Forerunner Ministry & Lifestyle

School of Worship & Intercession
Forerunner Ministry & Lifestyle Johann Williamson

I.
WHO/WHAT IS A FORERUNNER?
A. We can take the direct definition - [the Random House Dictionary]
1. An omen, sign, or indication of something to follow; portent.
2. A person who goes or is sent in advance to announce the coming of someone or
something that follows; herald; harbinger.
B. Two things are highlighted or implied in these definitions:
1. Forerunners are signs of that which is coming. The fact that forerunners are now
beginning to arise in the earth is an indication of Jesus imminent return.
2. Forerunners are sent by/for whoever is coming after. Forerunners are called and
set ablaze by Jesus Himself as he sends forth his message to the lovesick hearts of
believers.
C. Another approach is taking the implied meaning from the parts of the word itself:
1. Fore: speaks to something that precedes (comes before)
2. Runner: refers to one who runs with a message
D. Mark 1:1-8. The role of the forerunner is an integral part of the message of Christ
himself. The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ
II.
THE FORERUNNER OF THE FIRST AND SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

PROPHESIED
A. Most of the prophecies of Christ coming reference both His first and second coming.
B. There is often a seamless but clear transition from first to second coming [the Day
of the Lord]. This is made clear by the references to All peoples/the whole earth [the
scale at which End-time events will occur], the glory or power of the Lord [signs in
the heavens & earth particular to the End-Times], or the Great and Terrible Day of
the Lord [the manifestation of fearsome judgment upon the earth].
1. Isa 40:3-5 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be exalted
and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight
and the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh
shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (emphasis added)
2. Mal 3:1 [NIV] "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then
suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the
covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty (emphasis added)
3. Mal 4:5 [NIV] 5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the
great and dreadful day of the Lord. (emphasis added)
III.
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND THE FORERUNNERS OF THE FIRST COMING

A. Jesus speaks clearly of John the Baptist as his first-coming forerunner
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[Lk 7:27; Mal 3:1]
B. Though John the Baptist was the very one prophesied, there were other persons of
like mind who also functioned as forerunners. Luke 1-3 seems to be an account of
the forerunner company.
1. Zechariah and Elizabeth were likely chosen because they were not just a priestly
couple but also those who were eagerly waiting for the Messiah and praying for His
coming. The Spirit of prophesy that manifested in Elizabeth [Lk 1:41-45] and
Zechariah [Lk 1:67-79] may well suggest that their lives were spent in hopeful
expectation, so much so that the Lord sent the testimony of Jesus [Rev 19:10] to
speak through these willing vessels.
2. Simeon is clearly depicted as being a forerunner [Lk 2:25-35]. His character was
godly, his constant hope (and likely prayer) was for the Messiah to come, and when
he had seen the Messiah his life purpose was fulfilled. This is similar to Johns own
testimony of now this joy of mine is fulfilled
3. Anna also lived an extraordinary forerunner life [Lk 2:36-38] of remaining before the
Lord, praying and fasting and awaiting Jesus coming, and telling ALL THOSE who
were also waiting for His coming (The rest of the forerunner company)
IV.
[The spirit of] Elijah and the Forerunners to the Second Coming
Mal 4:5 [NIV] 5Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of
the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (emphasis added)
A. Though Jesus mentioned Elijah in reference to John, there is an interesting dynamic
between Jesus reference [Matt 11:14] and Johns own reply [Jn 1:21]. Jesus
phrasing of if you are willing to receive it and Johns own understanding that he
was not the one suggest there likely was a partial manifestation of the Spirit of
Elijah upon John at that time. The full manifestation is yet to come.
B. The references in Malachi 3 & 4 refer very clearly to the Second Coming of Christ
not just the first. Therefore the fullness of the spirit of Elijah and his 3-fold ministry
of signs & miracles, prophetic visions & dreams, and his anointed preaching, will be
released
in
the
generation
of
the
Lords
return.
C. Just as there was a forerunner [John the Baptist] company in Johns time, so too
there will be an Elijah company that prepares the nations when the Lord sends
Elijah.
1. There is a call for those who would live the lifestyle of John, Anna, Simeon and all
those who were waiting for His coming.
2. These are they who will proclaim ahead of time what is coming.
3. The word speaks of those who are longing for his return [2Tim 4:8, Matt 25]
4. The word speaks of the watchmen who will not keep silent day or night until endtime events occur [Isa 62:6-7]; these are the forerunners with the message of Elijah,
doing as he did in his time and as John did in his.

