1. Encountering Jesus “Joy Comes By Fulfilling Our Purpose.”

2. The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Luke 1:19-20 (NIV)

3. Lessons from Jesus’ Encounter with John the Baptist: 1.Doing What God Has Called You To Do Is Worth It

4. “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness,’ Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” John 3:1-3 (NIV)

6. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ John 1:29-31 (NIV)

7. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Genesis 22:7-8 (NIV)

8. I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John 1:31 (NIV)

9. “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John... As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. Matthew 3:13,16-17 (NIV)

10. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13,16-17 (NIV)

11. Lessons from Jesus’ Encounter with John the Baptist: 1.Doing What God Has Called You To Do Is Worth It 2.To Receive Joy from God, We Must Let Go of What We’re Holding Onto 1.Doing What God Has Called You To Do Is Worth It 2.To Receive Joy from God, We Must Let Go of What We’re Holding Onto

12. To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ John 3:27-28 (NIV)

13. “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. John 3:29 (NIV)

14. Lessons from Jesus’ Encounter with John the Baptist: 1.Doing What God Has Called You To Do Is Worth It 2.To Receive Joy from God, We Must Let Go of What We’re Holding Onto 3.The More We Participate in the Kingdom of God the More Joy We Have 1.Doing What God Has Called You To Do Is Worth It 2.To Receive Joy from God, We Must Let Go of What We’re Holding Onto 3.The More We Participate in the Kingdom of God the More Joy We Have

15. “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV)

16. Encountering Jesus “Joy Comes By Fulfilling Our Purpose.” “Joy Comes By Fulfilling Our Purpose.”