Preacher — Part 1: Called to Prepare the Way
Scripture: Luke 3:1–6 (NKJV) Series: Preacher, Part 1 of 3 Lily Baptist Church | Tarrant, Alabama
Series Introduction
What does it mean to preach? What does it take to preach? Who has been called to preach? In this series, we will learn from the life and ministry of John the Baptist, a preacher whose calling, message, and purpose prepared people to receive Jesus Christ.
This first message teaches that preaching is not limited to the pulpit. While God calls certain people to vocational ministry, every believer has a responsibility to proclaim the good news through words, actions, and a life that points others to Christ.
Our 2026 Vision: All Things New
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV
Declaration: “I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”
As we pursue our vision, we are challenged to Believe, Belong, and Become. We believe by trusting God and responding to Him in worship. We belong by honoring God, ourselves, and others while creating an environment for healing. We become by representing God everywhere, being the light in the room, and living as ambassadors for Christ.
Main Scripture: Luke 3:1–6
The passage places John the Baptist’s ministry in a specific historical setting. While political rulers governed the region and Annas and Caiaphas served as high priests, the word of God came to John in the wilderness. John then went throughout the Jordan region preaching repentance and preparing the way for the Lord, fulfilling the words of Isaiah.
Pasted text.txt
The central message of this sermon is that God calls us, gives us good news to proclaim, and uses our lives to prepare others to receive Jesus Christ.
1. Preachers Are Called
Scripture: Luke 3:2 (NKJV)
“while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.”
John’s ministry began with a word from God. He did not appoint himself to be a prophet; God called him and gave him a message to deliver. Throughout Scripture, God calls people into specific ministry assignments. Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me.” Ezekiel was commissioned to speak to Israel. Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet before his birth, and Amos was called from tending flocks to proclaim God’s word.
Pasted text.txt
Supporting Scriptures
Isaiah 6:8–9 (NKJV)
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’ And He said, ‘Go, and tell this people: “Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.”’”
Ezekiel 2:1–3 (NKJV)
“And He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.’ Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me. And He said to me: ‘Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.’”
Jeremiah 1:4–5 (NKJV)
“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’”
Amos 7:14–15 (NKJV)
“Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: ‘I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, “Go, prophesy to My people Israel.”’”
The Call to Vocational Ministry
Pastor Manuel shared that his own call came through a series of dreams and visions and was ultimately confirmed when someone who did not know him spoke God’s words into his spirit. After acknowledging the call, he had to discern which ministry gifts God had given him. The church recognizes that God calls and equips people for particular offices and responsibilities in ministry.
Pasted text.txt
Ephesians 4:11–12 (NKJV)
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,”
These ministry gifts exist to equip the saints. The distinction is important: not every believer is called to stand in a pulpit, but every believer is called to participate in the ministry of the church.
Every Believer Has a Calling
Our calling as believers is to proclaim the good news of the kingdom and represent Christ in the world. God has entrusted the church with the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17–19 (NKJV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
Reconciliation means that God restores our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Sin has separated us from God, but Christ makes restoration possible. The church’s responsibility is to introduce people to Jesus and share the message of reconciliation.
Pasted text.txt
Declaration: “I’m a reconciler!”
Additional Callings of Every Believer
Ambassadors for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV): “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
We represent Christ and carry His message into the world.
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13–16 (NKJV): Jesus calls His disciples the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Our good works should lead others to glorify our Father in heaven.
We are called to make a positive difference wherever God places us.
Disciple Makers
Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
We help others come to Christ and grow in obedience to Him.
Witnesses
Acts 1:8 (NKJV): “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
We share what Christ has done and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between a call to vocational ministry and the calling shared by every believer?
- How have you been using your gifts, experiences, and relationships to represent Christ?
- Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation?
- What would change in your daily routine if you truly saw yourself as an ambassador for Christ?
This Week’s Challenge
Identify one person with whom you can intentionally share Christ’s love. Pray for that person, begin a meaningful conversation, and look for an opportunity to share the good news. Each morning, declare: “I’m a reconciler. I’m an ambassador. I am salt and light. I’m called to make disciples. I’m called to be a witness.”
2. Preachers Proclaim Good News
Scripture: Luke 3:3 (NKJV)
“And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,”
John the Baptist’s message was good news because it invited people to experience cleansing, repentance, and forgiveness. He was preparing people for the coming of Jesus Christ. Our message today is also good news: through Jesus, people can be forgiven, restored, and welcomed into God’s family.
Pasted text.txt
Baptism: A Picture of Cleansing, Covering, and Inclusion
John preached baptism as an outward response to repentance. Baptism points to cleansing and the new life God makes available. The sermon also connects baptism to the safety of Noah’s family in the ark and to our identification with Christ.
1 Peter 3:20–21 (NKJV)
“who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Galatians 3:27 (NKJV)
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
The good news is that Jesus offers cleansing from sin, security in His saving grace, and inclusion in God’s family. Baptism is not merely a religious ceremony; it points to the saving work of Christ and the believer’s identification with Him.
Repentance: A New Direction
Repentance involves turning, changing, and charting a new direction. Many people desire a better life but lack the spiritual power and support necessary for lasting transformation. The church has an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus and invite them into a community where they can believe, belong, and become.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin. It is a response to God that changes the direction of our lives. We turn away from what separates us from Him and turn toward the life He calls us to live.