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D. It is even thought that the fullness of the spirit and power of Elijah that was upon
John [Lk 1:15-17] at Jesus first coming will be sent in Elijah himself as the Second
Coming of Christ approaches. But whether or not it is literally Elijah, or the spirit and
power of Elijah being referenced, the scripture clearly links that anointing with the
great and terrible Day of the Lord the Second Coming of Christ. [Mal 4:5]
V.
FORERUNNERS OF THE FIRST COMING

FORERUNNERS TO THE SECOND COMING
AS
PATTERN
OF
A. John the Baptist and Anna in the temple are primary examples of what the
forerunner life entails.
1. John lived a life of voluntary weakness in the wilderness. He lived the fasted lifestyle
before the Lord, studied prophetic scripture ardently and proclaimed boldly that
which the Lord revealed to him and the message of the coming of the Lord.
2. Anna was a biblical prophetess. She moved in dreams & visions, and likely signs &
wonders. She never departed from the presence of the Lord but served the Lord
with fasting and prayer day and night! Finally, she boldly proclaimed her message
to all those who were waiting for the Lord.
VI.
WHY FORERUNNERS: THE NEED OF THIS HOUR
A. Above all, forerunners prepare themselves to prepare others for the Coming of
Christ.
B. God is sovereign, and still He has so humbled Himself as to make aspects of His
plan/desire contingent upon us.
1. Ezek. 22:30 [NKJV] 30So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and
stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I
found no one. 31Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have
consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on
their
own
heads,"
says
the
Lord
God.
2. Matt 24:14 [NIV] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as
a
witness
to
all
the
nations,
and
then
the
end
will
come.
3. Rev 5:8 & 8:3-5 speak of the golden bowls filled with the prayers of the saints,
thrown onto the earth in judgment: we must fill the bowls for Him to release the
judgments.
4. God has sovereignly set up watchmen, intercessors and worshipers to precede and
establish
His
kingdom
purposes
on
earth.
C. God will arise in the earth in response to the new song: it is forerunners that must
hear and teach His Bride globally this new song of praise and loving adoration.

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1. Ps 40:5 [NIV] He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see
it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.
2. Isa 42:10-13 [NIV] speaks of the Lord rising after the new song is sung. [42:1-10]
shows that the new song arises because the people behold Jesus.
3. Isa 24:14-17 [NIV] shows the new song bringing the revelation of Jesus fearsome
presence!
D. Christ is coming to a spotless Bride: the forerunner will be part of the means of
purifying.
Forerunners
prepare
themselves
to
prepare
the
Bride.
1. She must be washed [Eph 5:25-27]
2. So John/the Forerunner came preaching a new message from the heart of God: a
message of repentance, purification and zealous love [Mark 1:1-4]
3. The promised messenger of Mal 3 would be the precursors to the refiners fire and
launderers soap. That the Lords people would be able to stand in the Day of the
Lord.
E. The Bride will call and the groom will answer: forerunners prepare her heart to call
out to and long for her Bridegroom!
1. Rev 22:17 The Bride calls out and [22:20] Jesus answers
2. Rom 10:14-15 [NIV] How then can they call on the one they have not believed in
and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
3. Isa 40:1-3 shows the Lord using His servant the Forerunner to comfort His people.
F. That the Lamb receives the reward of His suffering!! May the longing of His heart be
satisfied! [Jn 17:24]. Truly Jesus is worthy of extravagant devotion!
VII.
THE FORERUNNER CALL. HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?

