OCTOBER 16 Mon.

Solve the Problems of Sin, Curses, and Disasters

John 1:19~34 / The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (29)

Hymn #252 What Can Wash Away My Sin (Unified Hymn 184)

People fell into disasters. That situation had to be solved. For that purpose, God used John the Baptist who gained the complete answer through the Gospel and enjoyed its power. This is the kind of person who'll save everything. The baptism given by John the Baptist was a sign of getting rid of "Original Sin," curses, and disasters. In that age, there were three major crises. First was Rome that only caused wars. Second was Israel that had become colonized. Finally, it was the system of 237 slavery created by Rome. Here, John the Baptist was influential in preventing these from taking place further. The people asked John the Baptist if he was the Messiah. He simply told them that he came to prepare the way for the Messiah and to make known that Jesus was the Christ. Even Jesus said, "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist," (Matthew 11:11) and added, "Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." What was that reason?

1. He was the Witness Who Prepared the Future
Israel was destroyed in AD 70. In AD 79, Pompeii was obliterated, and in AD 313, Rome was evangelized. Just by thinking that everything concluded with Christ, works will undoubtedly arise.

2. He Was the One Who Had to Go on the Way
John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord. You must go on the path of the world. John the Baptist called Jesus the "Lamb of God," and you're the one who'll proclaim Christ the King of kings and the Lord of lords. John the Baptist baptized with water, but you are a messenger who'll relay the baptism of fire and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

3. He Was the One Who Would Change Culture
Although John the Baptist was a priest, you are a priest of all people. John the Baptist just preached the Gospel solely to Israel; However, through the Gospel, you'll make a spiritual culture and accomplish world evangelization.

John the Baptist said that he wasn't worthy to untie the straps of Christ's sandals. He knew exactly who Jesus Christ was. You must first pray in the name of Jesus Christ and experience the receiving of answers. Only then can you give the posterity the answer that defeats darkness.

Gospel Memory Verse [Mark 11:24]
Bible Re Bible Reading [2 Thessalonians 1:1-12]

[Covenantal Prayer] Dear God, today and this week, may I see the evidence of the power of Christ appear in the most problematic places. Please grant me the grace to start anew. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.