“The Power of a Changed Heart”

Luke 1:80; 3:1a, 2b-4, [John] grew up, becoming strong in character. He was in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel…In the fifteenth year of the rule of Emperor Tiberius…God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. This is just as it was written in the scroll of the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘A voice crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’

Matthew 3:4-6, John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. “People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.”

Luke 3:7-8, “Then John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives.”