A.
The forerunners to the first coming of Christ
give us a clear example of both the purpose and the lifestyle of a
forerunner.
From
their
lives
we
are
challenged
to:
1.
Follow the example. John the
Baptist and Anna serve as the clearest references to
forerunners at the time of Jesus first coming and patterns for
us before His second coming. Their message and lifestyle
were directly and indirectly described in the gospels.
2.
Yoke ourselves to the Spirit
of prophecy. There was also a pronounced linking of the
Spirit of prophecy with the anointing of the forerunner; in
John the Baptist and Anna the Prophetess; also in Mary,
Elizabeth, Zechariah and Simeon; and the prophets of old
who spoke of messengers before the Lord appears. Truly, the
testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy [Rev 19:10].

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VIII.
i.
Lessons from the life of John the Baptist and Anna the Prophetess:
the Forerunner Message
Forerunners have a clear message to deliver: the message of the coming of Christ
and the events surrounding it; and the display of the heart of God.
1. Johns message was 2-fold: knew and spoke of (the signs of) the times, and he
challenged the immorality and godlessness prevailing in the time leading up to
Jesus appearing, even that which was present in the standard of the religious
establishment.
a. John the Baptists message was repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand [Matt
3:1-2] and declared fearlessly to the Pharisees You brood of vipers! Who warned
you to flee from the coming wrath?
b. John was familiar with the prophetic scriptures, being led by the Spirit even into his
own identity according to prophecy [Jn. 1:22-23] and likely identifying the
imminence of Christs coming by what was prophesied regarding the season. Jesus
even reassured John not by a direct answer to are you the One but by quoting
prophetic scripture. He met John at a familiar place.
c. John also came with a new message of baptism and confession for the forgiveness
of sin. [Mark 1:4] Challenging the previous paradigm of (empty) sacrifices. He saw
what Hosea the Prophet saw as he proclaimed I desire mercy, not sacrifice. [Hos.
6:6] and David (another prophetic messenger) as he proclaimed the sacrifices of
God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart
d. John was tender to those who were open to the Lord so they even rejoiced for a time
in his light [Jn. 5:32-35] and forcefully bold with those who were against the Lord. He
preached redemption to the people and woe to the Pharisees and to Herod, and so
being persecuted and losing even his life for righteousness sake.
2. Anna the prophetess is sometimes referred to as the first evangelist. Long before
John came preaching she gave thanks to God for Jesus coming and spoke of Him to
all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (through the
Messiah). She lived a prophetic life before the Lord and was able to immediately
recognize the child as the Christ. Indeed it is likely that over her 60+ years of total
devotion to the Lord she was able to watch as the signs borne out in prophetic
scriptures
manifested:
when
Christ
came
she
was
ready.
3. Jesus himself chastised the Pharisees and Sadducees for being able to tell the
natural seasons but not the signs of the times, then went on to challenge their
heart posture towards God [Matt 16:1-3]. The people of God, and particularly
forerunners, must be aware and speak of the signs and events surrounding the
Lords return [End-Times as laid out in scripture], and humbly challenge ungodliness
and ideas that misrepresent Gods heart. This is the message of the Forerunner.
4. For further dynamics of the purpose of the message and ministry of the forerunner
see heading VI: Why forerunners: the need of this hour.

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IX.
Lessons from the life of John the Baptist and Anna the Prophetess:
the Forerunner Lifestyle
i.
The lives of these God-chasers as recorded in scripture [ ] paints a picture of a setapart lifestyle. These were hearts extravagantly devoted to God, lives of worship,
prayer & fasting, anointed preaching and evangelism; and above all showing forth
the heart of God.
ii.
From these exemplary messengers, and referencing basic tenets of scripture, we

