Matthew 3
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In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea Begin Abide·
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and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Begin Abide·
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This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” Begin Abide·
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John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Begin Abide·
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People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. Begin Abide·
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Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Begin Abide·
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But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Begin Abide·
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Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. Begin Abide·
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And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Begin Abide·
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The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Begin Abide·
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I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Begin Abide·
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His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Begin Abide·
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At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. Begin Abide·
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But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Begin Abide·
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“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. Begin Abide·
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As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. Begin Abide·
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And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Begin Abide·