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“The Axe At the Root of the Tree . . . Cut It Down!”

10/31/2015

 
Introduction.  God began preparing the human race for the coming of His Son shortly after the creation as a promise to Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15). God continued adding details as He developed His “eternal purpose” (Eph. 3:8-11).
 
God’s Wonderful Promise of a Messiah.  When God called Abraham and started the nation of Israel, He promised through his seed to bless all nations (Gen. 12:1-3). Moses revealed the Messiah would be another lawgiver like him (Deut. 18:15-18). David, after God’s own heart, was promised his seed would be a king who would reign forever. Long after Melchizedek ministered to Abraham, God swore an oath He would make His Messiah both king and priest on His throne (Ps. 110; Heb. 7). Isaiah revealed Him as a servant who would suffer and die for our sins (Isa. 53).
 
The Messenger Sent to Prepare.  His coming and work were so important God promised to send someone to prepare people for Him. I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.” “I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming” (Mal. 3:1; 4:5).  I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare your way before you.’” (Lk. 7:26-27 Isa. 40:3-5).  This was fulfilled by John the Baptist.  His success was great! Matthew said “Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him” (3:5-6). Luke stated “the multitudes came out to be baptized by him.”
A Parable of Repentance and Fruit.  John’s preparation for Jesus consisted of warning them of “the wrath to come” and demanding “fruits worthy of repentance.” These “fruits” were necessary to escape that “wrath.” John gave a parable for all to remember: “the axe is already laid at the root of the trees” and “every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Lk. 3:7-9). This axe is still there. Death will come suddenly and without warning and if there are no “fruits worthy of repentance” we will “die in our sins” (Lk. 13:3) and face the “wrath to com

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    Alan Hitchen

    Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career.  He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa.

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