derive seven (7) basic commitments that comprehensively (though not
exhaustively) outline the forerunner lifestyle.
1. Pray Daily: Prayer is firstly about intimacy with God. Daily we commit to
strengthening this closeness with the Lover of our souls.
a. We must establish a close relationship with God and live from this place of intimacy.
Jesus Himself lived this way. [1 Thess. 5:17; Lk 2:37; 6:12; Ps 145:18-19; 1Chron
16:10-11]
b. From this place intercession is simply partnering with Gods heart concerning issues
in the earth and what we declare comes to pass [Job 22:25-30]
c. As Forerunners are called to stand on the walls and to prepare the bride we must
be vigilant in being before the Lord and speaking His kingdom into the earth: we
pray thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; and join and
keep watch with Jesus [Lk 18:1-8; Is 62:6-7; 56:7; Matt 26:40-41]
d. Here at JaHOP, intercession is primarily for the heart of God concerning the Church
(and ministries) as well as the nations of Jamaica & Israel.
2. Fast Weekly: Fasting serves the core purpose of opening our hearts to receive
more from God: we deny our physical self so our spirit can gain ascendency.
a. Forerunners, like John and Anna serve the Lord with fasting we LIVE in the place
of yearning for more and more of Gods Spirit and presence and power. David spoke
of fasting as a result of zeal for Gods house. [Matt 11:18; Lk 2:37; Ps 69:10]
b. Jesus himself used a contrast to suggest that fasting opens us to feed our souls on
the words from Gods mouth. Fasting also opens us to the release of Gods power
into our lives for His work. [Matt 4:4; Lk 4:1-2,14]
c. Jesus himself said when you fast and spoke of a fast that will come from
longing for the bridegroom, for him. [Matt 6:16-18; 9:15]
d. This ministry suggests fasting at least one day per week. This again facilitates
greater intimacy as our hearts grow in longing for the Bridegroom.
3. Do Justly: We must bear good fruit; this is the result of the Spirit living within us.
a. John warned of it; Isaiah, Amos and Micah prophesied of it; James admonished us
about it. Jesus passion is justice: to make the wrong things right, this is the heart of
the Father as well. [Matt 3:8,10;Micah 6:8; Isa 58:6-10; Amos 5:23-24; Jas 1:27; Ps
89:14-15; Jer 9:24;]
b. We who love him must love what he loves and show forth righteousness by
committing to do works of justice in His name. John mentions that to love God is
wrapped up in doing what He says. James speaks of faith being linked with deeds.

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[ 1Jn 5:3; Jas 2:14-17]
c. Indeed Jesus said as long as it is day (while there is still time to prepare the way and
prepare the Bride) we must do the works of the Father. [John 9:4]
d. By our righteous acts flowing from the heart of God, those who are saved are
beautified
and
blessed.
[Rev
19:8;
22:14]
4. Give Extravagantly: the essence of the forerunner life and call is cultivating a
heart of love and devotion for God and from there to be able to bring His kingdom.
Giving extravagantly is yet another way that God uses to stir our hearts toward Him.
a. Its impact on the heart is deep and begins immediately with our decision to pour
our love upon Him.
b. Jesus watches and takes notice, it moves His heart! John (and Anna) gave their
whole lives, for that very reason Jesus calls John a burning and shining lamp; Mary
of Bethany gave her whole heart and her whole inheritance and it moved Jesus
himself to come to her defense as the very disciples criticized her extravagance.
[Mk 12:41-44; Jn 12:3-8; Matt 26:7-13]
c. Additionally giving advances the work of God upon the earth God blesses us for
the sake of His fame. [Ps 67:1-2; Deut 8:18]
d. God rewards us by blessing us in return and by strengthening our love and
excitement for him. It stirs our hearts as we see that God takes notice, and even
challenges us to test Him in this [Mal 3:10]. David said he would not offer unto God
offerings that cost him nothing. Will you? [2Sam 24:23-24]
5. Live Holy: holiness is more than moral purity; holy means different from
everything else or more clearly what God is like. So to live holy involves pursuing
a life of choosing God rather than sin, but it means so much more: it means being
like God in every way.
a. God says be holy because I am holy [1Pet 1:15-16]. God is the blessed, joyous,
content God; the source of all that is good and pleasant in the universe: He is not
calling you to the drudgery of duty; He is calling you to dive into the superior
pleasures of who He is. [Ps 16:11; 27:4; 37:4; Lk 10:41-42; Rom 14:17]
b. This is a work of the Holy Spirit upon a heart that is pursuing intimacy with God.
Paul says to the Corinthian church that when we behold the Lord we become like
Him. His Spirit brings freedom. [2Cor 3:17-18; 4:6; ]
c. Fasting, prayer and giving facilitate this closeness.
d. In response to His loving leadership let us give ourselves to pursuing total (and
early) obedience. He makes it possible. [1Jn 5:2-4]
e. What better for a Forerunner than to live in the place and pursuit of intimacy; and
what better way to display Gods heart than to be changed to look like Him from this
place?
6. Lead Diligently: Jesus said to go and make disciples. Our love for God will not stop
at serving Him; it extends from the place of intimacy to touch the hearts of others.
a. For His glory we set out hearts to mentor and encourage in the ways of pursuing the
heart of God; knowing that he is indeed with us as we go. [Matt 28:18]
b. As part of preparing the way John gained and mentored disciples and pointed them
to the Lamb of God. [Jn. 1:35-37]
c. As we lead we escape the trap of going it alone and hoping to do the work of God

