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The crowds did not understand at first what “fruits of repentance” might look like, so John showed them.

BibleGateway: Luke 3:3-14

ESV Text: Luke 3:3-14


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:21 and ends at about 2:7

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3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin 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. 9 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.(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.