Prepare the Way for the Lord

Matthew 3:1-3 - "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ³ 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.’”

The ministry of John the baptist was to prepare the way for the Lord. This is now the ministry of the church today. Even as John prepared the way for the Lord's first coming, we are to prepare the way for His second coming. We are to preach the same message as John, repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. We are to seek to put people on the straight and narrow path of the Lord. 

Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

The end is dependent on our obedience. It is dependent on us preaching the gospel. It is dependent on us being witnesses for Him.

2 Peter 3:9 - " The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God doesn't want anyone to perish. This why he has not yet come back for His church. His coming is dependent on us, the church. We can accelerate His coming or slow His coming. He will only come when every nation has heard the good news of the kingdom. Nation in Greek is "ethnos" or an ethnic group. It is only when every ethnic group has a viable witness that Christ will come.