Matthew 3:1-12

"But when [John the Baptizer] saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. "You brood of snakes!" he exclaimed...."

"In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the..."

"[John the Baptizer said,] "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am —...."

"In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.""

"The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John [the Baptist] when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's..."

"People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John [the Baptist]. And when they confessed their...."

"It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note...."

"[John the Baptizer:] "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much....."

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 3:2 -- [In those days John the Baptist came...] saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

What needs to be forced out of your heart? Mike Barres talks about burning wood and the fire forcing out the moisture so it can burn brighter and longer.

Are you dead enough to catch on fire? Mike Barres challenges us to die to self so we can catch fire with the Spirit of the Lord.

Jesus said this was the right thing for him to do! James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of an important reason to be baptized: not only was Jesus baptized, he also said it was the right thing to do and called on all his disciples to be baptized and baptizers.