And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins… and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” So, the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise, the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” And with many other exhortations he preached to the people.” (Luke 3:3–18, NKJV)

John was the forerunner of the Messiah. His ministry and mission was to prepare the hearts of people to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. His message was that people should turn from their sins and live for God (Luke 3:3-14). This was the message of Jesus (Matthew 4:17;9:13; Luke 5:32Mark 1:15). This was the message of the Apostles (Acts 2:28; 17:30; 26:20). This is the message of the Bible.

 
Have you repented of your sins? You cannot turn to God without also turning from your sin. Repentance has great benefits.

 
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” (Acts 3:19, NKJV)

Pastor Mike