Matthew 3:2-8

"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...."

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

"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...."

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

"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..."

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

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.