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The Personality of St. John the Baptist. St. John. Was not attached to anything earthly. Was not attached to anything earthly. We must learn to let go of certain things... Ex: pride, grudges, anything that separates me from God...SIN...
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St. John... Was not attached to anything earthly
Was not attached to anything earthly • We must learn to let go of certain things... • Ex: pride, grudges, anything that separates me from God...SIN... • Must not be too attached to something materialistic... Have I become attached to anything in my life that I can’t let go of?!
St. John... Spoke the truth – No compromise!
Spoke the truth – No compromise! • "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) • Told the people to repent. • Told King Herod that he was doing was unlawful - wasn’t scared of what people might do to him. • Did not care what other people think of him. • Did not care whether they liked him or not. • Did not care about being different. • But He did what was right in God’s eyes.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
Is there a blessing that comes with obeying God and living in a way that pleases Him?!
What is it?! Peace Our own benefit True Joy and Fulfillment Hope
St. John... Was a light in the midst of darkness
Light in the midst of darkness Led the people to God and prepared the way for Christ, not just by words but by example. What about us?
Do we look and act like the rest of the world?! Or can people tell we’re Christian just by looking at our actions?!
The way we dress, the way we speak, the way we act?
“You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14)
What does it mean to be the light of the world? How do we do this in our day to day life?! EXAMPLES?!!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorifyyour Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
What does it mean to glorify God? • How do you want to do this this week? • Write down your answer!
We are Christians We represent Christ
Do we paint a good picture of Him to others? Do we reflect God’s love, His light, His way, His compassion?
If a person doesn’t know we are Christians... Will our actions show it?!
+ Being gentle + + Not getting angry + + Being compassionate towards others + + Loving others putting them first, sacrificing + + Making excuses for others in our hearts, not blaming them + + Refusing to gossip, not speaking about other people! + + Speaking words of hope/encouragement to others + + Obeying God’s commandments + + Being patient with others + + Not judging others + + Helping others + + Forgiving others + + Being truthful + + Pure words + + A simple smile +
Homework • Write down 7 things you can do this week to glorify God, to reflect His light. • Make sure to do at least one each day!
Speaking the truth… and doing what’s right • Not caring about what people think of us or about being different • God’s blessings to those who obey and love Him • Light in the midst of darkness Glorifying God – Showing others God’s love through our actions… reflecting His image properly!