Luke 3

“I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come ...” (16). John’s baptism called people to make serious life changes to follow God: to give generously, to stop stealing and extorting, and to live righteously (10- 14). They were called to live up to what had been Old Testament teaching for generations. But John said the Messiah would bring much more – a baptism of the “Holy Spirit and fire” that would transform the inward heart and anoint them with fire for God’s service.

“And all people will see God’s salvation” (6). Jesus did not come just to improve our behavior. He came to break the power of sin and death and give us brand new life in the Spirit.