MOMENTS THAT MATTER - Forerunner Pt 1

SCRIPTURES
Romans 8:28 | And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

John 1:1-6 | In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world

Malachi 4:5-6a |  “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.

Luke 1:11-17 | While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”


DISCUSSION

1. As we’ve discussed Foretold & Fulfilled, what have you learned about God’s plan for Jesus? (Review our memory verse - 2 Timothy 1:9-10a to help you think).
2. One important circumstance surrounding the birth of the promised Savior is that a second person would come just before the Messiah. According to John 1, who was that man?
3. In our readings today, what was the purpose of John as the forerunner, or one who would come before Jesus?
4. Sometimes it takes time for people’s hearts to be softened so that they are ready to accept Jesus. Who is someone you’ve shared Jesus with and prayed for many times, but still hasn’t accepted Jesus? Spend some time praying for their heart to be softened by God, or made ready for the message of Jesus.
5. The purpose of John’s life was crystal clear. He stayed focused on that mission. How does John’s purpose relate to the purpose of your life as a believer? Are you focused on fulfilling that mission like John was? Why or why not?