encourage others to repent.” — Basilea Schlink
“When we're not concerned about receiving attention, honor, and love in our service and life for Jesus, but are willing to step back and die to self, Jesus' glory will shine forth.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- We should strive to have the goal of preparing the way for Jesus in our lives.
- Repentance and humility are essential in preparing the way for Jesus.
- Serving Jesus and dying to self will bring glory to Him and make us clear in the way for Him.