My Jesus Journey – Luke 3:1-20, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus

A person can’t be a Christian in name only. Following God doesn’t work that way.

Obeying the message of God that came to him, John (son of Zechariah — read about how an angel foretold his birth) begins passionately preaching and baptizing. To prepare the world for the Word of God, he urges those listening to turn from their sins and turn to God.

If we’ve really turned to God, our lives will be the proof.

John gives these characteristics of a person who has a changed heart and restored relationship with God:

• Generous: we will want to share freely with those who are in need
• Honest: we will tell the truth and live transparently
• Full of Integrity: we will do what is right
• Content: we will find joy where God has placed us

Likely, each of us struggle with one of these areas. We think of ourselves first, instead of Christ. We make little compromises in our beliefs or actions, without understanding or maybe regardless of the consequences. We want more.

God wants all of us, not just parts of us. Just as the entire person was dipped under the water as John baptized, Jesus wants us to give our entire sin-filled lives to Him so He can regenerate us. He desires to bring us to life in Him.

He will be the proof.