The Voice Crying Out

The Voice Crying out Matthew 3:1-12

1. Matthew Tells Us what the prophet Isaiah had said, there is a voice crying out

• Matthew tells us that John was the one who the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight’” (v. 3

• John has come to prepare the way of the Lord, and to make his paths straight.

• John is trying to get people to go the right way, move in the correct direction. If we stray he convinces people to turn around

• That’s what “repentance” means. It’s an about-face; a 180-degree turn; a change of heart or mind

• “Repent,” says John, “for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” If you are going the wrong way, turn yourself around. Repent.

2. Matthew tells us about John’s message was a voice crying out to Repent

• John came He “wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey” (v. 4).

• John’s message was Repent, Confess, and be Baptized. Matthew tells us that “they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (v. 6).

• Repentance is changing one’s direction One theologian said,”To proclaim repentance is to say that change is possible. A life headed off the road need not end at the bottom of the cliff. A life at the bottom of the cliff need not remain there.”

• Yes, repentance is a hopeful word because it says that change is possible. That’s good news today, and it is good news any day. If you are headed off the road, drifting from the way, veering off the straight path … turn around. With God’s help, change is possible.

• John tried to get the Pharisees and Sadducees to change “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance” (vv. 7-8). Chop down the stuff that doesn’t bear good fruit.

3. Matthew tells us that Johns vision was to make proof of repentance

• John said, “bear fruit worthy of repentance”What does it mean to bear fruit “worthy of repentance”?

• The New Living Translation of the Bible lays it out: “Prove by the way y

• ou live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God” (v. 8).

• John wants us to show that we have turned to God, in our personal actions and our actions.

4. Matthew tells us there is a voice crying out Prepare, bear fruit,

• Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”

• Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, produce fruits of affirmation

• The voice of John Wesley would ask the following to those who desired to preach show fruits of a call • Do they know God as a pardoning God? have they the love of God abiding in them?

• Do they desire nothing but god? Are they holy in all manor of conservation?

• have they gifts as well as evidences of God's grace for the work?

• Have they a clear sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith?

• Do they speak justly, readily, and clearly? Have they fruit? Have any truly been convinced of sins and converted to God

• The voice cry’s out there is a Coming Fire to the un-repentant10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

• The voice cry’s out today be consumed with Jesus take his body drink his blood this is the only path home repent confess be baptized