“The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begins with the fulfillment of this prophecy of Isaiah—Behold, I send my messenger before you, who shall prepare the way; the voice of the one crying in the wilderness, will make ready the way of the Lord, make his path straight.” (Mark 1:1-3)
If Jesus were to come to preach at Chase Field in Phoenix, who would you expect to introduce Him? I can almost assure you that for most, John the Baptist would not be at the top of the list. In fact John would probably not make most people’s top ten lists at all. In a sense, you could say that John’s main mission in life was to introduce Jesus as God’s promised Messiah, the hope for all the ages. But who could imagine that God would have chosen a man like John the Baptist for this important task? To say that John was “unique” would be an understatement. He was a “wilderness man,” a man who from childhood had lived “in the wilderness until the day he was revealed to Israel” (Luke 1:80). He wore clothing made of camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). His message was not polished, but blunt and to the point. Rather than offering hospitality to those who came, he verbally attacked many. And yet this was the man whom God had chosen for the mission of introducing the Messiah.
Some say that John the Baptist was like a twin brother to Christ. After Mary his mother, John appears to be the closest to Jesus’ affection. They were cousins which might lead some to wonder if they could have been childhood playmates. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Fred Mast continues a sermon series entitled “The Lives That Jesus Touched” looking biblical figures who were touched by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This week Rev. Mast will focus on John the Baptist—a friendship truly “made in heaven”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring joyful music, special times of prayer and life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship you are invited to stay for the friendliest and best fellowship you will find anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee.
Do you love music and enjoy singing? Join us for “Karaoke and Kappuccino Night” TONIGHT January 27th beginning at 6:30 PM in our Fellowship Hall. We’ll have tunes from the 50’s thru the 90’s. This is a free event for the entire community—Contact our office at (928)282-1780 for more information.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: On Tuesday’s at 10:30 am we offer the book study “Half Truths”; Wednesday join our Men’s Bible Study at 9 am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org. In need of prayer?—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona.
