John the Baptist is one of the great characters of the Bible. His purpose was simple,

to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said of John

that he was the greatest of those born of women.

This greatness was not in himself, not his personality, not talent,

but his greatness was in his task, introducing people to Jesus.

Join Scott Pauley now as he leads us in a study of this great man.

Music Pauli now as he leads us in a study of this great man.

Did you know that John the Baptist delivered the first sermon preached in the New Testament? He was the forerunner of Christ, he is the message bearer of the Lord,

and he comes with a very specific message.

Now let's read just a little of it in Matthew chapter 3, verse 1.

We read, In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying,

repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah saying the voice of one crying in

the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair and a leathern girdle about his loins,

and his meat was locust and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the

region roundabout Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw

many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,

he said unto them, old generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.

Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance. This is an amazing portion of scripture.

Now, one very unique thing is that this sermon, this message,

is emphasized by every one of the gospel writers. You know, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

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