Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and

apply scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through

Friday as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In just three minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Welcome to our study today in Matthew chapter 3.

The last chapter of the Old Testament, Malachi 4, concludes by announcing that God will sin, quote,

Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.

Matthew reveals this man to be John the Baptist.

He is Jesus' cousin, and he lays the foundation for the teachings the Baptist. He is Jesus' cousin and he lays the foundation

for the teachings of Jesus. His message includes vital kingdom elements, repentance of sins,

baptism in water, the Holy Spirit, and the fire of judgment. Some who come to him want the

ceremonial washings, but are unwilling to repent or accept

the whole gospel message. John is laying the crucial groundwork for that complete gospel. Jesus,

the greater one, would come after him. This begins with John baptizing Jesus as the Spirit descends upon him and the Father speaks in approval of his

beloved son. Here are some things we can learn from this chapter. Our God wants everyone to be

saved in Christ. Therefore, he is clear and concise when it comes to how to be saved. John the

Baptist teachings help us see that. Forgiveness of sins was

available to anyone who turned from sin with repentant hearts, was baptized in water, and devoted their

life to obeying the will of God and his spirit with a healthy fear of eternal fire. All of that can be

stated in a simple and life-changing way.

Follow Jesus. He came to do what was right and honor his father. He was baptized in water,

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