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Several prophecies foretold the greatness of John the Baptist. He was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb. He had more spiritual insight and power than any of the Old Testament prophets. He was an amazing man chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He preached genuine radical repentance evidenced by a changed life.  (The exact same message that Jesus himself would later preach.) His place of ministry (the wilderness of Judea) and his lifestyle teach us important lessons. He also reminds us that our common idea of what humility looks like may be very incorrect.

John had such a major impact on the people of his time that even the non-biblical, non-christian historian, Josephus, took notice of him. Also the fact that the Pharisees and the Sadducees came out to him together teaches us something very significant.

Since Jews only baptized Gentiles, the fact that these Jews were submitting to John’s baptism indicated that a major work of God was being carried out.

While the religious leaders did not take the prospect of coming judgment very seriously, many of the people did. And the image of the threshing floor would have communicated powerfully to them.

God has much to teach us through the ministry of John the Baptist!

This is a recording of a live Bible study in the A5B class at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN on December 20, 2015.

Stay in the Battle!

Steve

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