Remission of Sins: The Gift of Forgiveness
John preached remission, or forgiveness, of sins. His message invited people to seek restoration with God. Today, we proclaim that Jesus has paid the penalty for our sins and that forgiveness is available through Him.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Salvation is a gift of grace. We do not earn it through our own efforts. We receive it through faith in Jesus Christ. The church must share this message with compassion, without making people feel that their past disqualifies them from God’s love.
Declaration: “I have good news!”
Questions for Reflection
- When you think about the gospel, do you primarily think of rules and judgment or the good news of grace and restoration? Why?
- What does genuine repentance look like in your life right now?
- How can Lily Baptist Church create an environment where people feel welcomed to seek forgiveness and a new beginning?
- Is there someone you have assumed is too far from God to change? How does the gospel challenge that assumption?
This Week’s Challenge
Practice sharing the gospel in a simple, compassionate way. Tell someone that God loves them, Jesus died and rose again for their salvation, and they can receive forgiveness and new life through faith in Him. Invite that person to worship, Bible study, or a meaningful conversation about faith. Let your words communicate hope rather than condemnation.
3. Preachers Embrace Their Purpose
Scripture: Luke 3:4–6 (NKJV)
“as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”’”
John’s purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord. His ministry had been foretold through the prophets, and his assignment was to prepare people to receive Jesus Christ.
Pasted text.txt
John’s Purpose Was Established by God
Malachi 4:5–6 (NKJV)
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
Luke 1:16–17 (NKJV)
“And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
The angel Gabriel explained that John would minister in the spirit and power of Elijah. His purpose was to turn hearts toward God and make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Every believer shares in this purpose. We may not have John’s specific assignment, but God uses us to prepare hearts to receive Jesus. Our conversations, actions, and witness can remove obstacles and help people see Christ more clearly.
Our Voices Prepare the Way
The words we speak can either build barriers or open doors for the gospel. We prepare the way when we speak life, comfort those who mourn, pray for those who are hurting, praise God for His blessings, share godly wisdom, and build genuine relationships.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Our speech should communicate grace and encourage people toward God.
Our Actions Prepare the Way
Our actions demonstrate the love of Christ before we ever speak a sermon. Helping those in need, working with excellence, showing kindness and compassion, forgiving others, and restoring broken relationships are all ways we prepare the way.
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our good works are not performed to draw attention to ourselves. They are intended to point people toward our heavenly Father.
Our Witness Prepares the Way
A Christlike attitude, spiritual growth, grace under pressure, righteousness, integrity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit all strengthen our witness. People should be able to see the difference Christ is making in our lives.
Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Our witness is not confined to Sunday morning. It is expressed at home, at work, in school, in our neighborhoods, and everywhere God places us.
God Uses Us to Prepare Hearts
The imagery of valleys being filled, mountains being brought low, crooked places being straightened, and rough ways being made smooth illustrates the transforming work of God. Through our faithful witness, God can use us to encourage the discouraged, humble the proud, guide those who have lost their way, and help people overcome obstacles to receiving Christ.
We do not have the power to save or transform anyone on our own. God does the transforming work, but He graciously allows us to participate in preparing the way.
Declaration: “I have a purpose!”
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God has a purpose for your life change the way you approach ordinary responsibilities?
- Are your words making it easier or harder for people to see Jesus?
- What obstacles might your actions or attitudes be placing in the way of someone’s faith?
- Which area of your witness needs the most growth: your words, your actions, or your attitude?
- Who might God be using you to prepare for a new relationship with Him?
This Week’s Challenge
Choose one intentional act in each of these three areas: speak a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling, perform an act of kindness for a person in need, and demonstrate Christlike character in a situation where you would normally react differently. Pray that God will use your life to prepare someone’s heart to receive Him.
Bringing the Message Together
1
Answer the Call
Recognize that God has called you to represent Christ and participate in the ministry of reconciliation.
2
Proclaim the Good News
Share the message of repentance, forgiveness, and new life through Jesus Christ with grace and compassion.
3
Embrace Your Purpose
Allow your words, actions, and witness to prepare the way for others to receive the Lord.
As we answer our call, proclaim good news, and walk in our purpose, God can use us to change the world. We are becoming who God wants us to be, and part of that becoming is helping others discover the new life available in Jesus Christ.
Personal Study and Prayer
Take time this week to read Luke 3:1–6 again. Write down the names of three people God has placed in your life who may need encouragement, reconciliation, or an invitation to know Christ. Pray for each person and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to prepare the way through your words and actions.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your work. Help me recognize my responsibility to represent Jesus Christ. Give me courage to share the good news, compassion for those who are hurting, and wisdom to prepare the way through my words, actions, and witness. Make me salt and light wherever You place me. Use my life to help others receive Your love and experience the new life You offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Invitation to New Life
God created you and loves you. Sin has separated us from Him, but His love is greater than our sin. Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again so that we might receive forgiveness and eternal life.
Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
If you are ready to place your faith in Jesus Christ, you can pray:
God, thank You for creating me and loving me. I realize I have sinned in my life and have been separated from You. I ask You to forgive me for my sins. I believe You sent Your Son Jesus to die and pay the penalty for my sins. I believe He rose from the dead according to the Bible. I confess Jesus as Lord of my life and Savior of my soul. I ask that You send Your Holy Spirit into my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer or would like to learn more about becoming part of Lily Baptist Church, please let us know by visiting the Become a Member page on our church website.
Pasted text.txt
Series declaration: “I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”