Zechariah’s Story of Grace

Preface

Preaching is one of my favorite forms of teaching. I love meditating on a passage and trying to discern the best way to communicate what God has said.

I think there is something unique about preaching on a Sunday morning: the whole congregation gathered to sit under the Word together. I don’t see it as an optional activity—even though it may look different in different cultures and circumstances. When we listen to the Bible as a church family, we are united and refreshed.

Typically, I don’t share my sermons. I make them available for those who are interested, but I normally don’t draw attention to them. This is for at least two related reasons: first, my primary concern when preaching is the people in the room. Second, I don’t want to be tempted to promote myself.

That being said, now that I am investing more of my time in creating and sharing educational resources, it seems right to me to share these sermons as educational resources, too. Unlike some of my other efforts and interests, these are hyper-focused on Scripture, and any opportunity I can get to point people to the Word, I want to take.

Luke 1: Zechariah’s Story

This sermon was delivered on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, as we begin to turn our attention to Christmas. I was drawn to the story in Luke 1 where God prepares the way for John the Baptist—not a story I’m used to hearing around the holidays.

Big idea: The way in which God brought John the Baptist into the world indicates the exceptional ministry he would have in preparing the way for Jesus Christ.

Outline:

1. God prepares the way for His work
2. God’s work calls us to respond in faith
3. God’s grace includes the weak in His work

Special thanks to Pastor Mike McCrumb for sharing his pulpit with me and the warm welcome of the people there at Delton Community Church.