Sermon Text: Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon Excerpt
I begin with a question that has likely never been asked in this sanctuary before during a service or worship. It isn’t the kind of rhetorical question I typically include in my preaching. It will likely surprise you and may even disturb you. Nevertheless I must ask it: has anyone ever tried to scare the hell out of you?
During my years in Dallas there was an annual event focused on just such a goal. Of course, the organizers marketed it a bit differently. Named “Hell House,” the event started in 1991 as a ministry of Trinity Church – an Assemblies of God congregation – just outside of Dallas. It became so successful that other hell houses are now commonplace around the country each Halloween.
Each year over 10,000 people make their way through the original Hell House. The experience is intended . . (read the full manuscript)
So What?
Advent is about preparing. It is a time to get ready. This morning’s Gospel lesson reminds us that repentance should be a part of that process. What other challenging items are on your “to do” list as you continue on the Advent journey?