A Worthwhile Goal in Life
Basilea Schlink emphasizes that the highest and most fulfilling goal in life is to prepare the way for Jesus by living a life of repentance, humility, and self-denial, just as John the Baptist did.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink draws on the example of John the Baptist to illustrate the highest calling for believers: preparing the way for Jesus Christ. She passionately encourages listeners to embrace repentance, humility, and self-denial as the path to a meaningful and joyful Christian life. Through this message, Schlink invites believers to clear the obstacles of sin and make room for Jesus to reign in their hearts, promising peace and the dawning of God's kingdom.
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 Basilea Schlink.
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, whose 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.
You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet.
If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God desires to give our lives a worthwhile goal
- Many feel unhappy due to lack of meaningful purpose
- God’s love reveals a goal that brings deep meaning
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II
- John the Baptist as the biblical example of a life goal
- His vocation was to prepare the way for Jesus
- He cleared the way by repentance and humility
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III
- The call to prepare the way for Jesus today
- Repentance and dying to self open hearts for Christ
- True service seeks Jesus’ glory, not personal honor
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IV
- The joy and peace that come from Christ’s reign in hearts
- The kingdom of heaven dawning through preparation
- A prayer to be a faithful forerunner for Jesus’ coming
Key Quotes
“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.” — 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
- Examine your life for any sin that needs repentance to prepare your heart for Jesus.
- Practice humility by focusing on Jesus' glory rather than seeking personal recognition.
- Commit daily to dying to self so that Christ can reign more fully in your life.