The Dawn of a Saviour - The Forerunner (Mark 1:1-8)

John the Baptist is a standout Old Testament era prophet. And he uniquely bridged the Old and the New. In this first of a two-part Advent series, we are considering the life and ministry of this most extraordinary man. There is much to take onboard from this camel hair clothed, locust and wild honey eating prophet of God!

Questions
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1. When the mail comes, what do you open and read first?

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2. Who is the preacher you have ever heard? How did you respond to their message?
3. Why is John's ministry so popular (vv4-5)?
4. What qualities of a preacher or church (or small group) would bring you all the way into the 'desert region' in order to get involved?
5. Why is John the Baptist so important to the story of Jesus? How well do you think he fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy (vv2-3)?
6. What purpose do you see in Jesus' baptism? How did it prepare Him for His public ministry?

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7. When has repentance been especially important in your life?
8. John the Baptist prepared "the way for the Lord." Who prepared the way for the Lord in your life?
9. As Jesus came out of the water as He was being baptised, what did the voice from heaven say? What would you like to hear God say to you?
10. John proclaimed the first coming of Christ. We are to proclaim that He has come. And we are to proclaim that He is coming back. How much does the Second Coming of Christ occupy your thoughts? Your conversations with others?

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11. John the Baptist oozed humility and selflessness. He wanted Jesus to be the centre. Spend some time in prayer before the Father asking for that same 'spirit' of humility and a heart desire to always have Jesus at the centre of your life.

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Mark 1:1-8

1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’”

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The One who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Dawn of a Saviour - The Forerunner (Mark 1:1-8)

Listen to the sermon Mark 1:1-8

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Mark 1:1-8