Read: Matthew 3:1-17
About thirty years has passed from the time you read yesterday (in chapter 2) to what you read today (in chapter 3). Now, you read about John the Baptist, a prophet, a man chosen by God for a mission to set the stage and prepare people for Jesus. John the Baptist’s mission included a message–“repent.” Repent is basically a fancy word which means, “to change one’s mind and act on that change. To turn around. To turn from living the world’s way to living God’s way.”
Did you notice who came to hear John the Baptist’s message? Those who sincerely wanted to confess their sins and change, as well as those who wanted to be part of the “in” crowd. The first group experienced baptism and life-change while the others received a lecture and a slap to their character.
Which group do you most identify with? Do you go to church because you need to hear a message that will lead to life-change, or do you go because you want to be seen? When was the last time you asked yourself this question, “Why do I really go to church?”
John the Baptist had a message of change. Jesus Christ is the way to bring about change. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “he will change you from the inside out…”
What needs to be changed in your life? It’s never too late! Do you need to change your motive for going to church? Is it your heart? Do your actions need change? You can’t make any significant life-change without God’s help and power…that’s a big message in the Bible! That’s the goal of the Christian journey . . . change. That’s the reason for this church! By the way, the beginning of the year is a great time to make changes!
Zach 