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John’s preaching led many to see their sin clearly–and to see their Savior clearly too. May the same be said of ours.

BibleGateway: Matthew 3:1-12

ESV Text: Matthew 3:1-12


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:0 and ends at about 1:47

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     1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

     7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 63:
On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

— Organ Audio

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1. On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry 
Announces that the Lord is nigh; 
Come, then, and hearken, for he brings 
Glad tidings from the King of kings. 

2. Then cleansed be every Christian breast 
And furnished for so great a Guest. 
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare 
For Christ to come and enter there. 

3. For Thou art our Salvation, Lord, 
Our Refuge, and our great Reward. 
Without Thy grace our souls must fade 
And wither like a flower decayed. 

4. Lay on the sick Thy healing hand 
And make the fallen strong to stand; 
Show us the glory of Thy face 
Till beauty springs in every place. 

5. All praise, eternal Son, to Thee 
Whose advent sets Thy people free, 
Whom, with the Father, we adore 
And Holy Ghost forevermore.