Luke 3:7: “Then said he (John the Baptist) 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?”

Can you imagine a preacher actually taking care to confront people about their sins and insisting that those whom they baptize do works worthy of repentance?  Imagine if Billy Graham had done it this way instead of employing emotional manipulation to coax people to the altar through smooth words and soft music?  

John the Baptist continues in Luke 3:8: “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.”

Did John indeed tell Jewish people that they are not unconditionally in God’s favor because of their Jewish heritage?  Yes, he did tell them that.  The common support of modern Israel by those who profess faith in Jesus Christ is out of line.  

Continuing in Luke 3:9-10: “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.  And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?”

The people understood that John meant that true repentance must be accompanied by works worthy of repentance.  John’s answer to their question proves that he indeed intended to be understood that way.  

Luke 3:11-14: “He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat (food), let him do likewise.  Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.  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.”

Our duties to the poor whom we see in need should take precedence over our own happiness.  We need to be honest in all of our dealings, we need to not possess anything by fraud, and we need to be faithful before God in the areas of our lives which no one sees but Him.  Do violence to no man is a reference to extortion- not to the defense of others who are threatened by aggressors which ought to be stopped.  Any power or influence any may have should not be used for obtaining unlawful gain or oppressing any out of personal dislike or oppressing any who stand in the way of one’s personal ambition.

Continuing in Luke 3:15-18: “And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.  And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.”

Aaron’s email is: [email protected]

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