Preparing for Christ Archives - Roland Park Presbyterian Church https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/tag/preparing-for-christ/ A warm, welcoming community of faith in Northern Baltimore City Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:37:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sermon Discussion Guide: Voices of Advent: John the Baptist https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/sermon-discussion-guide-voices-of-advent-john-the-baptist/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:37:06 +0000 https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/?p=8853 This week’s guide helps you reflect on John the Baptist’s role in Advent and in your own life. Explore questions around spiritual readiness, prophetic truth, and deep hope. Perfect for individuals, families, or small groups journeying through this sacred season together.

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]]> Scripture: Mark 1:1-8
Main Themes: Advent preparation, prophetic voice, repentance and hope, spiritual honesty, speaking truth, making space for Christ

Discussion Questions:

  1. Preparing the Way
  • In what ways is Advent like the quiet morning before a great feast? How might slowing down and reflecting help prepare your heart for the coming of Christ?
  • What practices—spiritual or otherwise—help you enter into the kind of preparation John the Baptist calls for?
  1. John’s Voice in the Wilderness
  • John the Baptist is described as a disruptive voice calling people to honesty and change. Where do you hear modern echoes of that prophetic voice?
  • What voices today are calling attention to injustice or spiritual complacency? How might God be calling you to be a truth-teller?
  1. Hope and Honesty
  • The sermon reminds us that Advent allows space to say, “It’s okay not to be okay.” What does that mean for your life right now?
  • Who are the “hope bearers” in your life—those who carry light in dark times? How can you become a hope bearer for someone else this season?
  1. Repentance as Readiness
  • John’s message of repentance isn’t about shame but about readiness. How do confession and truth-telling make space for grace and growth?
  • What is one small step you can take this week to “make straight” a path for God in your life?
  1. Being Voices of Advent
  • The Advent season reminds us to use our voices rather than remain silent. What truth do you feel called to speak right now?
  • As a church community, how can we be a prophetic voice—like John—helping prepare the world for love, justice, and the coming of Christ?

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