<TITLE>07. Par 22-25</TITLE>L-22 The reason that John was so concerned, is because he was convinced that the approaching time of the Messiah was at hand, because in the wilderness he had been told that he was to introduce this Messiah. And he was perfectly convinced that he was right, and was right on time. I like that. See?
If you're--know that you're perfectly convinced, then you're concerned about what you're talking about. How can a man preach the Gospel who's not really convinced that he's absolutely got the Truth? How could you do that? But when you are convinced that you know... And how can you be convinced, if it's not according to the Scripture? You must be convinced, and then you're concerned. That's what makes a--you concerned is because you are convinced.

L-23 He knew his time was at hand, and he knowed that his message was to preach repentance. And so, he was convinced, and therefore he was concerned of getting out his message before the appearing of the Messiah. Now, he wasn't concerned (John wasn't) in big buildings, or educational programs, which is all right. They had them. They had man who were taking care of that. They had the priest, and the rabbis, and the builders, and the intellectuals of that day. They could take care of that.
But to John, he was convinced that the Messiah was somewhere then, right there on earth. And he was convinced that they must repent and make straight the way for His coming. So he was concerned of getting out the message.

L-24 That ought to be the... If we believe of the coming Messiah is at hand, I think we ought to lay aside everything else, and be concerned of getting this message to the lands yonder as fast as you can do it. That's right. If we are convinced. But we preach that there's coming a Messiah and want to put a hundred million dollars in a building. And if the Messiah's coming, what good's that going to do? If we believe it...
See, the very... Our testimony, our action speaks louder than our words does. If I had a hundred million dollars, and I believed the Messiah is coming, I would support a missionary program that would sweep around the country right quick, and get a church ready for Him. I would do it. Therefore, I am convinced that the Messiah is coming soon, and I'm concerned about the Gospel getting everywhere that I can, and know that it can be gotten.
I'm interested in missionary programs. That's why I'm here tonight, to put my words of the Gospel with Brother Joseph, and these other missionaries; is to see that this Word gets out, 'cause it's got to go to every kindred, tribe, and nation before He comes. And He's waiting now for that. I don't believe His program's building buildings, or educational affairs in the church. I believe it's to get the Gospel there, for He's waiting for it. It's time past due. I believe this is the time to do it.

L-25 John knew it was time to be--to repent, ask repentance, and to make ready for a Messiah. And if it was time for repentance then, what about now? His coming was near. He was with them then. Now, look how close... Let's parallel this for just a moment now.
John was so sure that the Messiah's appearing was so close, or His coming was so close, that he said, "There's One standing among you now... There's One among you now that you know not, and He's the One that's going to baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire." Now, John didn't know Him as yet, but he knowed His coming was so close that He was already in the midst of the people.


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