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ourselves. We glorify Him together. [Eph 2:19-22]
d. As we lead and make disciples we help to bring to fullness and perfection the
Body/Bride that will call longingly for Jesus [Rom 12:6-8, 11; Col 1:22-23; 1Tim 4:1116]
e. The Lord takes notice of our stewardship and rewards our heart for Him. [Matt
25:21;
2
Tim
4:7-8]
7. Speak Boldly: Forerunners are sent by the one they represent and they look like
the one they represent. Jesus himself is called the faithful and true witness, and so
must we be as well.
a. He is called the way, the truth, and the life. He spoke everything that the Father told
him to. His speaking was biblical, clear, bold, tender and humble. We too must
operate in this way. [Rev 1:5; Jn. 14:6; 12:49; Acts 14:3]
b. Paul said to the church in Rome, how can they believe when they havent heard?
Like John the Baptist, speaking tenderly to the people and boldly (with HUMILITY) to
those who opposed Christ so too we must be committed to preparing the way of the
Lord by burning with His message. [Rom 10:14,17; Jn. 5:32-35]
c. Preparing the way addresses speaking forth for salvation, exposing lies, challenging
immorality, proclaiming by the Spirit of prophecy, and understanding Gods
judgments and End-Time plans/events surrounding His coming. [Mk 1:2-4;
Matt 14:3-4; Rev 19:10; 2Thes 2:5, 8]
d. The courage and drive to speak boldly, and the heart posture to do so with Christs
humility each come from the place of deep intimacy with God. Let the voice of the
Forerunners arise! [Phil2:3-5, Jas 3:17]
X.
The Forerunner Commitment: Will you live your life as one preparing
the way?
i.
We are all in some way called to be forerunners, every one of us is called to long for
His appearing and promised rewards for it [Heb 10:35-37; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Phil 3:20].
Were all called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us [Jud 1:3] and
to spur one another on to good works as we see His Day approaching [Heb 10:2425].
ii.
Wont you take this invitation to count the cost [Lk 9:23-26; 14:25-34], and
prayerfully commit to being led by the Lord into the wilderness [Mk 1:1-3; Lk 4:1], to
sweetly hear His voice [Hos. 2:14] and arise to run with all your heart for Him [Lk
1:80; 4:14]? Commit to a season of prayer, and allow the Lord to assure you that
though it seems daunting He Himself will do the work in you for His glory. Indeed, it
is not by might, nor power, but by His Spirit says the Lord. [Zech 4:6]
iii.
LET THE FORERUNNERS ARISE!!

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