God's Son Has Come

Matt.3:1-17
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
I stand reminded of the blessing of a humble and Spirit filled human being every time I hear my pastor preach. I realize that all pastors are not speaking the whole truth of the Lord. My pastor is so humble before the Lord, in his manner before his flock and takes great care to speak the whole truth. Today's lesson was on repentance and resolutions. It was taken from Matthew 3:1-17 and it highlights John the Baptist and how his ministry prepared the way for Jesus. John the Baptist was a humble servant who prophesied boldly, lived simply and baptized openly. The message he brought was that God's Son is here to save the repentant sinner and that judgement is coming for those who turn away from Christ!
Repent: Salvation is here, damnation is near!
Repentant sinner: confession (admission of sin)
                           : contrition (sorrow over sin)
                           : conversion (turn from sin)
Renounce your self dependence! Salvation is not dependent upon heritage, your righteousness, or your worldly accomplishments! Rely on the mercy of God! He is Savior king, He will transform your hearts and purify your lives! He is the righteous judge, His wrath is imminent, and his punishment is eternal! If you have given your heart to Christ, you must be baptized. The bible clearly show us that baptism is what God expects from His servants. Christ, by example, identifying with sinners and showing us the picture of salvation by his death and resurrection, in obedience to His Father's Word, was baptized. The Spirit anoints, that is to say, He sets us free by the power of His salvation! Jesus is God's beloved Son and our suffering Servant!  It is with a heart of love that I tell you that today is the day of salvation. Someone reading this may not have a tomorrow. Trust Christ today.
Lord, by Your power and for Your glory. Amen
Ps.2:6-8
6 "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.Is.42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.